Pepperl+Fuchs Presents New Portfolio of Vibration Sensors for Optimum Plant Availability
November 12, 2021
From milling machines to pumps and fans to wind turbines—wherever vibrations occur, condition monitoring and predictive maintenance play a crucial role in ensuring personnel and plant protection. In order to perform reliable measurements of vibration velocity and acceleration in low- or high-frequency ranges, Pepperl+Fuchs offers three new vibration sensor series. These devices for global applications come with approvals for hazardous areas up to Zone 1/21 and Div. 2, as well as certifications for functional safety SIL 1/PL c and SIL 2/PL d—meeting the highest safety requirements.
Three Designs for Various Requirements
Unlike comparable products, Pepperl+Fuchs vibration sensors boast a particularly wide measuring range capable of measuring vibrations of up to 128 mm/second. With encapsulated electronics in a rugged compact housing, these sensors stand out due to their maintenance-free operation and particularly long service life. They are available in three designs with different functional ranges:
The VIM3 sensors (coming soon) are the smallest vibration sensors in the series, suited for less complex applications. The VIM6 series sensors, on the other hand, are designed for use in high-temperature areas, where they are deployed to measure temperature as well as vibration. An analog output is available for each measured value. The VIM6 series is available with duplex steel housing and is approved for use in hazardous areas up to Zone 1/21. While the VIM3 sensors are certified in accordance with SIL 1/PL c for use in safety applications (IO-Link version), the VIM8 series mentioned below is available with SIL 2/PL d approval.
The VIM8 series with encapsulated electronics (coming soon) is designed for use in harsh environments and Zone 1/21 hazardous areas as well as offshore applications. With SIL 2 approval and a temperature range of -35 … +125 °C, these sensors are also equipped with a number of sophisticated functions. For example, by means of the integrated crest function the condition of machine bearings can be monitored and machine downtime or failures can be prevented before damage occurs. Optionally, users can define two limit values via rotary switches. As soon as these values are exceeded, they are output via two relays for predictive maintenance purposes. This eliminates the need for extensive software development to evaluate the signal values in a PLC.
Helpful Accessories Complete the Portfolio
The portfolio of vibration sensors is complemented by helpful accessories, including mounting adapters, a flexible metal conduit and a protective rubber sleeve. The metal conduit, which is available for the sensor types VIM6 and VIM8, safeguard the cables from mechanical stress while the rubber sleeve provides additional protection from moisture and dirt.
Highlights of the New Vibration Sensors
- – Three new vibration sensors with approvals up to Zone 1/21 (Div. 2) for optimum plant availability and process safety
- – Particularly rugged housing design and suitability for safety applications according to SIL 1/PL c and SIL 2/PL d
- – Largest vibration sensor VIM8 with encapsulated electronics withstands notably high mechanical and chemical loads and is made with two adjustable relays to detect critical limits
- – Helpful accessories: Protective rubber sleeve protects against severe weather; metal conduit protects cable against mechanical stress
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