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Optimized 4-20 mA vibration sensors

May 27, 2011—Germantown, MD - Meggitt, the manufacturer of Wilcoxon Research accelerometers, which lead the industry in quality and reliability, has reduced the size and enhanced the performance of several side exit 4-20 mA vibration sensors. The optimized PCC421 and PCC423 series are smaller, lighter and operate at 105° C, an improvement over previous versions and competitive products.

The redesigned PCC421 and PCC423 series are 50% lighter weight than previous versions for easy handling. The optimized sensors also have a 33% lower profile, making them the smallest side exit vibration sensors on the market, in order to provide more clearance in small spaces. A significant increase in operating temperature was also achieved with this redesign. The PCC421 and PCC423 series sensors operate at a maximum temperature of 105° C (221° F), a significant increase over side exit 4-20 mA vibration sensors made by other manufacturers, which are limited to 85° C (185° F).

Connector and mounting options have been added as well. The PCC421 series is available with a traditional MIL-C-5015 connector as well as the popular M12 connector. The PCC423 is available with either general purpose or high temperature integral cable, each hermetically sealed with a glass-to-metal feedthrough. Both series can be ordered with either a 1/4-28 UNF or M6 captive mounting screw. To simplify ordering for international customers, PCC421 sensors ordered with the M12 connector will be shipped with the M6 captive screw, unless otherwise specified.

Typical of Wilcoxon Research 4-20 mA sensors, the PCC421 and PCC423 series are custom ordered to suit the user"s application. The customer specifies if the 4-20 mA data will be output in terms of acceleration or electrically integrated to velocity within the sensor. Peak or root-mean-square (rms) detection are available. The full scale range is also chosen by the customer, who can select from four measurement ranges at the time of order. Because there are so many options to meet the needs of a wide variety of customers, a model number configuration guide is provided on the product specification sheets.

Equivalent models of the previous version, the PC421 and PC423 series, are discontinued. The PC421 and PC423 models are only available in versions with true peak detection, Intrinsically Safe certification, or dual out put of raw vibration data.

Meggitt"s Wilcoxon Research 4-20 mA sensors monitor rotating equipment and output a real time 4-20 mA signal proportional to the overall vibration level. By trending this real time data, plant personnel are able to schedule predictive maintenance activities around planned downtime, saving time and money in costly unexpected repairs. Integrating this signal into an existing PLC, DCS or SCADA system simplifies real time health monitoring because vibration, formerly considered too complex, can now be trended in easily understood units.

Applications for 4-20 mA vibration sensors include compressors, motors, vibrating conveyors, seal-less pumps, chillers, gearboxes, pumps, exhaust fans, reciprocating compressors, blowers, cooling towers, mixers, gas/steam turbines and centrifuges.

A wide variety of 4-20 mA vibration sensors are available to suit individual monitoring needs. Sensors are available with top exit or side exit connectors; Intrinsically Safe and Explosion Proof ratings; output of acceleration, velocity or displacement; overall vibration level calculation based upon root-mean-square, peak, true-peak, or true peak-to-peak detection; and dual monitoring of vibration and temperature. Not all of Meggitt"s 4-20 mA vibration sensors are rated to 105° C (221° F).

To learn more about the PCC421 and PCC423 series, go to http://www.wilcoxon.com/vi_index.cfm?CatM_ID=5.