Wire Rope Sensor SX300 – Application Video Lock Gate

The extremely robust wire rope sensor SX300 by WayCon was developed specifically for measuring travel in hydraulic and telescopic cylinders. Using the SX300 when measuring the travel of hydraulic cylinders in embankment dam lock gates is now demonstrated in an application video.

Hydraulic cylinders open and close the lock gates and must sustain substantial water pressure in the process. The wire rope sensor is used to control and monitor the movem
ent speed and acceleration of the cylinders. The pressure-tight housing allows the sensor to be flange-mounted directly to the cylinder and the stainless steel measuring rope is simply secured to the piston. The sensor element, an absolute rotary encoder in the pressure-free range, provides precise information about the piston position with pinpoint accuracy and resolution.

Link to the video: https://youtu.be/NWjraXXY_Ng

Link to the product videos:
http://www.waycon.biz/products/product-videos/

Measuring filling levels in automated Industry 4.0

Waycon Positionsmesstechnik GmbH is ideally equipped for the future

An automated measurement of substance filling levels in storage containers is essential in Industry 4.0. For a secure and stable production process, continuous monitoring of filling levels is an absolute prerequisite. Waycon Positionsmesstechnik offers needs-based, automated monitoring of filling levels for many industries.

These can be split into two main types:

·         Monitoring the filling level for the feeding and timing of the filling process as well as the retrieval of stock status.
·         Initiating safety measures (e.g. shutting down) when a maximum or minimum filling level is reached

In the first case, we are talking about continuous filling level control. The filling level of the monitored substance can be registered at any time at any position in the container and ensures a continuous reading. The advantage of this is that capacity planning can be adapted for irregular use at any time in the production process.

In the second case, we are dealing with a “level detection”. Predefined maximum and/or minimum filling levels are defined and monitored throughout the production process. If the relevant level limit is exceeded or too low, an action is initiated. This monitoring method is best suited to continuous processes for the timely supply or removal of necessary substances. The level detection also serves as a safety measure, for example to avoid overfilling due to system shut down.

The different methods of filling level measuring
Filling level measuring works via contact or non-contact sensors which determine the distance between the sensor and the object being measured.

Ultrasound filling level measuring
Classic filling level measuring works with the help of ultrasound sensors. Measurement with ultrasound sensors is a non-contact method and is suitable for both continuous filling level control and level detection. Ultrasound sensors release high frequency oscillations, which are reflected through the object being measured. The time difference between the moments of “sending and receiving” is calculated. The advantage of this method is that it is not dependent on the substance used, e.g. oil or water.

Measuring filling level with the magnetostrictive principle
Magnetostrictive sensors are non-contact and free from wear.  A short, constant electrical pulse is sent via a waveguide. A freely moving position magnet reacts to the electrical pulse with a reversed torsion wave. Moving the position magnet produces a different run time for the response pulse. With the help of a pulse converter, this is finally converted into an electronic measurement signal. The magnet is embedded in a float and guarantees permanent registration of the filling level. Magnetostriction is non-contact but the float must make contact with the substance being measured.

Filling level measuring using draw wire sensors
Draw wire sensors are a contact measurement method. A stainless steel wire is coiled in a single layer around a drum with a pre-stressed mainspring. The measurement wire is attached to the object being measured and the is drawn from the drum if the position is changed. The drum’s axis is firmly attached to an electronic element, which converts the mechanical turning movement into a proportional electronic signal. For the filling level measuring, the measurement wire is connected to a float which is in contact with the measuring material.

Filling level measuring with the capacity principle
Capacity sensors measure changes in capacity. Thus the sensor and the object being measured always create a plate, as you find with a plate capacitor. The electronic field in between them is recorded and changes according to the distance. This measurement method is non-contact and is suitable for continuous monitoring and level detection.

WayCon offers suitable measurement engineering for all uses
With WayCon’s intelligent sensor solutions, measuring filling levels is easy and efficient. The Taufkirchen company’s broad production spectrum can be used in practically any industry and for any use. Companies are already equipped for Industry 4.0 with WayCon sensors for their filling level measuring.

You can find more information at www.waycon.de/home/ or

Product portfolio: www.waycon.de/produkte

Robust, simple, precise – the Draw Wire Sensor SX 300

With the SX 300, WayCon offers cylinder manufacturers a low-cost and easy-to-install way to measure the piston stroke of large cylinders

With the SX 300, WayCon Positionsmesstechnik has developed an extremely robust draw wire sensor especially for stroke measurement in hydraulic and telescopic cylinders. With a measurement range of up to 15 metres, the SX 300 is ideal for use in “large applications”, for example dams, sluice gates, drawbridges, cranes or when constructing wind turbines.

Thanks to its pressure-proof casing, the SX 300 can be mounted directly on the face of the cylinder. The stainless-steel measuring rope is simply attached to the piston and held tightly by a spring in the sensor. The sensor element, a digital encoder, is located outside of the pressure area and provides data about the position of the piston with the utmost precision and resolution. The output signals can be freely selected from SSI, Profibus, CANopen, Profinet or EtherCAT and therefore offer maximum flexibility in the selection of control concepts.

The dynamic and robust sensors also allow for fast cylinder movements, are designed for operating pressures of up to 300 bar and are suitable for ambient temperatures of -20°C to +70°C. As a consequence, and thanks to their reliability, they can be used in all industrial sectors. Traditional applications include, for example, stroke measurement of hydraulic weir gates or synchronisation monitoring of parallel cylinder arrangements.

Technical specifications of the SX 300 can be found here. For more Informations about Draw Wire Sensors follow the Link.