Position sensors are vital components of many industrial machinery, automation, and process control fittings. If you are involved in a high-demand production facility, you are likely faced with the pressure of making sure that there are consistent output, real-time control, and monitoring of assets. As such, process automation often relies on precision devices such as a displacement transducer.
There is a wide variety of sensing technologies used today. Some of the most commonly used include linear variable differential transducers and linear resistance potentiometers. These two examples are illustrations of contactless and contact sensor technologies, respectively. How do you choose the best type of sensor for a specified application? Here are some guiding questions.
What does the position sensor intend to accomplish?
The first key step is to identify the purpose of the sensor in the process application. Simply measuring the position without a defined purpose does not quantify other parameters you may need while selecting the right sensor.
What is the nature of the application?
This pertains to the overall system where the sensor will be applied. For example, is the application for automation or control? Is the system for monitoring specific processes? Other answers to this question include research and development testing as well as product quality control and assurance. Once you have defined the nature of the application, you can further determine other parameters.
What is the working environment?
The working environment is a major consideration in choosing a position sensor. Temperature range for example greatly impacts the performance of a sensor. Another environmental factor to look into is exposure to moisture and humidity, corrosive chemicals, and shock or vibration. Not all types of sensors work in extreme and hazardous conditions. If the working condition requires a more robust sensor, you will likely have to look for a non-contact sensor technology like an LVDT. These sensors operate well even in the harshest of working situations with high repeatability and accuracy.
Does the sensor require auxiliary components?
Some sensors need power sources to operate, while others may require some special type of mounting equipment. You should never overlook this requirement because you may end up choosing a sensor you can’t use because there is no power source in the location.
Does the sensor require special training to operate?
Most sensors are typically straightforward and simple enough to operate, but in some situations, it is possible that the operator does not have the technical know-how to operate a sensor. This can come as an added expense and must be factored into the overall budget of installing the system.
What are the requirements for accuracy and resolution of the application?
When accuracy and resolution requirements are not specified, it is possible to choose a sensor which may over-perform or under-perform depending on the intended application. Calibrating a sensor may cause added inconvenience and performance issues. Therefore, it is essential that accuracy and resolution parameters are defined with exactness in order to find a position sensor which best performs under these requirements.