By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor If you just want to observe pressure for the lowest cost possible, you can go down to your tractor supply store and buy a ¼-in. bottom mount pressure gauge for the price of a burger combo meal. But all you get is a way to observe pressure. Yes, a pressure…
Hydraulic sensing brings special effects to life in the movies
Absolute draw-wire encoders for hydraulic cylinders from SIKO aid in special effects for Marvel & Warner Brothers blockbusters. Draw-wire encoders are not the kind of component that is normally associated with motion picture production. But draw-wire encoders from SIKO GmbH were used for ensuring precise and safe control in compact spaces in “Fantastic Beasts” and…
A primer on hydraulic sensing technologies
Sensors and switches in fluid power use electronics to gauge critical system parameters, such as pressure, temperature, position, level and more. By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor A sensor is any mechanical or electronic device designed to recognize a physical input property and then relay or transform that input in a form of an electric or…
Webtec digital pressure gauge now offers data-logging capability
The proven and highly popular HPM110 digital pressure gauge from Webtec is now available with a USB interface to facilitate data logging. This optional version with real-time clock records both current measured pressures, as well as the minimum and maximum values. Users can transfer the stored data to a PC or laptop in CSV file…
Compact explosion-proof pressure switch features flameproof exposure
SUCO Technologies will be highlighting its newest pressure switch at Utility Expo next week, as it introduces what is says is the world’s most compact ATEX pressure switch. With the new ATEX series 0342 / 0343, SUCO introduces two compact explosion-proof pressure switches with flameproof enclosure. Attendees can see the new switches at Booth B-1823. […]
Pressure transducers approved for hazardous locations
The field-proven Ashcroft E2G industrial pressure transducer is now available in three additional variations for use in hazardous locations. Each is equipped with accurate and reliable sensing technology, yielding pressure ranges from vacuum to 20,000 psi as well as absolute ranges up to 500 psia. Models E2F (explosion proof), the E2S (intrinsically safe) and the…
Protect sensing instruments with diaphragm seals
Replacing aging or broken sensing equipment is one of the major challenges users face with their pressure measurement. Whether it’s a pressure gauge, pressure transducer, pressure switch, or a pressure transmitter, many users find that they require replacement long before the instrument should wear out. These replacements are both time-consuming and costly for the operator.…
New customizable temperature sensors for OEM applications
Ashcroft has introduced a new line of customizable temperature sensors to satisfy nearly any OEM requirement. The new ITS and KTS sensors offer a selection of sensor types, including thermocouple, RTD, KTY and NTC. They also provide completely customizable stem lengths, connections, signals and wiring configurations. Ashcroft ITS and KTS temperature sensors can be tailored…
Differential pressure gauge resists shock and vibration
The new Ashcroft 1147 differential pressure gauge delivers a high-quality, cos-effective measurement solution for tank level, filtration and flow monitoring. Available in 4 ½ and 6 in. diameter dials, the 1147 introduces a 270° dial arc for increased resolution. It also features an upgraded movement that ensures smoother pointer motion when subjected to shock and…
Compact low-pressure differential gauge
Winters Instruments is pleased to introduce the WinAIR compact low-pressure differential gauge. WinAIR Compact is a diaphragm actuated, frictionless pressure gauge which can be used for measuring positive, negative or differential pressure. Along with the original WinAIR and the WPS series pressure switch, WinAIR Compact has been engineered to measure the pressure of air and…
One device, two temperature instruments
The Ashcroft Model K dual sensor thermometer combines two independent temperature sensing devices into a single instrument. For local indication, a silicone-dampened mechanical ANSI/IEC/EN classified bimetal system drives the pointer over an 80-, 100-, 130-, or 150-mm diameter dial. The choice of a stem from 90mm to 2000 mm also contains a type K thermocouple…
Hydraulic symbology 305 – condition monitoring symbols
Condition monitoring symbols are the lesser-known and lesser-used of the hydraulic library. It’s not that the components or the symbols representing them do not serve a useful purpose. It’s that the order of operations for designing and drawing a hydraulic system are actuators, pump(s), control valves and then conditioning components. Monitoring symbols represent the nice…
Miniature inductive sensors approved for temperatures up to 135 °C
Balluff’s newest family of 5 mm inductive sensors are designed to take the heat. Unique to the market, these miniature sensors are approved to operate at ambient temperatures of up to 135 °C. Along with the high temperature resistance, both the sensor and the connector provide IP67 rated protection thanks to a new crimping technique […]
Pressure gauges: unsung heroes of fluid power
Knowing which style of pressure gauge is right for your fluid power system is critical in ensuring consistent, efficient operation. Contributed by Carl Dyke, LunchBox Sessions Pressure gauges are unsung heroes in many hydraulic systems. They are neither directing flow nor controlling pressure. If the pressure gauge is damaged or goes missing, the machine may…
Positilt PTM27 inclination sensor provides robust accuacy in a compact design
The new high-accuracy inclination sensor positilt PTM27 from ASM Sensors comes in an ultra-compact housing and is suitable for applications where high robustness and accuracy are required. It can also replace rotary angle sensors advantageously. The new positilt PTM27 sensor measures inclination in the range of ±180° with one axis and in the range of […]
Rotational speed sensors allow highly sensitive mobile machine control
Holmer Maschinenbau GmbH, a German-based agricultural company, developed the first self-propelled six-row sugar-beet harvester in 1974. Since that time, the Holmer machines have been in successful operation by customers in over 40 countries world-wide. On its sugar beet harvesters, it requires a precise collection of actual values directly at the place of consumption (propulsion, toppers, […]
AutomationDirect adds inductive linear position transducers
Linear Variable Inductance Transducers (LVITs) from Alliance Sensors Group convert the linear displacement of an object into a proportional electrical signal output of 0-10 V or 4-20 mA (depending on model). LVITs are contactless devices designed for dimension or position measuring applications where the sensing element cannot be attached to the object being measured. LVITs […]
Digital hydraulic pressure gauge is rugged and easy to use
Rugged digtial pressure gauge GE2514A from BVA Hydraulics is extremely accurate and offers a thick rubber shell to protect against the toughest elements. More precise readings will ensure you get the job done right the first time. It features a 5-digit display that allows readings over 10,000 psi, a zero reset feature. Connection is via a 1/4…
AW-Lake maintaining standard lead times on flow meters
AW-Lake continues to maintain their standard lead times on flow meter orders to serve the needs of manufacturers, especially those experiencing a disruption in their supply chain. A survey conducted by the National Association of Manufacturers reported that 36% of manufacturers are experiencing supply chain disruptions or receiving parts late or not at all. AW-Lake can…
Hydraulic symbology 301: electrical and electronic symbols
Any book or lesson in fluid power worth its weight in gold will discuss the importance of electrical and electronic control of hydraulics. In fact, over the past few decades, most advancement in hydraulics has been in how it’s controlled rather than improvements in the foundational components such as valves, pumps and actuators. Understanding electrical…
When should you use liquid-filled gauges?
Liquid-filled gauges are used to damp vibrations and pulsations and minimize their effect on the gauge dial pointer. They are used primarily in dynamic and rugged applications where sudden shocks or pressure spikes might occur. They help to ensure the gauge maintains accurate readings for its rated lifecycle. This longer lifecycle means longer-term cost savings,…
ProSense air differential pressure gauges for air and non-combustible gases
For use with air and compatible non-combustible gases, ProSense® DGA differential pressure gauges are used to measure and display difference in air pressure between two reference points in inches of water. Applications include air/gas flow indication, filter monitoring, cabinet purging, room positive or negative pressure status and more. These high-quality gauges feature an industrial grade…
New stainless-steel gauge from Ashcroft provides safety in harsh environments
The new Ashcroft 1209 pressure gauge provides maximum safety in harsh environments. A 316L stainless-steel solid front case and ring along with a pressure-relief back ensure that the process fluid will be directed away from the operator in the event of an internal failure. Optional liquid fill or the patented PLUS! Performance option dampens shock,…
What you need to know about hydraulic flow meters
By Martin Cuthbert, Managing Director, Webtec Ltd What is flow? Flow is the measurement of the volume of a liquid that passes a fixed point in a unit of time. For most hydraulic applications, flow is measured in liters per minute (lpm), U.S. gallons per minute (US gpm), or, occasionally, U.K. gallons per minutes (UK…
Parker’s Intellinder absolute position sensor suitable for industrial, mobile applications
Parker Hannifin has introduced a new integrated absolute position sensor that can provide improved application productivity while offering low installation and maintenance costs. Intellinder equipped cylinders provide a rugged, damage resistant solution for use in OEM equipment that requires precise linear feedback of the cylinder position. Intellinder equipped Parker cylinders are able to support a […]