Designed for simple retrofitting, an innovative inductive sensor for end position detection has been developed by GSR Ventiltechnik of Germany that offers enhanced reliability in industrial applications. It works contactless and, thus, wear-free to make sure valves are operating as intended.
For many applications, it is essential that the user is certain whether the valve has switched or not. Such end-position queries are usually solved with reed-contact switches. However, this solution is often very large, clunky and also expensive, says GSR. A lot of effort is put into sealing as much surface area as possible. This results in a loss of magnetic field, which impairs the valve function. This means that retrofitting valves that have already been delivered is only possible with considerable effort.
The new sensor, however, is designed to be easily retrofitted to existing valves. It is currently available for the GSR DC solenoid systems .032 and .012. Other solenoid systems are in preparation such as for explosion protection. End position sensors are typically used in control systems, the chemical industry, shipping and in processing machines.
In operation, the sensor detects the magnetic field. When the armature moves, the magnetic field changes and the sensor detects when the valve has switched. The LED display integrated in the plug signals successful switching. In this way, the user can be sure that the valve is functioning reliably.
Based in Vlotho-Exter southwest of Hanover, GSR is a manufacturer of valves and fittings for worldwide markets, including an extensive line of solenoid coils. See www.gsrvalves.com.
