Stainless-steel-braided hydraulic hoses for water heaters undergo over-pressure testing at the final stage of manufacture. Before pressure is applied, a system using several Contrinex inductive sensors checks the hose assembly to ensure that all of the correct mechanical parts have been fitted.
Applying high pressure to an incomplete hose assembly could result in catastrophic failure, damaging test equipment and putting operators at risk of injury, which makes the robustness and reliability of Contrinex sensors even more important.
CUSTOMER APPLICATION
A manufacturer of stainless-steel-braided high-pressure hoses for water heaters carries out mandatory over-pressure testing on every hose assembly. If either of the mechanical unions fitted to the ends of each hose is incorrectly assembled, it will leak under pressure.
Occasionally, a component is omitted entirely, making a hose liable to fail catastrophically under high pressure. To avoid damaging test equipment and endangering personnel, a sensor system must confirm the presence of three critical parts on each union before testing commences.
Each extra test extends the process cycle time. The customer requires a single test fixture capable of carrying out three presence checks concurrently, minimizing the additional cost.
The three critical parts, made from stainless steel, carbon steel and brass, respectively, are positioned in close proximity when assembled. Access is limited; the three sensors must be small, yet sense these materials reliably at distances up to 6mm.
CUSTOMER SOLUTION
Three separate M8 and cubic 5mm (C5) sized Contrinex inductive sensors arranged in a single fixture fulfil the demands of this complex sensing application. Each sensor is chosen for its combination of size, sensing distance and reliable detection of one of the three different materials.
To detect the brass union nut, an M8-diameter sensor from the Basic range (Extra Distance family) with a 4mm sensing distance is an excellent choice. Fully embeddable with chrome-plated nickel-silver bodies and PBTP sensing faces, this sensor has a correction factor of 1.0 for brass, outperforming competitors.
For detecting the steel spring, a 5mm-square-section sensor from the Miniature range (Classics family) is an ideal option. Embedding the sensor makes optimal use of its 1.5mm sensing distance, and its chrome-plated brass body is well-suited to the environment.
Finally, to ensure reliable detection of the stainless-steel collar, an M8-diameter sensor from the Extreme range (Full Inox family) was chosen. Its one-piece AISI 303 (V2A) stainless-steel construction is combined with an extended operating distance of 6mm. Each sensor is configured with an industry-standard PNP normally-open interface and features a hermetically sealed cable entry. All three are connected to the customer’s control equipment via PUR-sheathed cables. Delivering the required detection capabilities and sensing distances in small-bodied sensors enables Contrinex to solve a previously insoluble problem. union nut, an M8-diameter sensor from the Basic range (Extra Distance family) with a 4mm sensing distance is an excellent choice. Fully embeddable with chrome-plated nickel-silver bodies and PBTP sensing faces, this sensor has a correction factor of 1.0 for brass, outperforming competitors.
For detecting the steel spring, a 5mm-square-section sensor from the Miniature range (Classics family) is an ideal option. Embedding the sensor makes optimal use of its 1.5mm sensing distance, and its chrome-plated brass body is well-suited to the environment.
Finally, to ensure reliable detection of the stainless-steel collar, an M8-diameter sensor from the Extreme range (Full Inox family) was chosen. Its one-piece AISI 303 (V2A) stainless-steel construction is combined with an extended operating distance of 6mm. Each sensor is configured with an industry-standard PNP normally-open interface and features a hermetically sealed cable entry. All three are connected to the customer’s control equipment via PUR-sheathed cables. Delivering the required detection capabilities and sensing distances in small-bodied sensors enables Contrinex to solve a previously insoluble problem.
PRODUCT ADVANTAGES
- Best-in-class sensing range
- High-performance detection
- Robust & reliable in demanding conditions
- Excellent temperature stability & temperature-resistant
- Exceptional price/performance ratio
- IO-Link configuration & ideal for Industry 4
- Large choice of cables and accessories
Click to download Contrinex’s Product Overview brochure to find out more.
Call PLUS Automation on 0121 58 222 58 or email Sales@PLUSAutomation.co.uk to discuss how they can help you #MakeSenseofSensors using Inductive, Machine Safety, Photoelectric, Pressure, Process, RFID & Ultrasonic sensors from Contrinex, ReeR & Satron.
With over 2,000 sensors in UK stock, supported by stock held in Europe and short manufacturing lead times, they’d welcome the opportunity to talk about improving automation and machine performance, or how to reduce costs.
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