Smart machine safety monitoring with signal conditioners and switches

Metrix has released its new 5580 series smart vibration signal conditioners and switches. Provided with full support in the UK from Ixthus Instrumentation, the new units offer a 4-20mA output proportional to the measured variable from accelerometers, velocity or position sensors for preventative maintenance and safety tasks on industrial fans, pumps, compressors, generators, and other large shaft-equipped machines where probe systems are crucial. Also provided as the SW5580 series, optional solid-state or relay outputs realise field configurable setpoint and alarm monitoring. These units are offered as single or dual-channel devices, with field configurability for output scaling in peak or RMS units, high, low and bandpass, and frequency filters.

These DIN-rail mounted signal conditioners provide a competitive alternative to rack-mount monitors. The 4-20mA output permits convenient connectivity with PLCs, DCS or other 4-20mA input monitors over particularly long-distance instrumentation set-ups. Also enclosed is an integral signal amplifier that increases the raw sensor output for direct signal monitoring up to 300m. Single-channel units can be modified in the field with a firmware release code which may be purchased where users need a second sensor monitoring channel as part of a system expansion. The company can supply these signal conditioners and switches fully configured for the sensor type required, for instance, with a proportional output set to acceleration, calibrated in g-forces or proximity set to microns. Sensor input signal levels cover 100 to 500mV/ips, 10 to 100mV/g, and 100-200mV/mm.

These compact units measure approximately 117mm x 45mm x 93mm (h x w x d). Sensor excitation is included for piezo-velocity sensor input types at 24VDC, 4mA. Wiring is made simple with terminal strip connectors and integrated BNC connectors for output to waveform analysers. The solid-state switch version has a 100mA, SPST, 120VAC or 24VDC output, while the relay version offers SPDT resistive loads of 5A, 240/120VAC and 5A, 24VDC. A sensor malfunction warning is incorporated with an LED status indication on the unit’s facia. The series has full compliance EMC certification and is available with hazardous area certification to CSA & NRTL/C Class I (A, B, C & D) T4, Div. 2. ATEX/IECEx/UKCA.