Process control instrumentation and specialised systems distributor and manufacturer Instrotech has launched a dual-output sensor for industrial monitoring applications.

The Monitran MTN/2285STC is ideal for monitoring vibration and temperature levels in the same location, providing an added element of protection for motors, fans, pumps, compressors and other assemblies with rotating parts.

Both the sensor’s outputs are in the industry- standard range, from 4 mA to 20 mA, and are suitable for direct connection to a programmable logic controller, a distributed control system or other industrial controllers.

Monitran MD Andy Anthony states: “Changes in vibration or temperature levels tend to provide the earliest indication that a piece of plant or equipment is in need of maintenance and, in some cases, warrants shutting down to avoid damage.”

He adds that using the new dual-output sensor allows engineers to directly connect to equipment to monitor parameters for maintenance, control or emergency shutdown purposes.

The MTN/2285STC is a stainless steel side- entry transducer, sealed to Ingress Protection rating IP65, and comes standard with 5 m of integral stainless steel overbraided ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, or ETFE, copolymer, although other lengths are available on request.

Its dynamic range is 50 g peak and it has a frequency range of 16 Hz to 720 Hz. The sensor requires a direct current supply voltage in the range 12 V to 32 V.

Its vibration output is proportional to the root mean square velocity and is to be specified when ordering.

The sensor’s temperature output sensitivity is 0.106 mA/°C across its operating temperature range of –25 °C to 90 °C.

Anthony notes that most velocity sensors that also measure temperature usually do so because of the addition of an alternating current output, that is, they produce a voltage proportional to acceleration or velocity.

Therefore, it is often necessary to convert the voltage into a current to connect to monitoring or control equipment.

“However, with the introduction of this new sensor, the need for the conversion step is negated,” he concludes.

Instrotech, established 1981, manufactures and distributes high-quality process control instrumentation and industrial electronics designed to control several system parameters of the South African and international markets. It works with 17 international brands, one of which is Monitran.

It is part of Comtest Group, which provides solutions, and measurement and communications equipment for manufacturing companies.

Monitran, established in 1986, is a UK-based company that develops, produces and supplies vibration sensors and monitoring equipment for industrial use. Its products are used in a range of industries, notably mining, wind energy and paper.