Tools of the Trade
Hydraulic components
Universal Hydraulics Intl. Ltd.'s Duplomatic Hydraulic Product Selection Guide reviews hydraulic components for mobile and industrial applications. The products include fixed- and variable-displacement pumps; pressure, flow, and directional control valves; modular valves; electrohydraulic proportional and servovalves; and electronic control units.
Liquid-level sensor
The ELS-1150 electro-optic liquid-level sensor from Gems Sensors maintains the environmental capabilities of its larger family members at 50% the size. The sensor is 35 mm (1.38 in) long and uses a strong, glass prism fused to a carbon-steel/stainless-steel housing to monitor vessels pressurized up to 17,240 kPa (2500 psi). Its performance and package size make it appropriate for hydraulic applications, and its operating temperature range is -40 to +100°C (-40 to +212°F).
Proportional directional valves
HAWE Hydraulics' directional spool valves provide proportional control of both the movement and force capability of hydraulic cylinders and motors. The valves are made from steel, thus allowing operating pressures up to 41,400 kPa (6000 psi). They can be supplied as bankable type or manifold mounted, and sizes can be combined to minimize space requirements and cost.
Gas analyzer
PEUS-Systems' PEGAS-P3G three-gas analyzer can be used to measure carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydro-carbons, which can be extended for the measurement of oxygen and nitric oxide through the use of electrochemical sensors. An intelligent multi I/O board with a PC104 processor allows communication with external devices via Ethernet or RS232 and the connection of analog and/or digital I/O. Therefore, the analyzer can be used for data acquisition and can be controlled by a PLC or to control a PLC. One host computer can control all analyzers in the field and log all the measured data into one central database. For the identification of the test sample, a bar code scanner can be connected.
Hall-effect sensor
The 9900 dual-output, Hall-effect rotary sensor from Duncan Electronics features rugged, non-contacting position sensing technology. Designed with two sensors in one package, the system offers a rigid enclosure to withstand harsh conditions and two programmable outputs that allow for offset, gain, slope, and temperature compensation. The sensors have an operating temperature range of -40 to +85°C (-40 to +185°F). Accuracy is ±2% of full scale at room temperature and ±3% of full scale over the temperature operation range.
