ifm electronic - Inductive valve sensors
- For all actuators according to VDI / VDE 3845.
- Valve position visible via target pucks / switching cams.
- AS-i dual sensor for quick and safe installation due to ”plug & play”.
- Also available as complete set incl. all the accessories for a valve.
- High machine uptime: long-lasting and maintenance-free products.
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Introduction
In industrial processes where liquids, air or gases are used valves are needed for dosing and control. There is a wide variety of valve types; butterfly or ball valves being the most common quarter-turn types. These valves are seldom operated manually. Pneumatic valve actuators are normally used for mechanical positioning. The valve position must be monitored electronically. Mechanical switches are still often used for position feedback on the actuator shaft. For other solutions several proximity sensors are used together with a switch target for position detection. Disadvantage: Mounting is mechanically complex. During switch mounting the signal wires can be reversed when they are connected in the top-mounted junction box. Where there are temperature fluctuations condensing humidity leads to corrosion and thus malfunction.
Operating principle
An innovative design eliminates the disadvantages of these conventional solutions. In 1992 ifm electronic developed a standard which is now used by many leading actuator manufacturers. A round switch target, known as a ”puck”, with two metal screws offset by 90° is mounted on the actuator shaft. The screws are located at a different height. A compact dual proximity switch (type IND) with two integral sensors detects the upper or lower metal screw depending on the valve position and thus the two switch positions.
ifm electronic
ifm electronic gmbh is one of the leading manufacturers of automation technology world-wide. More than 3,000 employees in more than 70 countries develop solutions for 80,000 customers in the manufacturing industries. By optimising technical processes in the automotive, chemical and cosmetics industries or in environmental technology and automation of buildings ifm electronic has consistently set new standards and thus ensures tomorrow's production processes.
The family-run company with headquarters in Essen started with the invention of inductive proximity sensors in 1969. The German production in Tettnang on Lake Constance has ensured brand quality right from the start. Today "efector" stands for position and fluid sensors, object recognition, diagnostic and identification systems. The brand "ecomat" is synonymous with networking and control systems. In 2007 ifm made a turnover of more than € 410 million with above-average product quality, exceptional innovations and consistent close contact to the customer.
