Smart machine safety monitoring with new signal conditioners and switches

Metrix, the USA based vibration measurement and condition monitoring specialist has recently announced its new 5580 series smart vibration signal conditioners and switches. Available with full support in the UK from Metrix’s distribution partner Ixthus Instrumentation, the new units provide a 4 -20 mA output proportional to the measured variable from accelerometers, velocity or position sensors for preventative maintenance and safety tasks on industrial fans, compressors, generators, pumps, and other large shaft-equipped machines where probe systems are essential.

Also available as the SW5580 series, optional solid state or relay outputs realise field configurable setpoint and alarm monitoring. Both units are available as single or dual channel devices, also with field configurability for output scaling in peak or RMS units, high, low and band pass, and frequency filters.

Ixthus says these DIN-rail mounted signal conditioners offer a competitive alternative to rack mount monitors. The 4-20 mA output allows convenient connectivity with PLCs, DCS or other 4-20 mA input monitors over extremely long-distance instrumentation set-ups. Also included, an integral signal amplifier boosts the raw sensor output for direct signal monitoring up to 300 metres.

Single channel units may be modified in the field with a firmware release code which may be purchased where users require a second sensor monitoring channel as part of a system expansion, etc. Metrix 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 500 mV/ips, 10 to 100 mV/g, and 100-200 mV/mm.

These compact units measure approximately 117 x 45 x 93 mm. Sensor excitation is included for piezo-velocity sensor input types at 24 VDC, 4 mA. Wiring is made easy with terminal strip connectors and integrated BNC connectors for output to waveform analysers. The SW5580 solid state switch version has a 100 mA, SPST, 120 VAC or 24 VDC output whilst the relay version offers SPDT resistive loads of 5A, 240/120 VAC and 5A, 24 VDC. A sensor malfunction warning is included with LED status indication on the unit’s facia. The 5580 series has full compliance EMC certification and is furthermore available with hazardous area certification to CSA and NRTL/C Class I (A, B, C and D) T4, Div. 2. ATEX/IECEx/UKCA.