Linear position sensors take on hazardous areas

The T-Series linear position sensors developed by MTS Sensors are high resolution devices based on the company's Temposonics technology. The magnetostrictive sensors are designed for use in hazardous working environments including those involving exposure to flames, caustic substances and potentially explosive atmospheres.

Positioned as the first linear positioning sensors to meet safety integrity level (SIL) 2 standards, they are fully compliant with ATEX and IECEx Zone 0/1, Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 21 and Zone 22 safety certifications covering the protection types "flameproof" and "increased safety."

T-Series devices are supplied in an all stainless steel design. Alternatively a highly corrosion-resistant stainless steel version is available. These devices can withstand shocks of up to 100g and vibrational force of up to 15g (for frequencies from 20Hz to 2000Hz).

When operating at 60°C, their mean time to failure (MTTF) figure is 100 years: operational temperature range covers -40°C to 85°C in certain models and can cope with pressures of 350 bar (5000 psi) static. Protection from liquid ingress is to IP66, IP67, IP68, IP69K and NEMA 4X. They also offer a high degree of immunity to electro-magnetic radiation, in accordance with IEC/EN 61326-2-3 (Class B).

The Temposonics technology developed by MTS provides an extremely accurate non-contact method for measuring position. Sensors based on this technology are highly resilient to vibrations, shock and extreme pressures. The company adds that this series is the only one to currently offer SIL 2 capability

- Graham Prophet
  EE Times Europe