Unchecked Proximity Probes Produce An Alarming Trend

9100 Series checks sensors to ensure correct output and operation of alarm trip points, preventing costly equipment breakdown.

Online PR News – 06-August-2014 – The Modal Shop’s Portable Vibration Calibrator Series can offer peace of mind to companies who use non-contact proximity probes (also known as Eddy current sensors) on critical equipment, such as turbines. When combined with a Proximity Probe Mounting Kit (model 9100-PPA01), The Modal Shop’s model 9100D or 9110D Portable Vibration Calibrators enable users to check their sensors to ensure correct output and operation of alarm trip points, preventing costly equipment breakdown.

With proximity probes having the reputation of being complex to use (incorrect cable types and lengths can alter voltage output; probe output can change depending on shaft material and running speed; shaft irregularities produce false vibration signal), the Portable Vibration Calibrator gives users a way to cross check their accuracy and ensure the continued protection of critical equipment.

Some turbines generate $1 Million per day or more in revenue making their continued operation essential for business. The vibration protection system for turbines is also considered critical equipment and needs to be in proper working order.

While confirming proper operation, the 9110D also ensures that a company complies with the API 670 standard for field testing of Machinery Protection Systems. The unit provides for the printing of ISO 17025-compliant calibration certificates for proximity probes, accelerometers and velometers.

In today’s economy, many industrial facilities are trying to do more with less. Predictive maintenance programs are becoming increasingly automated, with some teams even relying on having critical alerts sent directly to their phones. The safest decision is to put a system in place to validate the machinery protection system.

Designed for use on-site, the 9110D calculates and displays test sensor sensitivity on the readout screen in real time. It also has built-in ICP input for piezoelectric accelerometers and can save up to 500 calibration records directly to the unit’s internal memory. Users can copy records to the included USB flash drive with Report Generation Workbook via the unit’s USB port. Saved calibration data is then transferred to a computer where the user can easily generate and print an ISO 17025-compliant customizable calibration certificate.

The 9110D and other portable vibration products in the 9100 Series provide enhanced stability and superior vibration calibration over an extended 7 Hz (420 CPM) to 10 kHz (600, 000 CPM) frequency range, at amplitudes up to 50 mils peak to peak (1.27 mm peak to peak). They feature an integral precision quartz reference accelerometer and closed-loop level control, packaged in a rugged Pelican Storm case with two press and pull latches. The Modal Shop 9100 Series is always ready for travel to industrial test sites, bringing laboratory accuracy to the field.

About The Modal Shop
Based in Cincinnati, OH, The Modal Shop, a PCB Group Company, manufactures electrodynamic shakers, structural test products, calibration systems and non-destructive testing systems for a range of industries from metrology to manufacturing. For more information on our Portable Vibration Calibrator Series as well as other available systems, visit our calibration web page at www.modalshop.com/calibration.

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