Meggitt creates a Vibro-Meter® velocity sensor for machine protection and condition monitoring systems

The PV 102 is a 100 mV/inch/second (3.94 mV/mm/s) piezoelectric velocity sensor. The uncertified version of the PV 102 has CE approval. The certified version of the PV 102 carries ATEX, IEC and CSA hazardous area certifications, which are commonly required in the nuclear and fossil power generation, oil and gas, and petrochemical industries. Brazilian INMETRO approval is expected later in 2011.

The PV 102 is ideal for condition monitoring of motors, pumps, fans, compressors and turbines, including steam and gas (aeroderivative and frame) turbomachinery. The PV 102 may be used to compliment proximity probes in a condition monitoring or protection system. The standard output of the PV 102 is fully compatible with systems currently employed in industrial environments, such as Meggitt’s VM 600 hardware with VibroSight Total Condition Monitoring software from the Vibro-Meter product line.

Where piezoelectric velocity sensors are installed, the PV 102 is a drop-in replacement including form, fit, function, wiring, and performance. The existing mounting and cabling can even be re-used if they are in good condition. However, the PV 102 has many advantages over current velocity sensors because of its superior design, better component materials, and time-tested manufacturing processes. The PV 102 has a lower noise floor to better resolve low vibration signals. The sensor is also tuned for band-pass flatness for improved repeatability. The sensitivity of the PV 102 is more stable with changing temperature, compared to previously-available velocity sensors. The PV 102 is the only velocity sensor of its kind to use 316L stainless steel with true hermetic sealing verified by helium leak testing.

The PV 102 is backed by over 50 years of Meggitt design and manufacturing expertise. This design experience has resulted in a compression design that is superior to an out-dated shear design. The PV 102 is inherently more reliable because it has fewer components than typical piezoelectric velocity sensors and a simpler design. Additionally, sub-base isolation improves base strain sensitivity, minimizes the influence of mounting on sensor data, and protects against damaging electrostatic discharge. The electronics of the PV 102 are isolated from the sensor case for higher immunity against radio frequency interference which can corrupt sensor data.

The PV 102 is shipped with both 1/4-28 to 1/4-28 and1/4-28 to M8 mounting studs, to meet the needs of US and international customers. Other mounting options are available from Meggitt, such as a 1/4-28 to M6 stud, cement mounting pads, and isolator mounting pads which electrically isolate the sensor from the machine it is monitoring to protect against high voltage spikes. Meggitt also provides several standard cable assemblies with MIL-C-5015 style sensor connectors and Teflon® shielded, twisted pair cable. Customers can choose armoured or non-armoured cable; between a foil shield with IP67 rating at the connector and a braided shield with IP68 rating at the connector; and standard or custom lengths to suit their application. Enclosures including switch and termination boxes are also available.

A complete condition monitoring and protection system is available from Meggitt, from the sensor to the user interface. In addition to VibroSight protection software, VM600 performance monitoring equipment, and the PV 102 sensor, plus mounting, cable assemblies and termination options, Meggitt designs and manufactures proximity, acceleration and pressure sensors. No other system supplier has design and manufacturing control over its entire system.