Meggitt Sensing Systems releases radiation-resistant vibration monitoring solutions

“The increased need for nuclear power plant output reliability and operational safety calls for increased monitoring of machinery”, said Tom Smith, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Wilcoxon Research products. “Our radiation-resistant sensors and cable assemblies provide reliable data that plant personnel can trust when evaluating machine condition, potentially preventing an environmental disaster or loss of power production.”

Radiation-resistant accelerometers
The conditions of nuclear power plants can cause deterioration of equipment. Wilcoxon accelerometers are designed to perform continuously in harsh environments without degradation. Mechanical components used in Wilcoxon 793R series sensors were subjected to gamma radiation exposure in excess of 2 x 107 RADs without degraded sensor performance. Wilcoxon radiation-hardened sensors can tolerate a cumulative radiation exposure of 1 x 107 RADs, still meeting original manufacturing specifications, and are operable up to 248°F (120°C). Model 797R is a side exit, low profile IsoRing accelerometer with tight sensitivity tolerance of 100 mV/g, ±5%. Its velocity transducer houses ultra low-noise electronics for clear signals at very low vibration levels, and has a frequency range of 2 Hz to 7 kHz.

Cable assemblies and enclosures
To ensure reliable data output, Meggitt manufactures Wilcoxon J9T2 cable assemblies with Tefzel coating for high energy radiation-resistant protection. Tefzel meets the IEEE 383 Standard for Qualifying Class 1E Electric Cables and Field Splices for Nuclear Power Generating Stations, and is approved for nuclear power plant use. Impervious to most solvents and chemicals, Tefzel is hydrolytically stable and usable up to 302° F (150°C). The R6QN-0-J9T2 cable-connector assembly offers a molded polychloroprene boot and Tefzel insert suited for radioactive environments. A tight and inpenetrable seal between cable and sensor protects the transfer of data. For permanent sensor installation and portable data collection, IP66 rated CB2 and CB4 connection boxes can be used in wet environments where the presence of water jets exists. Meggitt also produces a wide range of Wilcoxon VibraLINK switch boxes, available with NEMA 4X-rated thermoplastic or stainless steel boxes. Additional options include cable grip and BOV meters for centralized data collection. Vibration monitoring solutions for nuclear environments are offered by Meggitt backed by extensive industry knowledge, excellent customer service and product reliability.