Sensors developed to handle the most arctic conditions

Especially in sub-zero applications, many users prefer non-contact sensors because, unlike electromechanical switchgear such as position switches, they do not run the danger of malfunctioning due to freezing moisture, so for this- admittedly highly specialised – application field, the Ex sensors were designed.

This makes them suited to environments which make up an increasing number of the customer queries received by steute – for example offshore plants installed in Arctic regions, or ships travelling through such regions, like gas tankers.

In these extreme conditions, the non-contact active principle makes sealing of the housings easier and guarantees durability: the mechanical lifespan of these sensors is over one million switching cycles, while the electrical lifespan has been calculated at 106-109 switching cycles.

The housing material – a high-quality fibreglass-reinforced Duroplast – guarantees that the high protection class of the magnetic sensors (IP 66-IP 69) is maintained in these sub-zero temperatures, even after a 7-Joule impact test.

This set of features – particularly the large temperature range – makes the new series suitable for position monitoring of flaps, valves, lids and other moving components, for example in plants found in the oil and gas industry (onshore and offshore) or in the field of shipbuilding and port facilities. Other fields of application are handling systems on oil rigs and position monitoring on crane booms.