Pressure sensors, monitors, controls.

AMETEK, INC. U.S. GAUGE DIV.

Pressure transducers and transmitters for industrial monitoring. Pressure ranges from 3 to 5000 psi, and various input/output configurations. Millivolt, voltage, frequency and 4-20 mA outputs available on standard products. Complete media isolation achieved on Model 88 series transmitter with stainless-steel wetted parts.

ANALOGIC CORP.

Model AN2401 1/8-DIN panel-mounted pressure controller with 20 measurements/sec and [+ or -]0.01% accuracy. Features include isolated input and outputs; five-digit, high-visibility vacuum-fluorescent display; push-button setup, calibration and operation; and programmable filter. Optional dual-relay setpoints, analog output with independent scaling, and RS232 serial interface.

CMC TECHNOLOGIES, LTD.

Supplies piezoresistive, piezoelectric, and strain-gauge analog and digital pressure transducers, and full line of monitoring and control instrumentation. APT and DPT lines of piezoresistive pressure transducers recommended for injection molding. Digital versions offer serial (RS232/485) output.

Switching-transducer pressure sensor provides continuous analog output, together with on/off actuation at a programmed setpoint.

CFT-X tiebar force and strain transducer can be mounted in a smooth, untapped hole in the tiebar because of a proprietary internal mounting insert. A "four-in-one" tiebar balancing gauge (for strain-gauge and piezoelectric sensors) senses and displays stress and strain on all four tiebars simultaneously to aid in balancing. Models 4MO1 and 4MO2 transducers measure in-cavity melt pressure.

Associated instrumentation complements line of sensors. Included are signal conditioners, process and event monitors, and digital and analog controllers. "Hybrid" line accommodates both strain-gauge/piezoresistive and piezoelectric.

MMC-1 four-channel data-acquisition and control system with accompanying software permits real-time display and storage on a PC, as well as full SPC capability. IPC-01 intelligent process controller, which uses either conventional proportional or "fuzzy logic" algorithms, has extensive software capabilities and flexibility in inputs and outputs. End-of-cycle report can be sent to a serial printer or to a remote PC for SPC data display and collection.

FCM, a four-channel general-purpose sensor display unit, is configurable for various transducer types. Applications include tiebar balancing, Mold Mating Force monitoring, and temperature measurement. Mold Mating Force sensors mount on the outside of the mold, on the parting line, to aid in detecting mold filling and clamp imbalance, monitoring cavity fill-pressure dynamics, and avoiding flash.

DELTA CONTROLS CORP.

Pressure transmitters for ranges from 0 to 40 in. [H.sub.2]O to 3000 psi. Process connections as small as 1/2 in. NPT are available, as are ANSI flanges in various sizes.

DYNISCO INSTRUMENTS Melt-pressure transducers, pressure indicators and controllers for applications in extrusion or injection molding:

* PT420 high-accuracy pressure transducer for critical pressure and temperature measurements with [+ or -]5% accuracy in ranges to 30,000 psi.

* PT460 economical pressure transducer with [+ or -]1.0% accuracy in ranges from 500 to 30,000 psi.

* PT460 amplified-output pressure transducer for long-distance transmission without noise interference and easier interfacing with PLCs or computer-based extruder control systems.

* PT240 process-industry pressure transmitters for high-temperature applications, including synthetic fiber spinning and melt extrusion.

* PT460XL enhanced-performance pressure transducers with extra-thick sensing diaphragm for improved corrosion resistance and high accuracy up to 30,000 psi and 750 F.

* PT130 hydraulic-pressure transducer with contoured sensing diaphragm for greater accuracy, repeatability and fatigue strength.

* PT465XL nozzle-pressure transducer with flexible armored cable for longer life, 8-mil-thick flush diaphragm, and accurate measurements to 30,000 psi and 750 F.

* PT449 direct-cavity pressure transducer mounts flush within the cavity and displays up to 400 F mold and 600 F melt temperatures.

* Indirect cavity-pressure transducers measure pressure from behind an ejector pin or sensing pin, and install easily in space-restricted areas.

* Mechanical/electronic melt-pressure gauges provide reliable, local indication on plastic/rubber extruders, easy readability, and resistance to vibration.

* UPC660 pressure controller with microprocessor-based, 1/4-DIN plug-in design; auto/manual mode, dual programmable alarms, fully-adjustable PID control, dual LED displays, selectable mA/v d-c control output, and optional serial communications.

* UPR690 pressure indicator with microprocessor-based, 1/4-DIN plug-in design; analog and digital LED display, low- or high- pressure alarms, optional third alarm and serial communications, pushbutton transducer calibration, selectable voltage or current auxiliary output.

* Model OPT700 melt-pressure transducer features patented optical system that eliminates need for all fill materials, including mercury, NAK or silicone oil. It has a diaphragm six times thicker than conventional units, offering protection against erosion, corrosion, and mechanical abuse. Series is suitable for applications such as processing medical products, photo film, and food packaging.

* New 1290 and 1291 high-performance indicators. The 1290 accepts direct input from 350-ohm strain-gauge pressure transducers, while the 1291 accepts voltage and current inputs. Both models feature compact 1/8-DIN horizontal design, two alarms, and optional RS485 interface. Fully programmable from the front keyboard, units are available with optically isolated voltage or current retransmission outputs.

EUROTHERM CONTROLS, INC.

Model 818 PID melt-pressure controller for extrusion accepts 350-ohm strain-gauge input and incorporates its own transducer power supply. Front panel features auto/manual station and high-visibility dual displays for simultaneous viewing of measured value and setpoint. Simple front-panel procedure calibrates the input transducer. Digital or analog communications available, in addition to two-alarm outputs. Separate rate limits can be applied to setpoint and output signals.

FLO-TECH, INC.

Two digital-readout pressure indicators: Model DPM-100 with 3 1/2-digit resolution and accuracy of 0.25%; and model DPM-150 with 4 1/2-digit resolution and accuracy of 0.15%. Either can be calibrated for engineering units such as psi, tons or force, or any metric units. Readouts are designed for use with sensors such as high-pressure, vacuum, melt-zone and sanitary. Units have easy-to-read 0.75-in. transflective displays and mount in standard 3.62 x 3.62 in. 1/4-DIN panel openings. Rear-terminal, 0-10 v proportional signal is standard. High linearity and 15-kHz response make units suitable for servo or controller connection, as well as recorders. Pressure-sensor cable attaches via a locking DIN plug, eliminating improper connection. Other connections use large no. 6 screw terminals. Units can be wired for 120 or 240 v, 50 or 60 Hz operation without internal modification.

GEFRAN INC.

SP series plastic-melt transducers feature low-volume capillary system to ensure highest possible thermal stability while minimizing risk of process-fluid contamination. Features provide accuracy and fast response to temperature changes, while making the transducer less susceptible to flow erosion, and according to the company, capable of lasting up to 10 times longer than conventional units.

GENTRAN SUB. OF SAFETYTEK CORP.

Melt-pressure transducers and instrumentation. Transducers available in accuracies of 0.5% or 1.0%, stem lengths of 3.5, 6 or 12 in., and pressure ranges from 500 to 20,000 psi. Optional integral cable, metric thread dimensions, corrosion- and abrasion-resistant diaphragms, and waterproof wiring.

Analog- and digital-pressure indicators available with "D" option, which is used for triggering an alarm relay. Standard voltage outputs of 0-1, 2, 5 and 10 v d-c. Optional 4-20 mA output available on all indicators.

GNEUSS, INC.

Extrusion controls and sensors to control extruder drive and barrel temperatures, gear pump and screen changer. Model VM2 viscosity sensor uses two separate pressure-measuring diaphragms: one at the end of the sensor, pointing radially toward the center of the melt stream (as in standard sensors), and a second one on the side of the sensor tip pointing upstream along the melt-flow axis, sensing the motion of the material. Unlike standard sensors, this method distinguishes increases in melt pressure resulting from screen blockage from true viscosity changes.

DMV 1000 microprocessor-based melt-pressure amplifier is compatible with many different transducer systems.

GP:50 NEW YORK LTD.

Melt-pressure transducers/transmitters. Rugged units come in totally encapsulated, all-welded stainless-steel housing. Hybrid integrated-circuit technology allows for a heavier diaphragm. Additional features include accuracy to [+ or -]0.25% FSO, optional non-mercury fills, pressure ranges from 0-25 to 0-30,000 psi, choice of signals, combined temperature and pressure measurement from a single unit, and a variety of tip configurations.

MARREL, INC.

Microprocessor-based pressure controllers for extrusion throughput stabilization by closed-loop feedback control of pressure at the die. Mounted in a convenient plug-in 1/4-DIN module, units feature read-out of pressure on large LED numerals, plus separate LCD display to allow calibration and mode changes. Available in both single-channel and differential-pressure control forms. Differential-pressure control is particularly useful in control of melt pumps, where it can greatly increase metering accuracy, and is also useful for control of continuous screenchangers.

HONEYWELL INC.

Industrial Automation & Controls Div. offers ST 3000 Smart Pressure Transmitters, which are available for process applications where flow, liquid level, gauge pressure, absolute pressure, and even vacuum must be precisely measured and controlled.

With a Smart Field Communicator (SFC), ST 3000 can be remotely configured, re-ranged, and diagnosed, and can display process values. A 400:1 turndown ratio allows one ST 3000 to be used for many applications. In its analog mode, ST 3000 is accurate to [+ or -]0.1% of span. In its DE (digitally enhanced) mode, ST 3000 is accurate to [+ or -]0.75% of span or [+ or -]0.15% of reading, whichever is smaller.

HUNKAR LABORATORIES INC.

Provides Gold-Standard pressure sensors and measuring devices. Equipment used in calibration is periodically calibrated and certified to MIL-STD-4566A and complete traceability is available through NIST test numbers of calibration equipment. New sensors and pre-amplifiers are compared to the Gold-Standard using the certified test equipment. This standardized calibration ensures reliable and accurate data collection. Calibration must apply to all sensors and measuring devices, instrumentation amplifiers, and analog converters.

IMS CO.

Offers a 0- to 20,000-psi transducer for insertion into injection nozzle for direct reading of melt pressure. Stocks pressure indicator for use with the transducer.

IN USA, INC.

Terwin 1100 series pressure transmitters from Terwin Instruments Ltd. of England are designed for plastic and rubber extrusion. They have a two-wire 4-20 mA output and incorporate company's proprietary force-rod transducers, which are constructed entirely of stainless steel and use no mercury or other toxic substances. Temperature stability is claimed to be better than 0.005% per 0.5 [degree] F. Pressure ranges available from 500 to 30,000 psi and temperature capability to 842 F. All have abrasion-resistant diaphragms, come in a range of stem lengths, and reportedly conform to NEMA-12 standards for protection against moisture and dust. IN USA markets Terwin's complete line of extruder pressure/temperature instrumentation.

INDUSTRIAL SENSORS, INC. (ISI)

Melt-pressure transducers, mechanical gauges, and high-level output (4-20 mA) transmitters and transducers (0-10 v). Complete line of instrumentation, including microprocessor-based indicators. Supplies factory repair, calibration services, technical assistance, and custom engineering.

KISTLER INSTRUMENT CORP.

Flush-mount piezoelectric (quartz) transducer for measuring cavity pressure in injection molding. Unit's 2.5-mm in-cavity sensor is said to be the smallest sensor of its kind. Unisens 4-mm sensor offers uniform sensitivity between sensors, allowing mold changeovers without recalibrating system electronics.

Direct and indirect measuring systems available. Transducers that measure tiebar strain ensure even clamp loading and prevent tiebar breakage.

Piezoresistive (silicon-wafer) extrusion pressure sensor operates without a liquid medium and features a long-life, wear-resistant diaphragm.

Line of electronic signal conditioners interfaces transducers to injection molding machine controls. Charge amplifiers control molding machine or provide analog outputs for monitoring and data-acquisition. Specialized data-acquisition software for injection molding.

OMEGA ENGINEERING INC.

Pressure sensors and transducers for liquid and gas systems. Measure positive and negative gauge pressure, as well as absolute pressures. Outputs include millivolt, amplified voltages and current-loop signals. Optional accessories include meters, controllers, signal conditioners, cable, connectors and tubing.

ON LINE CONTROLS, INC.

MicroAir ultra-low air-pressure regulators control air pressure at 0-1/2 psi, 0-1 psi, 0-3 psi or 0-5 psi.

RJG TECHNOLOGIES INC.

Pressure transducers, monitors and controllers, and machine-upgrade kits for injection molding.

T-400 series mold-cavity pressure transducers feature rugged, universal design with removable cable, range from 0 to 2000 psi, 0.1% repeatability, and compatibility with slide or button application.

T-2020 peak-reading digital hydraulic pressure gauge features 1-psi resolution, 0 to 10,000 psi range, and quick disconnect for portability.

T-2015 digital transducer signal conditioner features peak-reading capability, setpoint logic for cavity-pressure control of machine, and autozero for nulling preload before injection.

Dart-1000 single-channel data-acquisition device links pressure transducers or other sensors to a remote PC. Up to 255 modules can be networked via RS485 or RS422. For each cycle, graphic waveforms, summary pressure, and time data are collected.

SC-124 Smart Chart Strip Chart Recorder allows 1, 2 or 4 channels of graphic waveform analysis for injection molding setup, mold try-out or trouble-shooting.

SCHAEVITZ PRODUCTS LUCAS CONTROL SYSTEMS PRODUCTS

Pressure sensors built to perform in demanding environments in ranges 0-0.5 to 0-10,000 psi. Units measure absolute, vented-gauge, or sealed-gauge pressure over wide temperature ranges.

SENSOTEC, INC.

Super TJE pressure transducer employs an outer-shell design that enables superior stability (0.0015%/ [degrees] F temperature compensation) and is calibrated in a separate production facility to ensure accuracy, temperature compensation, and reliability.

Available in gauge or absolute types and in ranges from 30 to 3000 psi, Super TJE utilizes select electronics to ensure 0.05% accuracy and has a welded stainless-steel construction for long life. Unamplified output signal of 3 mv/v and optional internal electronic amplified signal of 0-5 v d-c or 4-20 mA. It has a 1.7 in. diam. and is 3.25 in. long with amplifier.

SENSOTRON/POWERTEC INT'L, INC.

Series 400 extrusion pressure/temperature transducers employ patented silicon-on-sapphire sensing diaphragm (thicker and 50 times harder than stainless steel) that incorporates a four-active-arm strain-gauge bridge and on-diaphragm silicon RTD. Diaphragm is directly exposed to melt up to 750 F. On-diaphragm temperature sensor is isolated from mounting hole, allowing accurate measurement of melt temperature. Direct measurement of pressure allows for high response time (4000 Hz) and low pressure measurements. It is possible to repeatedly measure pressures as low as 8 psi using a 500-psi range transducer in the standard 1/2-in. to 20 UNF configuration. Company reports that in highly abrasive applications unit is virtually wear-proof and eliminates need to use toxic fluid fills or pushrods.

SEN-420 series meets requirements for Class 1, Dip. 1, Groups B, C, D Intrinsic Safe. SEN-422 has a dual two-wire loop, which provides 4 to 20 mA for temperature and pressure. Built-in RCAL feature, as on the 400 series, is also available on the loop-powered 420 series transmitters. This eliminates need for portable calibrators for system setup. Units come in ranges from 500 to 15,000 psi, stem lengths from 4 to 18 in., and are interchangeable with existing transducers. Metric adapter allows standard 1/2-in. to 20 UNF transducers to be used on metric extruders.

TEXMATE INC.

All-welded, all-titanium, miniature flush-mount (3/8-in. diam.) and 10-32 port pressure transducers for hydraulic, weighing and general-purpose measurement from 25 to 5000 psi. Companion 3 1/2- and 4 1/2-digit displays are provided in panel-mount DPMs and bargraphs.

WATLOW/AOV INC.

Pressure sensors and controls for complete process control. UL-recognized control systems include full pressure/vacuum sensor, monitor, control and recording capability. Also distributes a wide selection of pressure controllers, monitors and recorders.