Electricity + Control May 2017

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SENSORS, SWITCHES + TRANSDUCERS
Gerry Bryant is the Managing Director of Countapulse Controls, southern
African supplier of sensing, measurement, counting, switching, monitoring
and positioning instrumentation. In operation for many years, the company
has the full backing of its German principals and offers a complete technical
advisory service for the most effective use of its products in automotive and
other branches of engineering. Enquiries: Tel. +27 (0) 11 615 7556 or email
There will be growing integration across entire operations of information
technology (IT) and operational technology (OT).
Access to high levels of accurate information will allow companies to optimise
processes.
Leuze RSL 400 family incorporate two autonomous protective func-
tions in one device.
Miniaturisation of sensors is another important development for
industry; the Leuze 2 Series throughbeam photoelectric sensors, for
instance, are smaller than a matchbox. While this first started within
the aerospace and medical sectors (where there was a call for min-
ute and lightweight devices), it has carried across to other markets.
Smaller sensors which provide high levels of functionality, reliability
and performance are in demand. These devices can be installed in
areas and on machinery which would previously not have been
considered suitable due to space constraints.
Conclusion
Sensors are likely to play a continued and important role in the produc-
tivity of all manufacturing sectors and will remain a key component
in smart manufacturing facilities as the world progresses through the
Fourth Industrial Revolution.
ROUND UP SENSORS, SWITCHES + TRANSDUCERS
Smooth speed regulation with high precision
The new Hengstler Acuro AX73 is a class
leading optical encoder that offers smooth
speed regulation with high levels of preci-
sion. Its compact dimensions make it suit-
able for installation in areas where there are
space constraints.
Available from the official Hengstler dis-
tributor for southern Africa, Countapulse
Controls, this absolute rotary encoder is
ideal for ATEX-rated applications.TheAcuro
AX73 encoder carries ATEX and IEC Ex cer-
tification for gas and dust explosion proof
requirements.
This advanced optical encoder offers ben-
efits for a myriad of applications including
on winches, cranes, drill and other oil and
gas industry equipment, as well as in paint
plants, petrochemical facilities, bottling
plants and grain mills.
The connection configuration on the en-
coder allows the routing of cabling with the
encoder installation in separate steps. This
provides significant cost and time savings
during installation, as cabling can be com-
pleted in advance. This type of installation
allows the quick replacement of a spare
encoder during maintenance and servicing
activities. Another feature that facilitates
ease of maintenance is the use of just two
screws for the connection hood. Many
comparable encoders use six or even eight
screws, while insufficient corrosion protec-
tion makes such units difficult to uninstall.
Special patented screws are used to protect
the unit against dust, water and corrosion.
The optical scanning system provides
a highly accurate 22-bit resolution sensor
signal for wherever precision or smooth
speed regulation is necessary. Johannes-
burg-based, Countapulse Controls has an
in-depth understanding of the application
of absolute rotary encoders and is able to
assist the market in selection of the best fit
solution for a given application.
Enquiries: Gerry Bryant.Tel. +27 (0) 11 615
7556 or email
Electricity+Control May ‘17 28