Position Sensor Application and Maintenance Guide
Position sensors detect the presence or measure the linear or angular position of objects in industrial automation and process control applications.
I. Sensor Types
- LVDT (Linear Variable Differential Transformer): Contact-based, extremely high resolution and accuracy. Used in turbine control, valve position, and materials testing.
- Potentiometric: Simple voltage divider providing absolute position. Cost-effective for moderate accuracy applications.
- Magnetostrictive: Non-contact linear position measurement with high accuracy. Used in hydraulic cylinders and liquid level applications.
- Laser Displacement: Non-contact, high-speed measurement using laser triangulation. Used for surface profiling and thickness measurement.
II. Installation
- Mount the sensor rigidly to prevent measurement errors from vibration or movement
- Align the sensor axis with the direction of movement to avoid cosine errors
- Protect sensors from mechanical over-travel using hard stops
- Ensure adequate clearance for the moving element throughout the full travel range
III. Maintenance
- Clean sensor elements and check for mechanical wear quarterly
- Verify calibration and linearity annually using calibrated reference standards
- Check connector tightness and cable integrity regularly
- Replace sensors showing non-linearity or signal degradation
