Why and How the Model 6200PSC was Developed and Evolved.
The first Eddy Probe System Calibrator was developed to verify and calibrate Eddy Current Probe Systems that are used to monitor vibration of critical rotating shafts used in all types of motors, pumps, compressors and other equipment found in large processing plants such a Oil Refineries, Power Generating Plants, Paper Mills and other similar applications.
An excessive build up of vibration in any type of rotating equipment can cause equipment failure causing a great deal of machinery damage plus lost production time that can cost a company Millions of dollars.
A variety of probes are used to detect and measure vibration levels and to activate an alarm procedure when those levels reach some pre-determined limit. These probes are commonly referred to as Eddy probes, but are also referred to as “Proximity Probes/Sensors”, “Non-Contact Probes/Sensors” and “Eddy Current Probes/Sensors”
In 2010 Mr Gilchrist and Rune Pearson were approached by some users of the current calibration instrument asking us if we could improve on this unit in the following areas.
Means for Holding Probes.
The earlier versions of the Calibrator used a number of different size collets to grip the probe. If a certain size collet was missing or broken, that specific size probe could not be tested. Our customers requested a better probe gripper.
Make a Calibrator That Was Battery Powered.
Make a calibrator that was battery powered to eliminate the costly and time consuming process of having to get permission from the Plant Manager to run an extension cord for the TK3-2E calibrator as it requires 110V AC.
Our first Model 6100PSC was battery operated and used Universal Probe Grippers that could hold any probe diameter from 5 mm to 19 mm.
The old TK3-2E calibrator went from using Collets to using their own design for a universal probe gripper, however, their method does not automatically center the probe relative to the Target Material.
As time progressed and we received more feed back from our customers, we added the following:
- A tachometer to tell the operator the exact rotational speed of the Dynamic Calibrator Target Material. It is always important to test the Probes/Sensors at the same speed as the normal operating speed used in actual production.
- Separated our Static Calibrator from the Dynamic Calibrator with each unit having its own set of probe grippers so they could be used independently of each other by different individuals.
- Offer vibration simulator vibration range in two different ranges (.001 to .020 & .002 to .040) to meet the needs for both HIGH and LOW speed applications.
- Add a Magnetic Mount to our Dynamic calibrator so that it can be mounted on any steel member near the Eddy Probe. Our magnetic mount has 130 lb. holding capacity and our Calibrator weighs just 13 lbs.
- Right side probe holder for comparing two probes simultaneously
- Warranty period increased on all component parts made by us from 2 to 5 years.
- Adjustable Vibration Simulator wheel that offers a significant improvement over the old fixed Bently Nevada wobble plate.
None of the 7 above items are available on the Bently Nevada TK3-2, TK3-2E or Bently Nevada Wobulator .
“wobulator” is a registered trade mark of GE, Bently Nevada