Emerson manufacturers a complete line of eddy current sensors and converters for monitoring vibration and position of critical turbomachinery and sleeve bearing machines in extreme industrial environments. Applications include steam, gas, compressor and hydro turbomachinery, blowers and fans. The purpose of an eddy current sensor, or displacement probe, is to measure shaft movement without contacting the measured surface – the rotor.  In the case of sleeve bearing machines, the shaft is separated from the bearing material by a thin film of oil. The oil acts as a dampener and therefore the vibration and position of the shaft are not transmitted through the bearing to the bearing case. The use of case vibration sensors is discouraged for monitoring sleeve bearing machines since the vibration produced by shaft motion or position is greatly attenuated through the bearing oil film.

The ideal method of monitoring shaft position and motion is by mounting a non-contact eddy sensor through the bearing (or inside the bearing), measuring the shaft motion and position directly. The PR 6423 is commonly used to measure vibration of machine shafts, eccentricity, thrust (axial displacement), differential expansion, valve position and air gaps.

Emerson's eddy current sensors meet stringent international standards such as DIN 45670, ISO 10817-1 and API 670 and are rated for explosive areas, Eex ib IIC T6/T4.

Eddy Current Sensor Specifications: