Versatile pressure/strain-gauge indicator

November 2005 Pressure Measurement & Control

Not many instrument manufacturers offer indicators suitable for strain-gauge input as the hardware requirements, sampling time and calibration procedures are more complex than conventional indicators. Gefran's new 40 B, which complements the Gefran series TP transducers, is a versatile pressure/strain gauge indicator with many benefits including high resolution due to programmable sampling time, easy configuration and user-friendly function keys.

Pressure/strain-gauge indicators need to have a fast sampling time as pressure can change rapidly. However, as sampling time increases so resolution decreases. Sampling time and trip intervention of the Gefran 40 B is programmable between 15 and 120 ms with a resolution between 2000 and 8000 steps. Therefore, the best balance between speed and accuracy can be determined.

Most conventional indicators have function keys on the faceplate. However, not many can be re-programmed for easier operation. The function keys on the Gefran 40 B indicator can be re-programmed to suit the technician's needs. As a result, technicians are able to display min and max pressure values, reset all recent recordings, hold a pressure value or simulate alarms at the touch of a button.

Configuration of the Gefran 40 B is simplified by using MS Windows-based program called Winstrum. This program's main function is writing and reading all parameters of an instrument via serial connection. The Gefran 40 B is easy to calibrate due to its sensitivity auto-ranging, which is between 1,5 and 3,3 mV/V. Input selection includes a potentiometer and strain-gauge pressure input. A configurable protection code restricts levels of editing and display of configuration parameters, thereby preventing careless and unnecessary changes to the operating parameters. One output (4 to 20 mA) is available for retransmission of the measured input signal, allowing greater accuracy and control of the operating pressure and therefore a more efficient process operation.

For more information contact Neil Coetzer, UniTemp, 011 392 5989, [email protected]

Further reading:

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