Mounting Dual Inductive Sensors on Manual Valves
Content of This Article
Mounting Dual Inductive Sensors on Manual Valves
Many of the manual valves in chemical or petrochemical plants are not yet monitored using an automated process. Retrofitting with dual inductive sensors makes it possible to keep a constant overview on whether the valves are opened and closed correctly. Pepperl+Fuchs offers an extensive range of sensors for monitoring the opened/closed position of the valves that are suitable for a wide variety of operational conditions. But what is the best way to install these dual sensors in your plant? Read this blog article to find out more about Pepperl+Fuchs mounting accessories.
The Optimal Mounting Solution—Even for Valves without Tapped Holes
When choosing the optimal mounting solution, the fact that many of the solutions available on the market require a tapped hole can present a real challenge. Since a number of valves do not meet this requirement, in some cases a hole will be drilled specifically for installing the dual sensor.
Plant operators no longer need to spend time and money on this process because Pepperl+Fuchs now offers a mounting solution that does not need a tapped hole—the valve can simply be clamped to the stub shaft. This means that valves without tapped holes can be automated quickly and easily.
For Which Types of Valves Can the Clamping Solution Be Used?
The Pepperl+Fuchs clamping solution consists of two parts that are purchased separately: A two-part mounting base and hand-operated lever, and an adapter plate on which the sensor and activator are mounted. The solution is suitable for mounting dual inductive sensors on almost any standard manual valve. The only consideration to be made is the shape of the drive shaft, as it must be square to ensure that the clamping solution can be installed without any issues. However, in some project conditions, it is possible to implement engineered solutions for non-square geometries.
Which Mounting Accessories Are the Best Choice for Your Valve?
Both the mounting base and the adapter plate used for mounting the sensor and activator are available in several versions. Find out below which versions are the best choice for your plant.
The Optimal Mounting Base
The size of the valve is the key factor in selecting a suitable mounting base. A mounting base is available for ISO5211 standard sizes F03/04, F05, F07, and F10. The associated hand-operated lever is simply attached to the drive shaft and ensures smooth rotation, allowing valves to be opened and closed quickly and easily.
The two-part mounting base including hand-operated lever is not screwed into the drive—it is clamped onto the outside of it.
The Optimal Adapter Plate
The adapter plate is available in either a small or a large version: The best choice for your plant depends on the size of the valve, sensor, and activator. Both adapter plate versions have a ball bearing drive shaft that runs very smoothly and does not cause friction, even in aggressive ambient conditions. Since the adapter plates are made of stainless steel, they can also be used in outdoor areas with a high risk of corrosion.
The small adapter plate is suitable for smaller dual sensors: It can be fitted with sensors from the F25, F25K, and F31 series, which are often used as compact solutions on smaller manual valves. In addition to these dual sensors, the BT32 and BT65 standard activators are located on the adapter plate.
The small adapter plate
The small adapter plate offers enough space to mount the F31 dual sensor in combination with the BT65 activator, for example.
In contrast, the two larger Pepperl+Fuchs sensors can be mounted on the large adapter plate. These sensors are the F31K version with clamping space, and the F31K2 version, which is suitable for outdoor and offshore applications due to its extremely rugged housing. The large adapter plate is not only suitable for standard activators—it can also be used to mount activators with colored valve position indicators.
The large adapter plate
The large mounting base is suitable for mounting the F31K2 dual sensor and an activator with a colored valve position indicator, for example.
How Are the Sensors Mounted?
Using the mounting accessories from Pepperl+Fuchs, the dual sensors can be installed in your plant in just a few steps. First, attach the lower part of the mounting base to the valve and place the lever on the square shaft. Then attach the adapter plate to the top of the mounting base and screw the dual sensor and activator to the plate. Next, attach the top of the mounting base to the bottom of the mounting base. The height can be adjusted, making it easier to find the right position so that the switching shaft of the adapter plate and the guide plate on the lever interlock.
With the right mounting accessories from Pepperl+Fuchs, nothing stands in the way of automatic monitoring of your manual valves. If you need help selecting the right solution, our experts will be happy to assist.
Subscribe to our newsletter and receive regular news and interesting facts from the world of automation.