NewTek Sensor Solutions

Hermetically-sealed, spring-loaded LVDTs by NewTek Sensor Solutions 

NewTek Sensor Solutions’ series of spring-loaded linear variable differential transformers (LVDTs) are designed to provide accurate dimensional feedback for a variety of position measurement and quality assurance applications.

Medical Sensors

NewTek medical sensors withstand the effects of autoclave cycles used to sterilize medical equipment prior to surgical procedures or other medical uses. According to the Centers for Disease Control , steam sterilization, as accomplished in an autoclave, is the most widely used and dependable method of sanitizing critical medical equipment as a part of infection control.   Embedded within medical devices, NewTek linear position sensors play a critical role in the safe and accurate performance of healthcare equipment used in patient care. A small size, large measurement range, accuracy and resistance to environment effects make them ideal for medical devices, especially those frequently sanitized in autoclaves that use pressurized steam or another gas to perform sterilization.   For example, the NewTek M-375 Series Miniature AC LVDTs popularly serve as components within medical devices as they are highly resistant to harsh and high-pressure environments and offer a compact 3/8” diameter size to fit in tight space restrictions. With a corrosion-resistant, nickel-iron alloy housing and core, these sensors can operate in temperature extremes of -65°F to +400°F. NewTek also provides customized LVDTs tailored to withstand repeated autoclave cycles depending on the customer’s sanitizing requirements.   In one medical device application, NewTek LVDTs serve as a component for a bone drill, delivering feedback on the depth of drilling to tenths of a millimeter so surgeons can accuratel.

Quik-Cal™ LVDT Signal Conditioner Sets a New Standard in Reliability and Ease-of-Use as Part of Signal Processing System

NewTek Sensor Solutions offers the most advanced and user-friendly signal conditioner that pairs with AC-operated linear and rotary position sensor to deliver reliable feedback in DC voltage, current and digital outputs for use in factory automation, materials testing, packaging, and dimensional gaging applications.   Offering an intuitive set-up of AC-operated LVDTs and RVDTs in process control systems, the signal conditioner features LED front panel null indicators and push buttons to set zero and full-scale output positions. With simple setup instructions printed on the unit’s label and color-coded removable terminal blocks, the NTC-6000 is configurable in just minutes even by non-technical personnel. Units offer automatic excitation synchronization for multiple unit systems.   The smart NTC-6000 Signal Conditioner diagnoses and indicates LVDT failures, disconnects or short circuits for fast resolution of problems. Cybersecurity lockout and tamper detection ensures its safekeeping in locations without supervision.   The LVDT signal conditioner incorporates a two-wire RS-485 digital communications port and offers hot swapability so setup can be saved and reloaded via the RS-485 port.

Hermetically Sealed 4-20 mA Position Sensors Offer Consistent Performance with Low Power Consumption

NewTek Sensor Solutions offers its Hermetically Sealed Position Sensors with a 4 – 20 mA current loop output that has become the data transmission standard in the process control industry. Offering rugged operations and high performance with low power consumption, Newtek’s HI Series of Hermetically Sealed 4-20 mA LVDTs ensure highly reliable and consistent data output for factory automation, materials testing and packaging equipment applications. Requiring less power than similar DC-operated LVDTs and signal conditioners, these 4-20mA sensors also satisfy low power budgets.   Sustaining accuracy with no errors over long distance transmissions, the 4 – 20 mA current does not degrade over long connections and is less sensitive to background electrical noise. Simple to connect and configure, the 4-20 mA output position sensors offer plug and play compatibility with most PLCs and controllers.

Hazardous Location Linear Position Sensors

NewTek Hazardous Location Position Sensors monitor the structural integrity of LNG tanks, helping to meet Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations for structural health monitoring. To prepare LNG for export, natural gas is cooled to cryogenic temperatures at liquefication facilities, then stored as a liquid until pumped into LNG tanker ships for export. The LNG storage tanks are double- walled, consisting of an inner container that holds the liquid and an outer container of vapor pressure that insulates it and serves as a backup in the event of a leak.

LVDT Position Sensors for Vibroseis Trucks

Seismic surveys are a popular non-invasive method used by exploration companies to search for oil and gas below the Earth’s surface. The testing is conducted with vibroseis trucks that deliver a low frequency vibration from a seismic vibrator using a base plate that impacts the earth. With every sweep, outgoing vibration signals from the trucks impact the ground at varying speed and frequency.

Hazardous Location LVDTs

Newtek Sensor Solutions introduces a new line of Hazardous Location LVDTs (Linear Variable Differential Transformers) that operate safely and accurately in hazardous and explosive environments with the presence of flammable or ignitable gases and liquids such as those found in refining and petrochemical plants, pipelines and oil and storage tanks.  Approved for used in Class 1, Zone 0 and Zone 2 locations, the NT-HL-750 series of LVDT Position Sensors are ideal for pipeline and LNG storage tank structuring monitoring and real-time position sensing of different valves in oil and gas fields, chemical process plants, gas turbines and oil refinery platforms and rigs. These AC-operated sensors also are Intertek approved and hold an ETL mark that certifies its use in hazardous locations throughout North America.

LVDT Position Sensors

NewTek Pre-calibrated Linear Position Sensors serve as long-term replacements for potentiometers (pots) that become unreliable over time due to their contacting operation and effects from vibration and other environmental parameters. As potentiometers rely on mechanical contact to provide position feedback, components wear out and are affected by heat, vibration, and humidity, making output progressively noisier and unreliable over time. Non-contacting and with no parts to wear out, NewTek LVDT Position Sensors offer frictionless operation and do not drift or get noisy even over extended periods. The excellent repeatability, temperature resistance, and resolution of LVDTs are critical for industrial applications that require measurement of very small movements such as TIR measurements, thermal expansion, and dimension quality.  (see chart and caption) Challenging operating conditions such as high shock and extreme temperatures also can limit a potentiometer’s performance and reliability. As a result, Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) is typically lower for a potentiometer operating in a moisture-free and low vibration environment, than an AC-operated LVDT Linear Position Sensor working in a demanding application.

AC-LVDTs

NewTek Hermetically-Sealed AC-operated LVDTs enable safe position measurement in high-risk areas to protect operators from harm. Constructed without internal electronics, AC-operated LVDTs operate reliably in industrial applications with high, low or unpredictable temperature fluctuations, shock, vibration, and chemical, or radiation exposure. While the AC-operated LVDTs operate in a hostile area, feedback is retrieved by an LVDT Signal Conditioner that converts it to a digital signal for use in a computer or programmable logic controller located in a benign area.  For example, LVDT Position Sensors used in the process control systems of paper mills provide dimensional feedback on the tension arm or roller position to control product thickness. The paper mills pose dangers to operators with larger rollers moving at high speeds, caustic and corrosive fluids splashing in unpredictable places, and temperatures fluctuating at different points in the process.  Legacy mechanical position inductors or dial indicators used for position measurement may require an operator to approach the measured object. In addition to risking exposure to hazardous conditions, measurements may be hard to access in tight spaces or close to operating machinery.