Product Overview

The Epro PR6423/010-040+CON021 combines an 8 mm eddy current sensor with an eddy current signal converter for non-contact measurement of shaft displacement and vibration in rotating machinery. The sensor and converter form a complete measurement interface between the mechanical shaft and the plant monitoring system.

The PR6423/010-040 sensor head is installed close to the monitored metallic shaft or target surface. Changes in the gap between the sensor and target alter the eddy current field, allowing mechanical movement to be detected without physical contact with the rotating component.

The CON021 eddy current signal converter handles the electrical interface between the sensor and the downstream monitoring equipment. This arrangement is useful where vibration or shaft-position measurements need to be transmitted as an engineering signal to machinery monitoring, protection, or control equipment.

Typical applications include turbines, compressors, pumps, gearboxes, and other rotating machines where shaft displacement needs to be monitored continuously. The combined sensor and converter arrangement is particularly practical for measurement channels installed at bearing housings or other locations close to the rotating shaft.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

• PR6423 Series eddy current sensor for non-contact displacement measurement.
• Integrated CON021 signal converter for the associated measurement channel.
• 8 mm sensor head for shaft monitoring applications.
• Measures mechanical movement without contact with the rotating shaft.
• Suitable for shaft vibration and relative displacement monitoring.
• Applicable to machinery monitoring and protection systems.
• Suitable for continuous measurement on critical rotating equipment.

Working Principle

The PR6423/010-040 sensor operates by generating an electromagnetic field around the sensing area. When a conductive shaft or target enters the sensing field, eddy currents are induced in the target. Changes in the distance between the sensor and target modify the electrical response of the sensing circuit.

The CON021 signal converter processes the sensor signal and makes it suitable for transmission to the next stage of the monitoring system. As the shaft moves during operation, the resulting signal changes correspond to the measured mechanical displacement.

Rotating Shaft → PR6423/010-040 Sensor → CON021 Signal Converter → Monitoring / Protection System → Alarm or Control

The measurement channel can be used for:

• Shaft radial vibration monitoring
• Relative shaft displacement measurement
• Shaft position monitoring
• Mechanical movement detection
• Rotating equipment condition monitoring

Proper sensor positioning and a stable mechanical mounting arrangement are important because changes in the physical gap directly affect the measurement.

Role in a Rotating Machinery Control Architecture

The PR6423/010-040+CON021 combination serves as the front-end measurement channel for monitoring shaft movement. The sensor captures the mechanical change, while the converter processes the sensor signal before it is passed to the monitoring or protection equipment.

Machine Shaft → PR6423/010-040 → CON021 → Machinery Monitoring → DCS / Protection System

This architecture keeps the sensing element close to the mechanical measurement point while allowing the processed signal to be integrated into the plant monitoring infrastructure.

Industrial Applications

Installation and Maintenance

1. Install the sensor at a rigid and stable measurement location.
2. Position the sensor head correctly relative to the conductive shaft or target.
3. Verify the required sensor-to-target gap during commissioning.
4. Ensure the mounting arrangement does not introduce unwanted movement.
5. Connect the PR6423/010-040 sensor correctly to the CON021 converter.
6. Protect the sensor cable from mechanical damage and excessive vibration.
7. Keep the sensing area free from conditions that could interfere with the intended measurement.
8. Verify the converter connection before starting the monitored machine.
9. Check the measurement signal for stability during initial operation.
10. Compare the measured values with expected machinery operating conditions.
11. Inspect sensor mounting, wiring, and converter connections during scheduled maintenance.
12. Investigate abnormal readings by checking the complete measurement chain rather than the sensor alone.

For critical machinery, maintenance should consider the sensor, converter, cabling, mounting arrangement, and monitoring system as one measurement channel.

Related Components

Recommended Related Models

Key Advantages

• Combines an eddy current sensor and signal converter in one measurement configuration.
• Non-contact measurement avoids physical contact with the rotating shaft.
• Suitable for shaft displacement and vibration monitoring.
• 8 mm sensor head for compact machinery measurement locations.
• Supports integration with downstream monitoring and protection equipment.
• Suitable for continuous monitoring of critical rotating machinery.
• Practical for turbine, compressor, pump, generator, and gearbox applications.

Technical FAQs

What is the function of the CON021 in the PR6423/010-040+CON021 combination?

The CON021 acts as the signal converter associated with the PR6423/010-040 eddy current sensor. It processes the sensor output so the measurement can be used by downstream machinery monitoring or protection equipment.

What type of target does the PR6423/010-040 detect?

The sensor operates on the eddy current principle and is intended for detecting changes in distance to a suitable conductive metallic target, such as a rotating machine shaft.

Can this combination be used for shaft vibration monitoring?

Yes. Changes in the shaft-to-sensor gap caused by radial shaft movement can be measured and processed as a vibration-related displacement signal within the complete monitoring channel.

What should be checked if the measurement becomes unstable?

The sensor mounting, sensor-to-target gap, cable connections, CON021 interface, and downstream monitoring channel should be checked. Mechanical vibration of the sensor mounting itself should also be considered because it can affect the measured signal.