Product Overview

The Epro PR6423/010-040-CN is an 8 mm eddy current sensor used for non-contact measurement of shaft displacement and vibration in rotating machinery. It functions as the sensing element in a proximity measurement channel, detecting changes in the distance between the sensor head and a conductive machine target.

In a typical installation, the sensor is mounted close to the monitored shaft at a bearing or other measurement location. Shaft movement changes the gap between the sensor and the target surface, producing a corresponding change in the eddy current measurement.

The sensor is suitable for applications where continuous monitoring of rotating components is required without physical contact between the sensing element and the shaft. It can be applied to turbines, compressors, pumps, generators, motors, and other rotating equipment.

The PR6423/010-040-CN is normally connected to compatible signal-conditioning or converter electronics before the measurement is transferred to a machinery monitoring or protection system. This allows the sensor output to become part of a complete shaft vibration or displacement monitoring channel.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

• PR6423 Series eddy current sensor for rotating machinery measurement.
• 8 mm sensor head for shaft monitoring applications.
• Non-contact measurement of mechanical displacement.
• Suitable for shaft vibration and relative position monitoring.
• Operates as the sensing element of a complete proximity measurement channel.
• Can be connected to compatible signal-conditioning or converter electronics.
• Suitable for continuous monitoring of critical rotating equipment.

Working Principle

The PR6423/010-040-CN uses the eddy current principle to detect changes in the distance between the sensor head and a conductive target. The sensor generates an electromagnetic field around its sensing area. When the target surface moves relative to the sensor, the eddy current response changes.

During shaft rotation, radial movement or axial displacement changes the sensor-to-target gap. The resulting electrical change is processed by associated interface electronics and converted into measurement information for the machinery monitoring system.

Rotating Shaft → PR6423/010-040-CN Sensor → Signal Converter / Conditioning Electronics → Monitoring System → Alarm / Protection

The sensor can therefore support:

• Radial shaft vibration measurement
• Relative shaft displacement monitoring
• Shaft position measurement
• Mechanical movement detection
• Continuous rotating machinery condition monitoring

Stable mechanical mounting is important because movement of the sensor itself can be interpreted as a change in the measured gap.

Role in a Rotating Machinery Control Architecture

The sensor is installed at the field measurement point and captures mechanical movement directly from the monitored shaft. Downstream electronics process the sensor signal before it reaches the machinery monitoring or protection system.

Machine Shaft → PR6423/010-040-CN → Signal Conditioning → Machinery Monitoring → DCS / Protection System

This arrangement allows the sensing point to remain close to the rotating machinery while the processing and monitoring equipment can be installed in a suitable control cabinet.

Industrial Applications

Installation and Maintenance

1. Mount the sensor securely at the specified measurement location.
2. Position the sensing head toward the appropriate conductive target surface.
3. Verify the sensor-to-target gap during commissioning.
4. Ensure the sensor mounting structure remains mechanically stable.
5. Avoid mounting arrangements that allow excessive sensor movement.
6. Route the sensor cable away from sources of mechanical damage.
7. Protect the cable from excessive bending and vibration.
8. Verify the connection between the sensor and associated interface electronics.
9. Check the measurement channel before starting the monitored equipment.
10. Confirm stable measurement behavior during initial operation.
11. Compare measured shaft movement with normal operating conditions.
12. Inspect the sensor, mounting, and cabling during scheduled maintenance.

If an abnormal signal occurs, check the complete measurement channel, including the sensor position, mechanical mounting, cabling, signal-conditioning electronics, and monitoring equipment.

Related Components

Recommended Related Models

Key Advantages

• Non-contact measurement of shaft movement.
• 8 mm sensor head for compact measurement locations.
• Suitable for shaft displacement and vibration monitoring.
• Applicable to continuous rotating machinery monitoring.
• Integrates with associated signal-conditioning electronics.
• Suitable for turbine, compressor, pump, motor, and generator applications.
• Can be incorporated into machinery monitoring and protection architectures.

Technical FAQs

What is the PR6423/010-040-CN used to measure?

It is used to detect changes in the distance between the sensor and a conductive rotating target, allowing shaft displacement, vibration, or position to be monitored.

Why is the sensor installed close to the shaft?

The measurement depends on changes in the gap between the sensor head and the target surface. Installing the sensor close to the shaft allows small mechanical movements to be detected by the proximity measurement channel.

Does the sensor require signal-conditioning electronics?

The PR6423/010-040-CN is a sensing element and is normally used with compatible interface or signal-conditioning electronics before its measurement is connected to a machinery monitoring or protection system.

What can cause an incorrect proximity measurement?

Incorrect sensor positioning, an unstable mounting arrangement, unsuitable sensor-to-target spacing, cable problems, or faults in the associated signal-conditioning electronics can all affect the measurement. The complete measurement channel should be checked when abnormal readings occur.