Product Overview

The Epro PR6423/001-000+CON021 combines an 8 mm eddy current sensor with an eddy current signal converter, forming a measurement arrangement for non-contact monitoring of rotating machinery.

The PR6423 sensor detects changes in the distance between the probe tip and a conductive machine target. The associated CON021 converter processes the probe signal and converts the measured displacement information into a usable electrical output for the monitoring or control system.

This type of measurement is commonly associated with rotating equipment where direct-contact measurement is undesirable. Typical targets include turbine shafts, compressor rotors, pumps, and other rotating components where shaft position or movement needs to be monitored continuously.

Technical Specifications

Main Features

• Epro PR6423 series eddy current sensing technology
• 8 mm sensor head
• Non-contact measurement of conductive machine targets
• Works with an associated CON021 signal converter
• Suitable for monitoring shaft movement and displacement
• No physical contact between probe and rotating target
• Suitable for continuous machinery monitoring
• Useful for turbine, compressor, pump, and rotating-equipment applications
• Can be integrated with machinery monitoring systems
• Compact sensor construction

Working Principle

The PR6423 sensor operates using the eddy current measurement principle.

When the probe is positioned near a conductive metal target, the sensor generates an electromagnetic field. The presence and distance of the conductive target influence the eddy currents generated in the target surface. Changes in this interaction are detected by the sensing circuit and correspond to changes in the gap between the probe and the machine surface.

The measurement chain can be represented as:

Rotating Shaft → Eddy Current Sensor → CON021 Converter → Monitoring System

As the shaft moves closer to or farther from the probe, the electrical characteristics of the sensor system change. The CON021 converter processes the probe signal and makes the resulting measurement available to the connected monitoring or control equipment.

Because the sensor does not need to physically touch the shaft, it can monitor rotating components without introducing mechanical contact between the measurement device and the machine.

Shaft Displacement and Machinery Monitoring

Eddy current sensors are particularly useful for machinery in which small changes in shaft position can indicate changing operating conditions.

Depending on the monitoring configuration, the measurement can be used to observe:

• Shaft displacement
• Radial movement
• Axial movement
• Rotor position
• Mechanical vibration-related movement
• Changes in shaft-to-probe gap

For rotating machinery, the probe is normally installed with a controlled gap to the conductive shaft surface. The sensor continuously detects changes in this gap, while the converter supplies the corresponding signal to the monitoring system.

Correct probe positioning is therefore important for obtaining stable measurement results.

Industrial Applications

The PR6423/001-000+CON021 is suitable for machinery-monitoring applications where non-contact displacement measurement is required.

The sensor arrangement is especially useful for critical rotating equipment where continuous condition monitoring is part of the maintenance strategy.

Installation and Maintenance

The PR6423 probe should be installed with the correct orientation and probe-to-target gap according to the applicable machinery-monitoring configuration.

During installation, check:

• Probe mounting position
• Sensor-to-shaft gap
• Target shaft material and surface condition
• Probe cable connection
• CON021 converter connection
• Signal wiring
• Mechanical stability of the probe mounting
• Monitoring-system input configuration

The probe should remain securely fixed during machine operation. Any unwanted movement of the sensor itself can appear as a change in measured shaft position.

During maintenance, inspect the probe tip for contamination or mechanical damage and check the cable and connectors for signs of wear. If the measurement becomes unstable, the probe gap, target surface, wiring, converter, and monitoring-system input should all be considered during troubleshooting.

Related Components

The sensor and converter should be treated as a complete measurement chain. Proper compatibility between the probe, converter, cabling, and monitoring system is important for reliable operation.

Recommended Related Models

When replacing an existing probe system, the probe, converter, cable, mounting arrangement, and monitoring-system input should be matched as a complete configuration.

Key Advantages

• Non-contact measurement principle
• Suitable for rotating machinery
• 8 mm eddy current sensor head
• Measures changes in shaft-to-probe distance
• No mechanical contact with the rotating shaft
• Suitable for continuous machinery monitoring
• Compatible with a dedicated signal-conversion arrangement
• Useful for turbine and compressor monitoring
• Suitable for condition-monitoring and machine-protection applications

Technical FAQs

What is the Epro PR6423/001-000+CON021 used for?

The PR6423/001-000+CON021 is used for non-contact displacement measurement on rotating machinery. The PR6423 sensor detects changes in the distance to a conductive target, while the CON021 converter processes the sensor signal.

Why is an eddy current sensor suitable for shaft monitoring?

Because the measurement is non-contact, the probe can monitor a rotating metal shaft without physically touching it. This avoids mechanical wear at the sensing point and allows continuous monitoring during machine operation.

What does the 8 mm specification refer to?

The 8 mm specification refers to the sensor head diameter, not the measurement range or cable length.

What can cause unstable readings from an eddy current probe?

Possible causes include an incorrect probe gap, unstable probe mounting, damaged cabling, poor connections, an unsuitable target surface, converter problems, or issues in the downstream monitoring system. The complete measurement chain should be checked rather than replacing the probe immediately.