NEW YORK - Sensors and transmitters continue to be upgraded and improved upon. In alphabetical order, here are what manufacturers introduced as new at the 2008 Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo).

ACR Systems (www.acrsystems.com) released its low-pressure differential data logging kit. It features the SmartReader Plus 4 LPD data logger “with extra-fine pressure resolution” designed for commissioning, testing, and balancing HVAC systems. Also included is TrendReader 2 data logger software and a USB communication cable. The company said installing a pressure differential data logger “across the filter banks will prevent personnel from having to guess whether the filter is ready for replacement.”

Ashcroft (www.ashcroft.com) said its CXL low-pressure transducer, thanks to its small housing and multiple mounting options, can be mounted on a DIN rail, conduit, or wall. With a convenient detachable terminal block electrical connector, the CXLdp can be installed into a panel without power interruption.

Meanwhile, its new G2 pressure transducer has an accuracy rating at 1 percent total error band. It is available in pressure ranges from 0/30 to 0/20,000 psi and offering broad choices of outputs, electrical terminations, and process connections.

Also, its DXLdp low differential pressure transmitter is “a favorite for critical airflow, room pressure and air-handler management applications,” said the manufacturer. Equipped with the exclusive Ashcroft® SpoolCal option, this transmitter can be validated, zeroed, and calibrated while on- line, “without ever having to disconnect the pressure tubing,” it stated. Diagnostic indicator lights and easily accessible test jacks enhance the ease of testing while DIN rail mounting makes installation a “snap,” it said.

Dwyer (www.dwyer-inst.com) introduced two transmitters. Its new Series MS Magnesense® differential pressure transmitter is “an extremely versatile transmitter for monitoring pressure and air velocity.” Features include field selectable English or metric ranges, field upgradeable LCD display, adjustable dampering of output signal, and has the ability to select a square root output for use with pitot tubes and other similar flow sensors.

Its new Series RH/RHL humidity/temperature transmitter is designed to monitor humidity or both humidity and temperature in a single device. It has a 2 percent to 3 percent accuracy, dual 4 to 20 mA or 0 to 10 VDC outputs in humidity/temperature models, and field selectable temperature units.

Honeywell Analytics (www.honeywellanalytics.com) introduced 301W, its first wireless gas detector designed for parking structures, and IAQPoint, which the company terms “a low-cost,” indoor air quality monitor designed to measure carbon dioxide, temperature, and humidity levels for demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) in office towers, schools, and other commercial buildings. The 301W detector is designed to monitor carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide in parking structures.

NEW PRODUCTS

Kanomax (www.kanomax-usa.com) introduced its airflow transducer, Model 6332; facility monitoring laser particle sensor, Model 3714/3715; and its aerosol particle mass analyzer, Model APM-10. The airflow transducer features 10 interchangeable probe options, and selectable output or current. It is designed to prevent exposure of hazardous materials to workers and prevent leakage by thorough monitoring and control of chamber airflow.

The Model 3714/3715 features built-in sonic nozzle for accuracy and consistent flow, plus has built-in LEDs for sensor status at a glance. The aerosol particle mass analyzer is designed to classify the mass of a single aerosol based on the balance between the centrifugal power and electrostatic power.

Kavlico Corp. (www.kavlico.com) pointed out its high volume refrigeration pressure sensors, low-range differential pressure frequency output sensors, and industrial transmitter family. The P528 family of ceramic capacitive refrigeration pressure sensors “are perfectly suited for high volume applications in refrigeration compressors, rooftop chillers, and refrigerant recovery systems,” said the company. The product targets high volume applications requiring 2 percent “or better accuracy over the normal -40° to 85°C operating temperature range.”

The PT250 family of sealed industrial pressure transmitters is powered by a 9-32 vdc supply and provides a 4-20-mA output proportional to applied pressure. The compact units feature stainless steel housings and isolation diaphragms. Meanwhile, the MEMS-based P992/P993 low range differential pressure sensor family operates on a regulated 5-vdc power supply and is designed to provide amplified digital frequency output proportional to pressure.

Omega Engineering (www.omega.com) touted several new transmitters. Its new iServer is “the simplest, easiest, fastest, most economical way” to connect almost any serial device (RS-232, 485 or 422) to an Ethernet network and the Internet without any special software, it said. It also introduced the iDR series of signal conditioners and PID controllers.

Meanwhile, its iFPX Internet Counter can count contacts from a button or switch, as well as count pulses from most any conventional transducer, such as a proximity sensor or quadrature encoder. The iFPX converts raw data to intelligent information. Its new Virtual Chart Recorder lets a person monitor and record the pressure and temperature of air (or inert gas) over an Ethernet network or Internet. The included transducer measures pressure from 0-200 psi and temperature from 32° to 158°F.

Onset Computer Corp. (www.onsetcomp.com) unveiled the HOBO Remote Monitoring System, a state-of-the-art industrial-grade data logging system. The new system combines data logging hardware with built in GSM cellular communications and HOBOlink™, “a revolutionary new Web-based software platform,” it said. HOBOlink is designed to allow users access to current and historical data, set alarm notifications, and relay activations, and manage and control the system right from a desktop.

Setra Systems (www.setra.com) showcased several new items, including its updated Micro-Cal Model 869 and Expert System, ultra-low pressure and documenting calibrator switches. The updated Model 869 calibrators’ additional features include a new Li-Ion battery pack, reduced weight (2 lbs lighter), a universal charging plug for different electrical outlets, and a new plug-in that allows charging while the lid is closed. The new Model 869 Expert System contains all of the new features of the new 869 and more.

Next on the company’s “new” list are its CSS Series and CSC Series of current pressure switches. The CSS and CSC, which both utilize magnetic current sensing technology, are for HVACR, industrial, and lighting applications that use electric motors to drive fans, pumps, and blowers, and for sensing the status of heating coils and lighting. At the same time, its new Model SRH Humidity Series product line is designed to measure relative humidity in a room, duct or outside and is available in accuracies of ±2 percent, ±3 percent, and ±5 percent. The SRH Series features a replaceable sensor tip that “ensures an accurate, calibrated, and cost effective humidity control system,” stated the company.

Also on the new forefront is its Model SRPM (Setra Room Pressure Monitor) Series, designed for pharmaceutical, hospital, semiconductor, clean rooms, research laboratories, and critical low differential pressure applications that require stringent pressure monitoring and alarming. The SRPM monitors the positive or negative pressure in protected environments and airborne infection isolation rooms per CDC guidelines.

Publication Date: 02/18/2008