Sensor technology has undergone a significant transformation in process control, particularly the continued relevance of pneumatic systems despite advancements in digital control, Control Design wrote in a recent article.
Smart sensors integrated with diagnostic systems have revitalized pneumatic control valves, maintaining their competitiveness against electric control valves, which have stronger communication capabilities.
Engineers can appreciate how smart positioners enhance the performance and maintenance of pneumatic valves, offering cost-saving benefits and ease of in-house management. This highlights the crucial role of diagnostic tools in maintaining the efficiency and reliability of older yet resilient technologies.
Engineers facing sensor-related challenges in complex industrial environments would find value in the practical solutions described, such as the automated control of sugar-cane crushers and cane tippler systems. The use of innovative sensor configurations, including button probes and magnetic switches, resolved issues like unreliable conductivity measurements and mechanical switch failures.
Learn more about these sensing techniques in the full article from Control Design.
