Sealed encoders for harsh industrial
In the logging and production environments there are plenty of measurements that use a type of rotary position sensor called an optical encoder. Since encoders are measuring rotary movement, they must have a means to provide a rotary environmental seal against a rotating shaft. Though most encoders designed for the oilfield environment are quite robust and operate reliably, two areas – shaft misalignment and rotary environmental shaft seals – account for most of the failures.
Sealed encoders able to withstand extreme conditions through the use of a magnetic shaft coupling connection. High torque magnets do the job of coupling the encoder to the equipment, which mechanically and environmentally isolates the encoder. Since the encoder shaft is not coupled to external equipment, shaft misalignment is eliminated. The magnetic coupling connection allows the encoders to be enclosed and sealed, protecting them from any debris, dust or fluids.
BEI Industrial Encoders is based in Goleta, CA, USA. www.beiied.com
