Power plants have precise control schemes for valve position for maximized operating efficiency. Because a typical power plant can contain hundreds of valves that control the flow of steam, gas and water in conjunction with different control systems, plant operators must always know their position. NewTek LVDT Position Sensors enable precise monitoring and control of valves so turbines operate efficiently with minimal wasted energy.
While some power plant applications only monitor if a valve is open or closed at start up and shut down, some operations need to know the exact position to ensure valves are opened or closed to the right degree. For example, certain power generation operations might require that governor and throttle valves be open by 25% or 40%. NewTek HAR Series Displacement Sensors measure movements as small as a few millionths of an inch, which enables them to monitor the movement of valves to very minute degrees. For a medium-sized plant, a 2% efficiency improvement could translate into a million dollars in fuel savings.
Because power plant environments often reach high temperatures, other linear position technology might fail or become inaccurate over time. As an AC-operated sensor without internal electronics, the HAR Series LVDTs operate in high temperatures from -65ˊF to 400°F over measurement ranges from ±0.05 to ±10 inches. With a welded ¾-inch hermetically sealed housing, units can withstand shock and vibration and offer infinite mechanical life for long-term accuracy and reliability, even under hostile conditions. NewTek offers these sensors with radial connectors and higher temperature designs.
The HAR Series LVDTs work in conjunction with the NTC-6000 LVDT/RVT Signal Conditioner that powers the sensor and converts the linear position measurement of the valve to a DC analog signal readable by a meter or data acquisition system.
In addition to power plants, the HAR Series LVDTS are ideal for monitoring the valve position in chemical plants, hydroelectric stations and agricultural equipment.
