Balluff Offers Magnetostrictive Linear Position Sensor With Range up to 1.5 km
Balluff's absolute linear position measuring system is designed to deliver intelligent and consistent position measurement in crane systems. It can calculate positions up to a distance of 1.5 km continuously.
To enhance precision in crane technology, Balluff, a leader in industrial automated solutions, offers a long-distance positioning system (LDPS) designed to deliver intelligent, adaptable, and reliable position measuring that extends up to 1.5 km.
Balluff’s long-distance magnetostrictive position measuring system for cranes. Image used courtesy of Balluff
Long Distance Positioning System (LDPS)
Balluff's LDPS technology offers high precision and speed, boasting a repeat accuracy of up to ±0.5 mm. The intelligent magnetostrictive position measuring system can continuously calculate across extended distances, up to 1.5 km.
To operate in harsh environments, the LDPS is IP67-rated with a wear-free and non-contact operating principle that further lowers maintenance, making the innovative system reliable. The system is immune to pollution, shock, and vibration and runs without wear and tear.
Balluff's positioning system effectively turns process cranes into large-scale robots. It is also suited for crane and trolley travel applications, loading bridges, gantry cranes, overhead moving cranes, and reversing controls.
The LDPS travels with the crane while using smart sensor technology. Image used courtesy of Balluff
Intelligent Sensor Technology
At the heart of Balluff’s LDPS is a magnetostrictive position measuring system and a Profinet interface. A magnetostrictive sensor is fixed to the crane that reads the position of sensors mounted along the crane’s travel path. A controller then uses this information to determine the crane’s absolution position.
The LDPS is available with a software function block, making it simple to integrate into control systems. To further improve application reliability, quality, and efficiency, the measuring system is also equipped with a fail-safe operating option that has markings along the crane's travel path.
Field Tested
Crane solutions provider Bang Kransysteme has field tested Balluff's LDPS. According to the company's Automation Manager, David Böttiger, the LDPS is well suited for "adverse conditions" and areas where positional information is crucial. In his summary, Böttiger explained that the four-meter-long distance measuring system follows the crane as it moves along the travel path, detecting position sensors installed along the way by a predetermined scheme. It then uses this information to determine the precise location of the crane.
Balluff’s LDPS provides the absolute crane position in demanding conditions. Image used courtesy of Balluff
Crane System Applications
Globally and in a wide range of industries, crane systems are used in warehousing operations, intralogistic item transportation, and other production and industrial activities. While traditional means of measuring positioning, like the use of laser sensors, may function well in common crane applications, contaminated or outdoor environmental effects can prove challenging.
Depending on the application, loads can be high, and environmental conditions may put a great deal of strain on sensor equipment. Furthermore, an operator must constantly know a crane's or control system's precise position. With its IP67 rating and ability to continuously determine positions up to a distance of 1.5 km, Balluff’s LDPS emerges as an effective alternative to traditional systems.
As industries' crane technology evolves, the LDPS paves the way for a future where crane operations can seamlessly integrate with advanced technology that offers reliability, precision, and efficiency.
