Description
EPRO PR6424/000-030 + CON021 — Complete Eddy Current Measurement System
Product Combination: PR6424/000-030 (Eddy Current Probe) + CON021 (Driver/Proximitor)
Manufacturer: EPRO (now part of Baker Hughes)
System Type: Complete non-contact displacement measurement system for monitoring radial shaft vibration, axial thrust position, and differential expansion in rotating machinery.
1. Core Overview & System Components
This combination represents a complete, calibrated measurement channel for machinery condition monitoring. The system consists of two main components that must be used together:
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PR6424/000-030: The eddy current proximity probe (sensor).
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CON021: The oscillator/driver module (proximitor) that powers the probe and converts the gap measurement into standard voltage signals.
Key Concept: These components are calibrated and matched as a set. The probe cannot function without the driver, and the driver’s output is only accurate when used with its specifically calibrated probe.
2. Component 1: PR6424/000-030 — Eddy Current Probe
Probe Specifications:
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Diameter: 8 mm (industry standard).
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Sensitivity: When used with the matching CON021 driver, the combined system sensitivity is typically 8.0 mV/µm (200 mV/mil). The exact value is on the system calibration sheet.
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Linear Range: Typically 2.0 mm (e.g., from 1.0 mm to 3.0 mm from the probe tip).
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Temperature Range: Up to 120°C for the standard version (higher with different suffixes).
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Cable: Integral, armored cable, 3.0 meters long, with connector.
3. Component 2: CON021 — Driver/Proximitor Module
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CON021: Specific model in the CON0xx series of driver modules. The «21» variant defines its electrical characteristics and form factor.
Driver Function & Specifications:
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Purpose: Provides a high-frequency excitation current to the probe and demodulates the probe’s impedance change (caused by the gap to the target) into two useful DC voltage signals:
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Gap Voltage (Static DC): A negative DC voltage (typically -2V to -18V) proportional to the average distance between the probe tip and the shaft (for position monitoring).
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Vibration Voltage (Dynamic AC): A superimposed AC voltage (typically 0-20V peak-to-peak) proportional to the dynamic motion of the shaft (for vibration monitoring).
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Power Supply: Typically requires ±15 V DC or +24 V DC, depending on the specific CON021 variant.
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Output Signals: Provides both gap (DC) and vibration (AC) signals simultaneously.
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Form Factor: Usually a small, encapsulated module designed for DIN-rail or direct PCB mounting within a monitoring system rack.
4. Complete System Operation
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The CON021 driver sends a high-frequency (e.g., 1-2 MHz) signal to the PR6424 probe.
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The probe’s coil creates an electromagnetic field. When near a conductive shaft, eddy currents are induced.
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The distance (gap) affects these eddy currents, changing the probe coil’s impedance.
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The CON021 detects this impedance change and outputs the corresponding Gap DC Voltage and Vibration AC Voltage.
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These signals are connected to a monitoring system (like an EPRO MMS6000 module) which scales them using the calibration data and generates alarms, 4-20mA outputs, etc.
System Calibration: The PR6424/000-030 probe and CON021 driver are calibrated together as a matched pair. Their calibration sheet provides the exact:
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System Sensitivity: e.g., 8.00 mV/µm.
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Linear Range: e.g., 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm.
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Valid for a specific target material (usually mild steel AISI 4140).
5. Typical Installation & Integration
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Mounting: The probe is installed in a threaded or flanged holder on the machine casing, aimed perpendicular to the shaft. The initial gap is set to the mechanical center of the linear range (e.g., -10 V DC).
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Wiring: The probe’s cable connects to the CON021 driver. The driver’s output signals are wired to a vibration monitor/PLC.
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System Integration: Used in pairs (X and Y direction) per bearing for radial vibration measurement, or singly for axial position measurement.
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