Main Features and Advantages

• IEPE Standard: Uses the widely accepted IEPE (Integrated Electronics Piezo-Electric) standard, simplifying integration with many data acquisition and monitoring systems. Requires a constant current source.
• Integrated Electronics: Converts the charge signal to voltage directly at the sensor, minimizing noise and allowing for longer cable runs without signal degradation.
• High Sensitivity (100 mV/g): Provides excellent resolution for detecting small vibrations, crucial for condition monitoring.
• Wide Frequency Response: Capable of capturing a broad range of vibration frequencies, suitable for various types of rotating machinery (from low-speed components to higher-frequency anomalies).
• Hazardous Area (Ex i) Certified: Designed and certified for safe operation in potentially explosive atmospheres (Zone 0, 1, 2, 20, 21, 22 with appropriate barriers), making it suitable for oil & gas, chemical, and power generation industries.
• Robust Construction: Manufactured from 316L stainless steel and hermetically sealed to IP68, providing excellent resistance to harsh industrial environments, including water, dust, oils, and chemicals.
• Case Isolated: Ground isolated from the case to prevent ground loops and electrical interference, which can otherwise corrupt vibration signals.
• Wide Operating Temperature Range: Designed to perform reliably across a significant temperature range, including moderately hot industrial applications.
• Stainless Steel Overbraided Cable: The accompanying VMD-EC cable provides mechanical protection and resistance to harsh elements.

Application Field

The VIBRO-METER CE620 (444-620-000-011-A2-B100) with VMD-EC-050-050-R cable is a versatile accelerometer used for continuous vibration monitoring and machinery protection in a wide array of industrial applications, particularly where hazardous environments and robust performance are paramount.

Typical applications include:

• Balance-of-Plant (BOP) Machinery: Monitoring general rotating equipment such as:
  • Compressors
  • Pumps
  • Fans
  • Industrial Electric Motors
  • Gearboxes
• Power Generation: Monitoring critical machinery in thermal, nuclear, and renewable power plants.
• Oil & Gas Industry: Ideal for use in refineries, offshore platforms, and pipelines due to its hazardous area certification.
• Chemical and Petrochemical Plants: Monitoring processes and machinery in corrosive or flammable environments.
• Pulp and Paper Mills: Withstanding humid and sometimes corrosive atmospheres.
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Ensuring the reliable operation of machinery in controlled environments.

Related Products

For a complete vibration monitoring solution using the CE620, the following related products would typically be needed:

• IEPE Signal Conditioner / Power Supply: A constant current power supply is required to power the IEPE sensor and to extract the AC vibration signal from the DC bias. This can be a standalone unit or integrated into a monitoring system.
• Galvanic Isolation Barrier: Crucial for hazardous area (Ex i) installations. An approved intrinsically safe barrier (e.g., a Zener barrier or galvanic isolator) must be installed between the safe area monitoring system and the sensor in the hazardous area to limit energy to safe levels.
• Machinery Protection System (MPS): Systems like Vibro-Meter’s VM600Mk2 or VibroSmart, or third-party systems (e.g., Bently Nevada 3500, GE Mark VIe), to process the vibration signals, provide alarms, and initiate machine shutdowns if vibration levels become excessive.
• Condition Monitoring System (CMS): Software and hardware for advanced data acquisition, analysis (e.g., FFT spectrum analysis), and trend monitoring to predict machinery faults and optimize maintenance schedules.
• Mounting Accessories:
  • Mounting Studs/Adapters: To securely attach the accelerometer to the machine surface (e.g., 1/4-28 UNF to M6 mounting stud).
  • Mounting Pads/Brackets: For specific mounting requirements or to improve coupling.
• Extension Cables: While a 5-meter cable is provided, longer runs might require additional compatible cables and possibly junction boxes.
• Calibration Equipment: Vibration shakers and reference accelerometers for periodic calibration of the sensor.

Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation and adherence to maintenance guidelines are paramount for the accuracy, reliability, and safety of the VIBRO-METER CE620, especially its hazardous area capabilities. Always refer to the official Meggitt Sensing Systems (Vibro-Meter) CE620 instruction manual and applicable hazardous area installation standards.

Installation (General Guidelines):

1. Safety & Hazardous Area Compliance:
   • Strictly follow intrinsic safety wiring practices (e.g., segregation of intrinsically safe and non-intrinsically safe wiring).
   • Install the approved galvanic isolation barrier in the safe area.
   • Ensure proper grounding and bonding as per local electrical codes and the certification documents.
   • Verify the gas/dust group and temperature class of the sensor and barrier are suitable for the specific hazardous area.
   • Ensure power is isolated before making any connections.
2. Mounting Surface: Prepare a flat, smooth, and clean mounting surface for the accelerometer. Any unevenness can lead to inaccurate measurements.
3. Sensor Mounting:
   • Thread the mounting stud into the machine casing.
   • Thread the accelerometer onto the mounting stud, or use the recommended adhesive/wax for non-invasive mounting. Apply specified torque for stud-mounted sensors.
   • Orient the sensor’s sensitive axis correctly relative to the direction of vibration being measured.
4. Cable Routing: Route the 5-meter VMD-EC cable securely, avoiding sharp bends, crushing, or exposure to excessive heat. Use appropriate cable clamps and conduits.
5. Electrical Connection: Connect the cable to the constant current supply/monitoring system. Ensure correct polarity (typically 2-wire: signal/power and common). For hazardous area setups, connect through the certified intrinsic safety barrier.
6. Functional Test: After installation, power up the system and verify signal integrity. Check the bias voltage and observe vibration readings to confirm correct operation.