New devices that measure position and movement have been continuously developed by engineers throughout the years. One of these is a linear transducer. Linear transducers or linear variable differential transformers are used to measure movement in a straight line. They convert displacement into an electrical signal proportional to the amount of its displacement unlike other transducers, which convert current into an electrical signal. In measuring movements, they can be so accurate that they can measure even a few millionths of an inch up to several inches.
Often, they are used in automation as they can withstand harsh environments such as factory automation and industrial gauging. Linear transducers earn the reputation of being versatile in use and durability. Little do people know, however, that these devices have more functions; hence, listed here are some more.
Extracting petroleum
Position feedback control of drilling equipment that bores holes into the ground uses linear transducers. An example of this transducer is a bore scope that measures the inner diameter of the drilled hole. In the petroleum industry, there is always a need to ensure cutting a near-perfect hole to accurately extract petroleum from the right places. Transducers of this type help by providing continuous position information of the drills even at temperatures reaching 200° Celsius and pressures up to 20,000 psi.
Measuring valve position
In controlling steam, linear transducers help in rehabilitating power generation plants to monitor the situation of the steam’s control valves better. The sensors increase efficiency and reduce the operating costs of the plant. Improper operation and loss of productivity due to wrong valve settings can cost millions of dollars per year. Plant operators are always tasked to know the position of the control valves at start up and shut down. Usually, these valves are fully open or closed, depending on the status of the steam turbine. The transducers send feedback to the turbine control system, hence, informing whether the valve is open or closed.
Counting banknotes
A simple design principle based on linear transducers allows high-speed counting of bank notes. The voltages sent by these transducers can be used to individually count bank notes at high speed, detect when two or more notes are counted together, and identify a torn bill or a taped repair. They also indicate even when a note has become folded over, and when a part of a bill is missing. This mechanism is possible due to a miniature linear transducer being mounted at each end of the roller of the machine, allowing measurement of the linear displacement of each note.
Linear transducers may be as complicated as they seem, but the significant contributions they give are not complex enough to be appreciated by the eye. From its frequent use in automation, innovators then expanded the functions they served by applying the mechanism in the petroleum industry, controlling steam valves, and banking. Indeed, linear transducers make much work easier.
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