Measuring vibrations at up to 1000° Celsius

A new single axis vibration monitoring accelerometer from Kistler is said to deliver reliable results at temperatures up to 700 degrees Celsius over the long term, and up to 1000 degrees for short periods of time. The 8211A sensor is certified to ATEX and IECEX for use in explosion protection, making it suitable not only for monitoring purposes, but also for use under extreme conditions in a wider variety of applications. 

When measuring vibration inside the combustion chambers of gas turbines, rocket or aircraft engines, ambient temperatures are often in the high three-digit range. Under extreme conditions, these measurements must provide precise data as the basis for further developments: for example on instabilities in the combustion process. However, only a few sensors are able to withstand the extreme heat and temperature fluctuations in these environments and still deliver reliable measurement data. The new 8211A sensor from Kistler has been designed specifically for such conditions in order to measure vibrations in various extreme industrial environments.

Kistler says that the sensor owes its heat resistance primarily to the PiezoStar crystal at the heart of the accelerometer, which is especially suitable for these applications. To eliminate any possibility of quality fluctuations Kistler grows the artificial crystal in its own laboratories, which also helps avoid supply bottlenecks which are common with natural materials such as tourmaline. Kistler confirms that its artificial crystal is produced to a consistent quality standard and is not subject to variable availability. The robust hardline cable used with the sensor is insulated with magnesium oxide and is equally resistant to heat. Performing accurately and reliably in temperatures of up to 1000 degrees Celsius is not a problem for the new Kistler sensor or cable.