Kaman’s Magnetic Displacement Sensors Apply to Oil & Gas, Subsea Condition Monitoring
The high-precision, non-contact displacement sensors complement condition monitoring systems by measuring and monitoring runout, speed, and changes in machine vibration profiles.
Kaman Precision Products’ Advanced Magnetic Sensing (AMS) portfolio includes displacement sensors intended for the oil, gas, and subsea condition monitoring markets. These high-precision, non-contact sensors are designed for high-pressure environments spanning 500 – 40,000 psi with an IP-67 rating. In addition to standard configurations such as threaded, flanged, AS4320 pressure-port compatible, and bolt head styles, it can be customized to satisfy OEM integration requirements. Kaman also offers a number of hermetic options to protect against water ingress.
Additional Features
The AMS sensors improve condition monitoring systems by precisely measuring and monitoring runout, speed, and alterations in machine vibration profiles, minimizing risk, damage, and preventing unplanned downtime due to failures across its applicable environments. They are also well-suited for:
- Non-contact speed sensing
- Shaft runout
- Gear tooth condition monitoring
- Surface finish thickness inspection
- Crack and defect detection
The non-contact measurement capability reduces degradation and thus lengthens sensor lifespan in harsh operating environments. The sensors detect target positions by penetrating non-magnetic, conductive, and non-conductive barriers to permit the installation of leak-proof, penetrator-free equipment instrumentation.
AMS-3946 sensor; image credit: Kaman Precision Products
Lastly, Kaman AMS sensors operate without special magnets to streamline installation and minimize costs in intricate subsea systems.
Kaman Acquired
In January 2022, Motion Industries acquired Kaman Distribution Group (KDG). This boosts areas such as core industrial products and services, as well as the growing technical and automation arenas, including precision engineering. KDG provides electro-mechanical products, bearings, power transmission, motion control and electrical and fluid power components to maintenance, repair, and overhaul and OEM customers. Headquartered in Bloomfield, CT, KDG’s 1,700 employees serve more than 50,000 customers.
Subsea Operations
Holger Wörner, Head of Sales Upstream, MAN Energy Solutions, said a major trend in offshore turbomachinery is its use for subsea compression, increasing the total recovery of a gas field, maximizing efficiency, and releasing less CO2 into the atmosphere compared to topside platform exploration.
“Turbomachinery plays a critical role in offshore applications, serving as key components across various facilities and subsea installations,” said Holger Wörner, Head of Sales Upstream, MAN Energy Solutions. “The primary advantages of turbomachinery in these contexts include enhanced reliability and uptime, essential for continuous operation and effective resource utilization. Additionally, it contributes to reducing the carbon footprint during operations by enabling more efficient use of energy.”
