When Vibration Data Has to Survive a Hazardous Zone
A petrochemical plant was losing shaft vibration readings on a critical compressor train. The transducer in service could not hold signal stability in the Ex zone, and the monitoring rack kept flagging gaps. The fix was not a new monitoring system. It was the right measuring chain: the Vibro Meter 111-412-000-013-A2-B1-E010-F0-G000-H05.
This Meggitt (Vibro-Meter) proximity measuring system uses the eddy-current principle for non-contact measurement. It carries an Ex i environment rating, so it suits potentially explosive atmospheres where standard probes are not permitted. The design conforms to API 670 recommendations, which matters when the measurement feeds a machinery protection trip.
What the Part Number Tells You
Each block in the code describes the delivered configuration. Environment (A) 2 means Explosive Ex i. Body thread (B) 1 is M10 × 1. Integral cable length (E) 010 is 1.0 m ±100 mm. Optional protection (F) 0 is None, and flexible hose length (G) 000 is None. Total system length (H) 05 is 5 m. Unit weight is 0.22 kg.
Key Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Measurement range | 2 or 4 mm |
| Frequency response | DC to 20 kHz (−3 dB) |
| Transducer temperature | −40 to +180 °C |
| Transducer and cable in Ex Zone | −40 to +195 °C |
| Cable, connector, optional protection | −40 to +200 °C |
| Transducer head protection | IP68 (IEC 60529) |
| Vibration | 5 g peak, 10 to 500 Hz |
| Shock | 15 g peak, 11 ms half sine |
| Body material | Stainless steel AISI 316L |
| Cable | FEP-covered 70 Ω coaxial, Ø3.6 mm |
Built for Real Machine Conditions
The transducer uses a wire coil with a Torlon (polyamide-imide) tip, encapsulated in a stainless steel AISI 316L body with high-temperature epoxy glue. That construction supports the temperature-compensated design and keeps drift under control across the operating band.
The head of the proximity transducer — tip and integral cable — is rated IP68. Vibration tolerance is 5 g peak between 10 and 500 Hz, and shock tolerance is 15 g peak (half sine-wave, 11 ms duration). Output is voltage or current with short-circuit protection. Connectors are self-locking miniature coaxial types; hand-tighten them until locked.
Where This Measuring Chain Fits
Shaft relative vibration and gap/position measurement chains for machinery protection and condition monitoring are the core applications. The system pairs with VM600Mk2/VM600 and VibroSmart machinery monitoring systems, and it supports API 670 applications.
In one refinery case, a 5 m chain reached from a bearing housing to a junction box without an extension cable, cutting a connection point that had been a repeat fault source. In a second case, the Ex i rating allowed the probe to stay inside the hazardous area while the signal conditioner remained in the safe area.
Integration Notes
The transducer requires a high-frequency power source from an IQS900 signal conditioner. If you route this chain into a plant network, wiring into such systems may require an external gateway or connection module. Confirm cables and gateways with your supplier before ordering.
Selection Checks Before You Buy
Verify the thread match (M10 × 1), the total system length you need, and whether your area classification calls for the Ex i version. Confirm the signal conditioner model and the monitoring system input. Oil AutoTech offers hands-on technical selection help and fast-dispatch spares for oil, gas and industrial automation applications, with quick worldwide delivery. Contact Oil AutoTech today for pricing and availability.
Please verify current lifecycle status and availability with Oil AutoTech before ordering.
