Other Products

Torquemeters

Combine the high accuracy and low noise of Astech Rotary Telemetry Transmitters with torque sensing strain gauges provide a torquemeter having excellent performance.  Applied to existing shafts both mean torque and torsional oscillations up to 30KHz may be measured without disturbing the dynamics of the components under test.  Alternatively the torquemeter can be supplied in the form of a “drop in” coupling custom manufactured to suit as existing application.  Simple, accurate and inexpensive.

Inductive Coupling Systems

Inductive coupling systems enable the transmission of electrical power and data across an air-gap, providing a unique solution to difficult engineering problems and a reliable, maintenance free, frictionless and long life alternative to sliding contacts or slip rings.

Astech originally developed inductive coupling for use in Rotary Telemetry, utilising relatively high frequencies to provide compact and efficient components. From these designs inductive coupling systems have been developed for applications requiring to angular or linear displacement or simple stationary air-gaps.

These systems will function in hazardous fluids, underwater, in a vacuum or at high pressure and at separations of up to 50mm. Custom configurations to suit particular applications – including modules, segments, rings and discs are available and an in-house ferrite moulding facility allows maximum design flexibility. Available power ratings are in the range 1W to 200W. Epoxy-resin encapsulation.

Applications for inductive coupling systems are found in packaging machinery, industrial mixers, food production, machine tools, paper making plants and a wide range of Rotary Test Rigs.

Radio Telemetry

It is sometimes necessary to transmit sensor data over a distance greater than the 100mm – 150mm range limitation of inductive coupling.  Systems incorporating radio links using license free frequencies of 433MHz and 896MHz, and having a range of 10-100 metres are available.  The transmitters employ similar signal conditioning, encoding circuitry and construction methods to that used in the rotary telemetry, ensuring excellent data quality and high reliability.

Marine Torque Powermeter

Astech have been supplying marine torque and power measurement systems for many years to important clients including: The Royal Navy, Australian Navy, Estonian Navy, Greek Navy, Jordanian Navy, Kenyan Navy, Oman Navy, Qatar Navy, Saudi-Arabian Navy, US Navy, BAe Marine Systems (formerly BVT Surface Fleet) Portsmouth UK, BAe Marine Systems Barrow-in-Furness UK, Lloyds Register of Shipping UK, Jinling Shipyards Shanghai China, STX Shipbuilding Korea, HHI Korea, Samsung HI Korea.

Torque measurement is usually carried out using the well proven bonded strain gauge technique, the shaft clamping torque sensing beam method is also available as an alternative. Digital encoding of measurements and PCM data transmission ensure reliable operation and accuracy to 16 bits (1 part in 64,000). The rugged split-ring shaft assemblies are custom fabricated according to shaft diameter and additional remote displays can be incorporated as required. A USB port enables connection of a laptop for ships trials and other specialised tasks.

Datasheet

Tachometer Systems

Shaft tachometer systems for harsh environment, marine and other applications.  Custom design service is also available. 

  •  High reliability systems utilising reflective infra-red technique
  • Ahead / Astern or shaft rotation direction indication and adjustable display brilliance for night running
  • Accurate readings from less than 1 RPM with options to over 100,000 RPM
  • Fully encapsulated sensors with sealed steel connectors and steel slotted shaft ring assembly combine simple installation with really rugged shaft hardware
  • Shaft split-rings fabricated according to shaft diameter, range 25mm – 1 metre
  • Royal Navy and NATO approved

Inclinometer

Originally developed by Astech for naval applications, the inclinometer interface system offers important features to users looking for high performance and flexibility.

The features include:

  • Ideal interface to strain gauge type inclinometers
  • Selectable resolution up to 22 bits plus sign (1 part in 4,000,000)
  • Battery backed local interface units can operate in stand alone or from remote central controller
  • Local interface units have built-in programs and bright, clear OLED display
  • Interfaces to up to 12 remote inclinometers
  • RS485 comms between remote units and central controller
  • USB interface between central controller and P.C or Laptop
  • Supplied software include display, storage and useful interpolation features
  • Rugged MIL standard build quality