Piston detectors

For use in progressive or dual-line metering devices

SKF offers three types of piston detectors: universal and bipolar as well as inductive sensors.

The universal and bipolar piston detectors are position sensors that are screwed into the metering device together with the relevant pressure-resistant adapter. They detect the piston by means of the closed adapter without coming into direct contact with it and adjust themselves independently after several distribution strokes. The universal piston detector automatically detects the customer’s plug or cable assignment. It is available in a 2-wire or 3-wire version (with cable break protection). The bipolar piston detector is only available in a 2-wire version. The signal voltage can be applied to either pin 1 or pin 4. This means the sensor can be used for mobile applications such as vehicles or agricultural and construction machinery.

The inductive piston detector can be connected directly to the metering device with no need for an adapter. It offers better resistance against magnetic fields, so is more stable in the presence of EMC interference. This makes it suitable for use with valve islands. A strong external magnetic field can prevent reliable detection of the piston – leading to detection faults and under-lubrication – but the inductive piston detector prevents this. It is available in a 3-wire version.