A Digital Pressure Gauge with IO-Link
Kobold answered the wishes from their customers, with a digital pressure gauge/transmitter in line with future Industry 4.0 requirements. Solutions which are ideal for traditional user applications, but also reach out to new industry sectors
The latest version of the electronic digital pressure gauge from Kobold is available in two models: MAN-SC for battery powered, and MAN-LC for 24 Vdc power with IO-link. The two versions are similar in appearance and share most of the screen functionality features, which are now accessed via capacitive Touchpads. However, depending on the application, each instrument version may be defined differently. For example, the battery powered instrument as a digital pressure gauge, while the 24 Vdc version as a digital pressure transmitter. Considering the features of each version is rather simplistic, but it helps to define the natural application areas. Kobold’s previous Digital Pressure Gauge, the MAN-SD, remained in production for more than twenty years, proving a very robust instrument. With robustness and reliability in mind, Kobold developed the new MAN-SC/LC instruments, but also incorporating the wishes of customers to produce a high-quality digital pressure gauge which satisfies traditional user applications, but also reaches out to new industry sectors. A key target requirement for Kobold was not to exceed the retail price of the previous model, a major challenge for a new electronic instrument product manufactured in Germany.
What are the new features?
New has been an alpha-numeric 14-segment reflective LC display screen, with a full 5-digit display and digit height of 16 mm. The electronic screen module can now be rotated increments, ideal for side mounted or inverted installations. The gauge head position can be radially adjusted after installation for perfect positioning. Access to the screen options is by capacitive Touchpads. A wide range of measuring units are now accessible for selection from the programming menu: kPa, MPa, bar, mbar, psi, kN, N, torr, inWC, mmWC, inHg, USR (user-defined measuring unit). Peak memory is featured, as is password protection, and reset to factory setting. Battery life with 9V Lithium is now increased to 22,500 hours. A zero (tare) function is more easily accessible from within the menu, ideal for calibration. A rubber protective case cover is available as an option. Measuring ranges are available from -1…0…+1,600 Bar. The range of process connection threads has also been increased, and includes metric threads. Additionally, from the options list Kobold are able to assemble diaphragm and hygienic process connections.
Another unique application feature is calculation of Force Value, included in the programming menu. This is calculated from the measured pressure value and a programmable reference area. There are many industrial applications that will benefit from this feature, especially the construction test and safety sector for a digital pressure gauge to be included as part of the test equipment.
A large digital display and many programmable features
The MAN-LC provides so much more than the traditional barrel style digital pressure transmitter such as Kobold’s PSD instrument, which followed the industry design trend for compact digital instruments. MAN-LC stands out for the clarity of the large digital display, and the multiple programmable features. And it comes with IO-Link.
Many of the standard features included in the battery powered MAN-SC model are typical, however, the MAN-LC is 24 Vdc powered and therefore further features are included, most noticeable when viewing the LC-display (it is a backlit screen which, combined with the new large display characters, provides a clarity which traditional digital barrel transmitters cannot provide). Another key feature is the inclusion of 2 x configurable outputs, which always form part of a standard instrument and may be programmed by the customer as desired. Analogue and frequency, plus alarm outputs are standard, and an optional pluggable relay module with 2 x potential-free SPDT contacts is available either factory assembled, or as a retrofit kit. Moreover, the addition of a variety of flanged and diaphragm seal process connections extends the application reach to many industrial areas.