A new digital pressure scanner, the DSA5000, launched by US manufacturer Scanivalve is claimed to deliver several world firsts. It utilizes an individual 24-bit A/D converter and RTD for each sensor, which the manufacturer says allows for fully and truly synchronous data collection. Data can be delivered at rates of up to 5,000Hz per channel in a wide range of engineering units.
Through the company’s proprietary ‘ring-architecture’ capability, multiple DSA5000s can be connected through miniature Ethernet connectors. This delivers what is claimed to be the industry’s only integrated, multi-drop-architecture, industrial network configuration for pressure scanning instrumentation. This creates an isolated, mini-network where the ‘master’ unit serves as a single point of communication for all scanners in the mini-network. Scanners are automatically identified, configured and accurately synchronized. Data from all scanners is merged to provide a single-output data file with pressure and temperature values from all of the connected Scanivalve 5000 series scanners.
Furthermore, the DSA5000 is designed to withstand extreme environments. Its IP67-rated aluminum case is said to be rugged but lightweight, with an option to install a self-controlled internal heater that allows operation in ambient temperatures down to -50°C. The unit can also be fitted with an optional shock-mount kit, which has been tested to MIL-STG 810G Cat. 24, 514.6.
The ability to operate across a wide pressure range from 0.18psi to 1,000psi (at launch) in several pneumatic configurations means a DSA5000 can be configured for low-pressure aerodynamic tests, high-pressure compressor tests and everything in between.
Paul Crowhurst, MD at Evolution Measurement, the UK distributor of the units, said, “This is a truly exciting product. Never before have we seen this level of capability in a pressure instrument. This is going to revolutionize aerodynamic development.”