CA134 144-134-000-613 Piezoelectric Accelerometer

The CA134 144‑134‑000‑613 is a premium piezoelectric accelerometer from Parker Meggitt’s renowned vibro‑meter® product line, specifically engineered for vibration monitoring in the most demanding industrial environments. This particular variant is the integral cable version, featuring a factory‑assembled, hermetically welded mineral‑insulated (MI) cable that ensures a leak‑tight, rugged, and reliable connection between sensor and signal conditioning electronics. The CA134 144‑134‑000‑613 is designed to deliver accurate, repeatable, and stable vibration measurements across an extraordinarily wide temperature range, from cryogenic conditions at –253 °C (20 K) up to a scorching 500 °C, making it indispensable for applications such as gas turbine monitoring, steam turbine protection, compressors, pumps, and cryogenic pump testing.

The sensor utilises a compression‑mode piezoelectric measuring element with internal case insulation and a differential charge output. This design offers excellent common‑mode rejection, immunity to ground loops, and intrinsic safety when used with appropriate signal conditioners. The housing is constructed from a special high‑temperature nickel alloy, hermetically welded to protect the internal sensing element from moisture, corrosive gases, and particulate contamination. The integral MI cable is protected by a double braid, providing exceptional mechanical robustness and resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and high temperatures. The cable terminates in a vibro‑meter® high‑temperature connector (Hex. 7/16″), which mates with standard extension cables for flexible system integration.

The CA134 144‑134‑000‑613 carries full Ex certification for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (hazardous areas), complying with the rigorous ATEX and IECEx requirements. This certification, combined with the sensor’s inherent stability, low transverse sensitivity, and wide frequency response, makes it the preferred choice for safety‑related vibration monitoring systems where both reliability and accuracy are non‑negotiable.

With a nominal sensitivity of 10 pC/g, a dynamic measurement range from 0.001 g to 500 g peak, and a resonant frequency exceeding 14 kHz, the CA134 144‑134‑000‑613 captures vibration signatures from low‑frequency machinery dynamics up to high‑frequency gearmesh and blade‑pass frequencies. Its frequency response is flat from 0.5 Hz to 3500 Hz within ±5 %, and extends to 6000 Hz with a tolerance of ±10 %, making it suitable for both slow‑speed rotating equipment and high‑speed turbomachinery.

This product introduction provides a comprehensive description of the CA134 144‑134‑000‑613, covering its key features, applications, detailed specifications (presented in tabular form), ordering information, available accessories, and essential installation guidelines. All information is derived from the latest product data sheet and reflects Parker Meggitt’s commitment to engineering excellence and customer support.

Key Features and Benefits

Wide Operating Temperature Range – The CA134 144‑134‑000‑613 operates continuously from –54 °C to 500 °C, with the integral cable and sensor head both rated for this extreme span. A cryogenic‑capable version extends the lower limit to –253 °C (20 K), ensuring reliable performance in liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquid oxygen/hydrogen pump monitoring.

Integral Mineral‑Insulated Cable – The factory‑welded MI cable with double braid protection offers superior mechanical strength, excellent electrical insulation, and resistance to high temperatures, chemicals, and abrasion. The leak‑tight assembly eliminates moisture ingress and guarantees long‑term signal integrity.

Hermetically Welded Nickel Alloy Case – The sensor housing is fully welded from a special high‑temperature nickel alloy, providing a sealed enclosure that protects the piezoelectric element from environmental contaminants and ensures consistent performance over decades of service.

Ex Certified for Hazardous Areas – The CA134 144‑134‑000‑613 is approved for installation in potentially explosive atmospheres, making it safe for use in oil and gas, petrochemical, and mining applications where flammable gases or dusts may be present.

Symmetrical Differential Output – The internal case insulation and differential charge output (2‑pin system isolated from ground) enable direct connection to charge converters (e.g., IPC70x series) without ground loop issues, improving signal‑to‑noise ratio in electrically noisy environments.

High Sensitivity and Wide Dynamic Range – With a sensitivity of 10 pC/g ±5 % and a measurement range from 0.001 g to 500 g peak, the sensor captures both subtle bearing wear and severe imbalance conditions. Overload capacity up to 1000 g peak protects against shock events.

Excellent Linearity and Low Transverse Sensitivity – Non‑linearity is less than ±1 % over the full dynamic range, and transverse sensitivity is below 5 %, ensuring accurate vector measurement without cross‑axis interference.

High Resonant Frequency – A nominal resonant frequency above 14 kHz allows the sensor to respond faithfully to high‑frequency content, which is crucial for detecting early‑stage gear and bearing defects.

Robust Physical Construction – Weighing approximately 120 g (sensor head) with a cable weight of 140 g/m, the device is compact and low‑mass, minimising mass‑loading effects on the vibrating structure. Mounting is achieved via three M4 screws with lock‑washers, providing secure attachment even under high shock and vibration.

Applications

The CA134 144‑134‑000‑613 is the ideal vibration sensor for a wide spectrum of demanding applications, including:

• Gas and Steam Turbine Monitoring – Continuous vibration measurement on bearings, casings, and shafts in power generation, aviation, and marine propulsion.

• Compressors and Pumps – Monitoring of centrifugal, axial, and reciprocating compressors, as well as cryogenic pumps handling LNG, liquid nitrogen, and other low‑temperature fluids.

• Hazardous Area Installations – Ex‑rated sensors used in oil refineries, chemical plants, gas terminals, and coal‑handling facilities where explosive atmospheres exist.

• Aerospace Test Rigs – Vibration analysis of engine components, gearboxes, and auxiliary power units (APUs) under extreme thermal and mechanical stress.

• Industrial Condition Monitoring – Long‑term trending and predictive maintenance programmes in steel mills, cement plants, paper mills, and mining operations.

• Cryogenic Engineering – Monitoring of rotating machinery in cryogenic test facilities, space propulsion systems, and superconducting magnet cooling systems.

• High‑Temperature Process Equipment – Kilns, dryers, fans, and blowers operating in ambient temperatures beyond the capability of standard accelerometers.

Detailed Description of the Integral Cable Version (144‑134‑000‑613)

The CA134 144‑134‑000‑613 is distinguished by its factory‑assembled, non‑removable integral mineral‑insulated cable. This cable is constructed with a nickel‑alloy sheath, magnesium oxide insulation, and two inner conductors, providing exceptional electrical isolation and mechanical durability. The cable is protected by a double stainless steel braid, which resists abrasion, cuts, and chemical attack, making it suitable for routing through cable trays, conduit, or directly exposed to high‑temperature zones.

The cable is hermetically welded to the sensor housing at the factory, creating a single, unified assembly that is fully sealed against moisture and gas ingress. This eliminates the need for a separate connector at the sensor end, which is a common point of failure in conventional accelerometer installations. The integral design also reduces the number of connections, minimising signal loss and improving overall system reliability.

The free end of the cable terminates in a vibro‑meter® high‑temperature connector, specifically the Hex. 7/16″ type. This connector is a rugged, circular, threaded‑coupling design with a keyway, ensuring secure mating and polarisation. It is compatible with standard extension cables that feature the corresponding CG505 or 7/16″‑27 UNS‑2B connector. The connector is rated for the full operating temperature range and maintains its sealing integrity even under severe thermal cycling.

Because the integral cable is permanently attached, the CA134 144‑134‑000‑613 is particularly well‑suited for applications where the sensor and cable will be exposed to continuous high temperature or harsh chemicals, and where a reliable, low‑maintenance solution is required. It also simplifies installation by eliminating the need to separately seal and protect a sensor‑end connector.

Installation and Mounting Guidelines

Proper installation is critical to achieving the specified performance from the CA134 144‑134‑000‑613. The following guidelines are derived from Parker Meggitt’s recommended practices:

• Mounting Surface Preparation – The mounting surface should be flat, smooth, and clean. Any burrs, paint, or corrosion must be removed to ensure full contact between the sensor base and the machine surface. A surface finish of 1.6 µm (63 µin) or better is recommended.

• Screws and Torque – The sensor is secured using three M4×16 Allen screws and three M4 spring‑lock washers. The recommended tightening torque is 4 N·m (3 lb‑ft). This torque ensures consistent preload and avoids over‑stressing the housing. Use of thread‑locking compound (such as Loctite) is optional but may be beneficial in high‑vibration environments.

• Orientation and Alignment – The sensitive axis is marked on the sensor housing. Align the sensor such that its sensitive axis coincides with the direction of the vibration to be measured. For axial, radial, or tangential measurements, refer to the installation manual for detailed orientation diagrams.

• Electrical Grounding – The CA134 144‑134‑000‑613 features internal case insulation; therefore, the mounting surface does not need to be electrically insulated. However, the sensor case is not connected to either signal pin, so grounding the housing to the machine structure is acceptable and often beneficial for electromagnetic shielding. The differential output should be connected to a charge amplifier with a differential input to fully exploit the noise‑rejection benefits.

• Cable Routing – The integral MI cable should be routed with a minimum bend radius of 50 mm (2.0 in) to avoid damaging the internal insulation. The cable should be secured at regular intervals using P‑clips or cable ties, but care must be taken not to over‑tighten and crush the cable. Avoid running the cable adjacent to high‑voltage power cables or sources of strong electromagnetic fields.

• Temperature Considerations – While the sensor and cable are rated for 500 °C continuous, the extension cable and signal conditioner must also be rated for the expected temperature at their respective locations. If the extension cable passes through a hot zone, ensure it is of the appropriate type (e.g., EC119, EC222, EC390) and that any intermediate connectors are protected.

• Hazardous Area Installation – All installation practices must comply with local regulations and the specific Ex certificate requirements. The sensor and cable are intrinsically safe when used with approved barriers and signal conditioners. Consult the relevant certificate and the installation manual for detailed wiring diagrams and safety parameters.

Commissioning and Verification

After installation, the CA134 144‑134‑000‑613 should be verified using a known vibration source (e.g., a portable shaker or a reference accelerometer). The charge amplifier output should be checked for correct scaling and polarity. A simple sensitivity test can be performed by applying a known acceleration and measuring the output charge or voltage. The sensor’s insulation resistance should also be checked at ambient temperature to ensure no degradation has occurred during installation.

For safety‑related systems, a proof test or functional check may be required at regular intervals, as specified in the plant’s maintenance procedures. The CA134 144‑134‑000‑613 is designed for long‑term stability, but periodic calibration (e.g., every 2‑5 years) is recommended to maintain measurement accuracy.

Ordering Information

The CA134 144‑134‑000‑613 is ordered using the following designations:

When placing an order, it is essential to specify the exact part number 144‑134‑000‑613 to obtain the integral cable variant. For the sensor‑only variant, the cable assembly must be ordered separately (see Accessories below). Custom cable lengths are available – please consult your local Parker Meggitt representative for non‑standard lengths and special options.

Accessories

To complete the measurement chain, the following accessories are recommended for use with the CA134 144‑134‑000‑613:

Note: The cable length must be specified when ordering any cable assembly. Extension cables are available in various standard lengths; custom lengths can be manufactured on request. The EC119 and EC390 cables provide sealed flexible protection, making them ideal for outdoor or moisture‑prone environments. The EC222 cable offers a more flexible, unsealed option for drier, indoor conditions.

Disposal and Environmental Compliance

At the end of its service life, the CA134 144‑134‑000‑613 should be disposed of in accordance with local environmental regulations. The sensor contains nickel alloys, stainless steel, and piezoelectric materials, which should be recycled where possible. In the European Union, the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive applies – please consult your local authority for guidance on proper recycling channels.