The CA201 Piezoelectric Accelerometer is a classic industrial-grade piezoelectric vibration sensor introduced belongs to the proven VM product line. Designed for continuous vibration monitoring in harsh industrial environments, this sensor features a symmetrical shear-mode piezoelectric sensing element and a fully sealed, welded stainless steel construction, renowned for its high reliability and stability.
The CA201 offers high sensitivity (100 pC/g) and a wide dynamic range, making it suitable for vibration measurement from low-speed rotating equipment to medium- and high-speed machinery. The product was available in versions certified to the then-applicable CENELEC standards for explosion protection, allowing use in designated hazardous areas. Its signature integral cable, fitted with a stainless steel braided protective hose welded to the sensor body, ensures long-term sealing and mechanical strength under severe operating conditions. The CA201 is a reliable choice for vibration monitoring of critical equipment (such as compressors, pumps, fans, and generators) in industrial predictive maintenance systems.
2. Functional Principle
The CA201 piezoelectric accelerometer operates based on the piezoelectric effect. Its core sensing element is a specially polarized polycrystalline piezoelectric ceramic material, assembled in a mechanical "shear" configuration. When the sensor's base vibrates with the measured object, an internal seismic mass applies a shear force to the piezoelectric crystal due to inertia.
When piezoelectric material is subjected to mechanical stress, its internal lattice structure deforms, causing the positive and negative charge centers to separate. This generates an electrical charge proportional to the applied force (i.e., acceleration) on the electrode surfaces. This charge output signal is high-impedance.
The sensor utilizes a "shear" design, which decouples the sensitive piezoelectric element from deformation and thermal disturbances of the sensor base and housing. This design gives the CA201 low sensitivity to mounting surface strain (base bending) and ambient temperature changes, resulting in more stable and accurate vibration signals.
The charge signal output by the CA201 requires processing by an external charge amplifier (charge converter). The primary function of the charge amplifier is to convert the high-impedance charge signal into a low-impedance voltage signal, amplify it, and normalize it for subsequent reading and analysis by data acquisition systems, PLCs, or monitoring instruments. The accuracy and stability of the entire measurement chain rely on the sensor's own high insulation resistance and low-noise cable design.
3. Application Areas
The CA201 is widely used in industrial vibration monitoring fields demanding high reliability:
Rotating Machinery Monitoring: Bearing vibration monitoring for critical equipment such as gas turbines, steam turbines, centrifugal and reciprocating compressors, large water pumps, generator sets, and induced draft fans.
Process Industries: Condition monitoring and fault warning for pumps, agitators, and gearboxes in industries like petrochemicals, natural gas processing, and pharmaceuticals.
Hazardous Areas: Versions with specific explosion-proof certifications (e.g., CENELEC EEx ib) could be used in plant areas with potentially explosive atmospheres (applicability must be confirmed based on the specific certificate).
General Industrial Manufacturing: Providing predictive maintenance support for various critical production equipment to prevent unplanned downtime.
4. Product Advantages
High-Reliability Construction: Fully sealed austenitic stainless steel welded housing, with the sensor and stainless steel protective hose welded as one unit, offering high protection level, corrosion resistance, moisture resistance, and oil resistance.
Excellent Signal Characteristics: High sensitivity (100 pC/g). The shear design provides very low sensitivity to base strain and thermal transients, ensuring true and reliable signals.
Robust and Durable: Heavy-duty industrial design, capable of withstanding shocks up to 500 g. The integral armored cable provides excellent mechanical protection.
Proven Explosion-Proof Certification: Available in versions certified to then-applicable CENELEC standards (e.g., EEx ib IIC T5), suitable for specific hazardous locations.
Wide Operating Temperature Range: Sensor body operating temperature range up to -54°C to +260°C, suitable for most high-temperature industrial environments.
Standardized Installation: Uses universal mounting hole patterns and screws for easy installation, requiring no additional insulating washers.
Proven Track Record: As a member of the classic vibro-meter® product line, it has a wide range of successful application cases and reputation worldwide.
