Sensors, Actuators

Video interview: Take precise measurements, bravely apply results

Process instrumentation and sensing insights

  • CS Instruments USA explains why precise measurements are important with compressed air and gas measuring technologies.
  • Calibration provides benefits for applications of precision instruments.
  • Dew point sensors, flow meters, leak detection, pressure sensors and other technologies help with process optimization, according to Martin Zeller, general manager, CS Instruments USA, in a discussion with Control Engineering.

Precision sensors gather data that can help improve processes to increase profits, reduce waste and augment quality, according to a Control Engineering expert interview with Martin Zeller, general manager, CS Instruments USA https://www.cs-instruments.com/us/. (See Figure 1.) Answers are summarized below. Click into the ControlEngTV video for more information.

CS Instruments USA: Precise measurements are important

Question: Martin, welcome and please briefly explain your role at CS Instruments USA.

Zeller: I oversee our subsidiary’s team, including marketing, sales, services, finance and sourcing in USA, Canada and Mexico.

Q: Why is precise measurement of compressed air and gases important for Control Engineering subscribers?

Zeller: Compressed air and gases, part of many manufacturing processes, require precise measurements to avoid safety, shutdowns, waste, quality and other issues. Stamping, cutting, bonding, painting, logistics and motion control and packaging are among applications.

Oil Check 500 from CS Instruments USA is a monitoring system for high-precision measuring of the vaporous residual oil content of compressed air and nitrogen. Installation is simple, and the unit can be replaced by loosening four screws. Pushing a button completes a function test. Measuring can be continued almost without interruption. Below, see back. It has an M12 plug and air inlet / air outlet for sampling via PTFE hose or stainless-steel line. Digital and analog interfaces are standard. Courtesy: CS Instruments USA.

Compressed air, gas measuring technologies

Q: What about how CS Instruments develops, produces and calibrates compressed air and gas-measuring technologies differs from other companies?

Zeller: We have many engineers working on product quality. Calibration is important, calibrating to real pressure in field conditions.

Q: What product introductions over the past few years address customers’ needs in their markets and how? Please include some application benefits with quantified examples if available.

Zeller: A new oil vapor device has unique features, including parts per billion measurement and four calibration points within ISO 8573 Class 1 (total 11 calibration points). Sensor swap ability limits downtime when calibration is needed. Drift measurement can be highlighted for operators. A differential pressure flow meter has 2 m/second measurement compared to others at 20m/second.

Certification, calibration benefits for precision instruments

Q: Please explain how certifications help quality, environment and safety for customer applications.

Zeller: Calibration is important to ensure sensors, the nervous system of the plant. Our sensors are very long-term stable. An appropriate recurring schedule is recommended. Machine maintenance is important. Without appropriate calibration, waste may be produced, increasing the carbon footprint.

Q: CS Instruments has 13 subsidiaries, explain working relationships between headquarters in Germany and how that benefits global applications of compressed air and gas measuring?

Zeller: Headquarters help aggregate input from many markets to improve product quality. We also develop custom original equipment manufacturer (OEM) solutions and learn from those experiences and apply what learn in future product development.

The CS Instruments USA VD 550 is a flow sensor for wet compressed air and gases with extremes sensitivity in the lower measuring range. It measures from 2 m/sec so covers the operating range of speed-controlled compressors and is particularly suitable for extremely high flow rates, with an IP67 environmental rating. At right, see close-up of sensing element. Courtesy: CS Instruments USA

Dew point sensors, flow meters, leak detection, pressure sensors and more help

Q: Major product areas include dew point, flow meters, leak detection, pressure sensors, compressed air quality, chart recorders, software, power meters and humidity. We could talk for hours on these topics, but please identify how some of the history in these areas informs how customers approach technology applications in 2025 and beyond.

Zeller: Gathering and using data is so important to improve processes to increase profits, reduce waste, augment quality. If you measure, you may see uncomfortable realities that require action, and we can help.

Q: Is there anything we didn’t cover that you’d like to add to help Control Engineering subscribers?

Zeller: Sensors don’t have to be really expensive to start an implementation by learning from a few sensors on key or critical processes. [Video gives examples.] Then you can learn from successes and build on that. Reach out. We can help.

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Mark T. Hoske is editor-in-chief, Control Engineering, WTWH Media, [email protected].

KEYWORDS

Process instrumentation, precise air and gas measurement

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