Acclon Technologies

Thyracont Vacuum measurement at Acclon Technologies

Reliable vacuum measurement starts with the application, not the sensor. What pressure range needs to be measured? Which process gas is involved? What level of accuracy is required? And does the measurement need to be integrated into a PLC or machine control system?

Acclon Technologies works with Thyracont, a specialist in vacuum measurement technology. Thyracont offers vacuum sensors and measurement solutions based on various measurement principles, including Pirani, Piezo, capacitive, cold cathode and hot cathode technologies.

Acclon helps customers select a suitable measurement solution by looking beyond the required pressure range and considering the complete application.

Why does Acclon work with Thyracont?

Thyracont specialises in vacuum measurement and offers a broad product range for different vacuum ranges and applications. One of the key advantages for Acclon is the availability of different measurement principles. This allows us to determine which technology best matches the process and measurement requirements of each application.

Thyracont’s technical specialists are also easily accessible. When an application has specific requirements or there is uncertainty about the right sensor or configuration, Acclon can consult directly with Thyracont. This collaboration is particularly valuable for applications where vacuum measurement needs to become an integral part of a larger system or machine.

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Thyracont products at Acclon

Smartline vacuum transducers

The Smartline series is an important product line within the Thyracont portfolio for Acclon. In particular, the VSP series regularly features in enquiries involving pressure measurement and monitoring in vacuum systems and machinery.
One example is the VSP63MA4, a Pirani vacuum transducer with a measurement range from 1000 to 1 × 10⁻⁴ mbar.

However, selecting the right version depends on more than the required measurement range. The process, gas used, vacuum connection and the way in which the measurement signal is processed also need to be considered.

VD800 vacuum gauges

For mobile vacuum measurement, servicing, maintenance and diagnostics, the VD800 series is an interesting product line.

A compact vacuum gauge can be used, for example, to independently check the pressure actually achieved by a vacuum pump or system. It can also be used to monitor how pressure develops during pump-down.

This makes the VD800 series relevant not only for customers, but also as a practical tool for servicing and troubleshooting vacuum systems.

The older VD8 series is being phased out. For new applications, Acclon therefore considers the VD800 series the current product line to evaluate.

Which vacuum measurement solution is right for your application?

Selecting a vacuum sensor based solely on its measurement range is usually not enough.

Acclon therefore starts with the application. When selecting a vacuum gauge or sensor, we consider factors including:

  • the vacuum and pressure range to be measured;
  • the required accuracy;
  • the process gas being used;
  • potential chemical exposure;
  • the connection to the vacuum system;
  • the required output signals;
  • communication with a PLC or machine control system;
  • the position of the sensor within the vacuum system.

Based on these factors, we can determine which measurement principle and sensor are best suited to the application.

Different measurement principles for different vacuum applications

Thyracont uses various vacuum measurement technologies, including:

Pirani

For various vacuum applications where pressure measurement and monitoring are required.

Piezo

Another measurement principle within the Thyracont portfolio that can be used depending on the process and required measurement range.

Capacitive measurement

For applications where the characteristics of a capacitive measurement principle are better suited to the measurement requirements.

Cold cathode

A measurement principle that can be used when measurements need to extend further into the high-vacuum range.

Hot cathode

An additional technology for vacuum measurement in vacuum ranges where this measurement principle is suitable.

The most appropriate measurement principle depends on more than pressure range alone. Acclon can therefore help compare the available options for a specific application.

 

Where is Thyracont vacuum measurement technology used?

Machine building & OEM

Vacuum sensors can form an integral part of a machine’s control system. In these applications, not only the measurement itself but also output signals, communication and integration with the machine control system play an important role.

Laboratories & R&D

In laboratory and research environments, reliable pressure measurement may be required to monitor, control and analyse vacuum processes.

Process systems

Within process systems, vacuum pressure can be used for monitoring or as part of process control. The appropriate sensor depends on factors such as the process gas, required pressure range and operating conditions.

Service & maintenance

Portable vacuum gauges can be used to independently verify the pressure achieved by a pump or system, monitor pressure during pump-down and investigate vacuum-related problems.

waarom onderhoud glovebox

Selecting a vacuum sensor? Look beyond the measurement range

Two vacuum sensors may have a similar measurement range on paper while still being unsuitable for the same application.

The measurement principle can influence the measurement, for example. Some measurement principles are gas-dependent, while others are much less affected by gas type. Accuracy, material selection, chemical resistance, response time and available output signals may also be important.

The position of the sensor within the system also deserves attention. The pressure directly at the vacuum pump does not necessarily equal the pressure at the point where the actual process takes place.

For this reason, when replacing an existing or older sensor, Acclon prefers to reassess the application rather than simply selecting a one-to-one replacement. A different or newer measurement solution may now be better suited to the system.

Ook de plaats van de sensor verdient aandacht. De druk direct bij een vacuümpomp hoeft niet gelijk te zijn aan de druk op de plek waar het daadwerkelijke proces plaatsvindt.

Daarom kijkt Acclon ook bij het vervangen van een bestaande of oudere sensor liever opnieuw naar de toepassing dan uitsluitend naar een één-op-één vervanger. Een andere of nieuwere meetoplossing kan inmiddels beter aansluiten op de installatie.

From practice: integrating multiple vacuum measurement points via PROFINET

A recent enquiry from a Dutch machine builder demonstrates how vacuum measurement can involve much more than simply selecting a sensor.

The installation required multiple vacuum measurement points. For this application, eight Thyracont Smartline VSP63 sensors were considered.

In addition to selecting the sensors, the customer wanted to understand how they could be integrated collectively into the machine control system via PROFINET and which technical considerations or limitations needed to be taken into account.

Acclon therefore looked not only at sensor selection but also at the technical configuration. Where necessary, we consulted directly with Thyracont.

This enquiry illustrates Acclon’s approach to vacuum measurement: not as an isolated component, but as an integral part of the complete system.

8 measurement points | Smartline VSP63 | PROFINET | Machine building

vacatures bij Acclon Technologies - service engineer

What does Acclon add to Thyracont vacuum measurement technology?

Customers do not need to know in advance which Thyracont part number or measurement principle they require. Acclon’s added value lies in translating the customer’s application into a suitable vacuum measurement solution.

We consider the process, required pressure range, gas used, vacuum connection, required output signal and any communication requirements involving a PLC or other control system.

Acclon can also provide support with:

  • selecting vacuum sensors and gauges;
  • replacing existing or discontinued gauges;
  • assessing alternatives to sensors from other manufacturers;
  • technical coordination with Thyracont;
  • questions relating to inspection and calibration;
  • coordinating repairs or replacements with the manufacturer;
  • integrating vacuum measurement into a complete vacuum system.

Because Acclon works with vacuum pumps, vacuum components and complete vacuum systems on a daily basis, we also consider the relationship between the pump, pipework, sensor position, measured pressure and the actual process.

Frequently asked questions about Thyracont and vacuum measurement

Welke vacuümsensor heb ik nodig voor mijn vacuümbereik?

Het meetbereik is een belangrijk uitgangspunt, maar niet het enige selectiecriterium. Ook het meetprincipe, procesgas, de gewenste nauwkeurigheid, chemische belasting, aansluiting en signaalverwerking kunnen een rol spelen. Acclon kijkt daarom naar de complete toepassing voordat een sensor wordt geselecteerd.

Wat is het verschil tussen Pirani, Piezo, capacitieve en kathode-vacuümmeting?

Deze technologieën maken gebruik van verschillende meetprincipes en hebben daardoor verschillende eigenschappen en toepassingsgebieden. Welk principe geschikt is, hangt onder andere af van het vacuümbereik, procesgas en de eisen die aan de meting worden gesteld.

Kan een Thyracont-sensor worden aangesloten op een PLC of machinebesturing?

Afhankelijk van de gekozen sensor en uitvoering zijn verschillende mogelijkheden voor signaaloverdracht en communicatie beschikbaar. Bij de selectie kijkt Acclon daarom ook naar de bestaande machinebesturing en de gewenste integratie.

Kan Thyracont een bestaande vacuümsensor vervangen?

In veel gevallen kan naar een passend alternatief worden gezocht. Daarbij kijkt Acclon liever niet alleen naar een één-op-één vervanging, maar opnieuw naar de toepassing. Zo kan worden bepaald of de oorspronkelijke oplossing nog steeds het meest geschikt is.

Welke vacuümsensor is geschikt voor agressieve of corrosieve gassen?

Dat is afhankelijk van onder andere het procesgas, de chemische belasting, gebruikte materialen en het meetprincipe. Bij dergelijke toepassingen is het belangrijk om deze omstandigheden mee te nemen bij de sensorselectie.

Moet mijn vacuümsensor worden gekalibreerd of vervangen?

Wanneer er twijfel bestaat over de meetwaarde kan worden onderzocht of controle, kalibratie, reparatie of vervanging de passende vervolgstap is. Acclon kan daarbij ondersteunen en waar nodig de afhandeling met de fabrikant verzorgen.

Advies over Thyracont vacuümmeting

Wilt u een vacuümsensor selecteren, een bestaande meter vervangen of vacuümmeting integreren in een machine of procesinstallatie?

Acclon kijkt samen met u naar het gewenste vacuümbereik, het proces, het gebruikte gas, de technische aansluiting en de manier waarop de meetgegevens worden verwerkt. Zo selecteren we een meetoplossing die aansluit op de daadwerkelijke toepassing.