IEPE traxial accelerometer sets record 900°C

The overseas customer who used it at 900°C (preferring to remain confidential), has been using the IEPE voltage output accelerometer as part of their turbocharger testing procedures for a number of years. Used for both development and production checking, the customer found that the operating temperature of their units was gradually increasing. Therefore the accelerometer temperature has also risen to match.

DJB Instruments commented on this application, stating: "This doesn’t really surprise us, in theory we believe it can be used at even higher temperatures, our only problem is that we don’t have the testing equipment to prove it. What is even more amazing is that the core temperature of the accelerometer is measured at just 33°C even though the surface temperature is over 900°C and the cooling system used is so simple, a windscreen washer pump and a 5 litre water container that isn’t even chilled."

At the International Automotive Testing Expo in June, DJB Instruments announced a programme of training events in Germany and France, entitled 'Accelerometers - The Truth and More'. Scheduled to start after the 2014 summer break period, the training event helps delegates to re-evaluate their applications and uses of accelerometers with a particular focus on areas such as mounting and cable selection.

"Although we have used accelerometers for many years, they have become the ‘taken for granted’ sensor and as such we don’t give them the attention we should, this course has opened our eyes to the importance of getting the accelerometer selection and fitting correct," said a UK delegate.