Rugged Design and Core Measurement Capabilities for Heavy‑Duty Applications

The CA 202 piezoelectric accelerometer from Vibro‑Meter is purpose‑built for continuous vibration monitoring on critical rotating machinery such as gas turbines, steam turbines, compressors, fans, and pumps in demanding industrial settings. This sensor employs a symmetrical shear‑mode polycrystalline measuring element with internal case insulation, which effectively eliminates ground‑loop interference and ensures stable charge output even in electrically noisy environments. The accelerometer offers a sensitivity of 100 pC/g and a frequency response ranging from 0.5 Hz to 5,000 Hz (±5%), making it suitable for capturing both low‑frequency machine vibrations and higher‑frequency bearing or gearmesh signatures. Its dynamic measuring range covers 0.01 g to 400 g peak, with overload capacity up to 500 g peak for shock events, and linearity within ±1% from 0.01 g to 20 g and ±2% up to full scale. A key structural feature is the integral cable protected by a flexible stainless‑steel tube that is hermetically welded to the housing, ensuring robust sealing and long‑term reliability in wet, dusty, or chemically aggressive environments. The transducer is entirely constructed from austenitic stainless steel, offering excellent corrosion resistance, and its base‑strain sensitivity is remarkably low at 0.1×10⁻³ g/με at 250 με peak‑to‑peak, minimising measurement errors caused by mounting surface deformation. With a nominal mounted resonant frequency of 20 kHz, the accelerometer operates well below its resonance, guaranteeing accurate readings within its specified band. This combination of rugged mechanical construction, wide dynamic range, and high sensitivity makes the CA 202 a dependable choice for predictive maintenance programmes where early detection of bearing wear, imbalance, misalignment, or looseness is essential to avoid unplanned downtime.

Wide Temperature Tolerance and Hazardous‑Area Approvals Extend Application Boundaries

What truly distinguishes the CA 202 is its exceptional ability to perform reliably under extreme thermal conditions and in potentially explosive atmospheres. The accelerometer and its integral cable are rated for continuous operation from –55 °C to +260 °C, with carefully characterised temperature errors: ±3% from –55 °C to +23 °C, ±5% from +23 °C to +200 °C, and ±8% from +200 °C to +260 °C. This ensures that measurement fidelity remains consistent across the full operational range, which is critical for trend analysis and fault diagnosis on high‑temperature assets like turbine casings and exhaust ducts. Furthermore, the CA 202 carries both EC type examination and voluntary type examination certificates for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, allowing direct installation in Zone 1, Zone 2, or other hazardous classified areas without the need for external intrinsic safety barriers. The internal case insulation and two‑pole charge output further enhance safety by isolating the signal lines from the housing, simplifying system design for Ex‑rated installations. For applications involving extreme radiant heat, the optional MA 133 thermal insulation kit can be fitted to protect the sensor body, extending its effective service life even in the most severe conditions. By combining high‑temperature capability with explosion‑proof certification, the CA 202 eliminates the need for separate sensor types for hot and hazardous zones, thereby reducing spare parts inventory and streamlining maintenance logistics. Whether deployed on a gas turbine in a power plant, a compressor train in a refinery, or a pump on an offshore platform, the accelerometer delivers consistent, repeatable data that enables operators to make informed decisions about equipment health while complying with strict safety regulations.

Versatile Ordering Options and Easy System Integration

To accommodate varied installation requirements and cable routing constraints, the CA 202 is offered in both standard and Ex‑certified versions with multiple cable lengths. Standard models are available with 3‑metre (144‑202‑000‑205), 6‑metre (144‑202‑000‑215), 11‑metre (144‑202‑000‑225), and 20‑metre (144‑202‑000‑235) integral cables, while the Ex‑version counterparts are designated 144‑202‑000‑105, 144‑202‑000‑115, 144‑202‑000‑125, and 144‑202‑000‑135 respectively. This broad selection allows engineers to choose the optimal cable length for their specific machine layout, minimising the need for additional junction boxes or extension cables that could introduce signal attenuation or failure points. The accelerometer provides a differential charge output via a two‑pole system isolated from the casing, requiring an external charge amplifier for signal conditioning – a common configuration in industrial vibration monitoring systems. Its nominal pole‑to‑pole capacitance is 4500 pF (plus 105 pF/m of cable), and pole‑to‑casing capacitance is 10 pF (plus 210 pF/m of cable), with internal insulation resistance exceeding 10⁹ Ω, ensuring excellent signal integrity over long cable runs. The transverse sensitivity is kept below 3%, effectively suppressing cross‑axis interference that could otherwise corrupt measurements. When installing the sensor, users should consider the mounting surface preparation, torque specifications, and the use of the MA 133 thermal insulation kit where appropriate – all detailed in the product documentation. With its straightforward charge‑output interface and robust mechanical design, the CA 202 integrates seamlessly into both new and existing condition‑monitoring systems, enabling rapid deployment without extensive re‑engineering. This plug‑and‑play compatibility, combined with comprehensive certification coverage, significantly reduces project lead times and total installed cost for industrial vibration monitoring projects.

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