The PIM sensor is contained within a compact housing, but is said to have the dual functions of pump monitoring and pressure detection. According to the manufacturer, the unit can increase machine uptime and reduce damage caused by malfunctioning pumps.
The sensor continuously monitors a pump, providing a numeric indication of the operating system pressure as well as independent continuous diagnosis of the pump’s condition.
It measures the high-frequency pulsations of the pump when it is operating properly and stores it as reference. If the pulsations change due to changes in the system, the sensor detects the differences. It can also detect critical pump conditions such as cavitation, in which case the sensor will transmit an alarm signal to the controller.
The sensor also monitors for potential disturbances around the pump such as trapped air in the medium, clogged filters, deposits in pipes or improperly opened valves.
According to the manufacturer, the continuous monitoring function of the sensor means it can be integrated into condition-based concepts or real-time maintenance, allowing for longer maintenance intervals.