PROJECTS
Once the measuring principle has been validated, the next step in the development of a sensor system consists in manufacturing a prototype or test bench to check its functionality.
Test benches are fundamentally used to run tests that take into account factors affecting the measuring principle and to try to simulate, to the greatest possible extent, the operating conditions a sensor will have to withstand during its life cycle.
The implementation of a sensor system at a plant could face serious problems and might even have to be fully redesigned should the approach used for real operating conditions be wrong.
It is also important to know how measurements will be taken at the plant (in-line, on-line, at-line u off-line).
In the case of fluids, in-process pressure, flow and temperature must be known.
As regards solids, and in addition to temperature, it is necessary to understand the frequency of measurements by placing a solid, if necessary, in a given position to obtain a reliable measurement.
Results obtained on the test bench are very useful whenever sensor system operations have to be optimised.
These tests tell you if any modifications have to be made in the design to achieve correct plant operation or whether the calibration algorithm used for quantification or sorting measurements has to be adjusted.
