Digital Tachometer:  Benefits and Applications

One device that’s crucial in industrial motor control is the digital tachometer.  While tachometers aren’t always necessary (depending on the motor and controllers), they can be very useful in various types of equipment for monitoring the motor’s speed, counting, process control and ratio/draw applications.

A digital tachometer can be used for over speed, under speed and zero speed applications.  Generally the tachometer has a simple interface that can be integrated with an existing industrial motor or system.  The device can help prevent damage to equipment as well as reduce loss of material thanks to early detection of changes in the motor’s speed.  It can also provide immediate alert when the motor has stalled.

Industries and Uses

Tachometers can be used for various types of equipment in a number of settings, such as conveyors, windmills, rotary feeders, grinders, dryers, cooling equipment, augers and elevators.  Some common industries that use these devices include power plants, recycling facilities, chemical plants, automotive plants, material handling, food/beverage facilities, paper mills and many others.

Carotron manufactures Digital Pulse Tachometer c-face ring kits, which can be mounted on standard NEMA C-face motors.  These can transmit signals up to 1500 feet without additional amplification, so they can easily be used for monitoring speed or giving feedback in motor control applications.  They are also reliable for counting, ratio/draw application and process control.  Each kit uses a magnet wheel and digital sensor that are sealed tightly to protect from dust, oil and water.

If you need to install a new tachometer or replace a digital tachometer for industrial uses, be sure to contact a sales engineer directly if you need help with your application.  It can be a very simple process once you have the right device for the motor that’s being used…and can save time and money in the future.