A unique application of the Keller Sesnor 21Y transducer is to use hydraulic pressure to function ocean vessel’s keels. Built into sailing boats floors is a hydraulic system which, using hydraulic pressure, functions the keel to balance the boat. The keel is operated by a hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder contains electrical valves needed for controlling the hydraulic pressure. The hydraulic cylinder is connected to the hydraulic group (electric motor, hydraulic pump and oil tank) by the distributor. The Keller Sesnor 21Y is connected to the distributor and measures the pressure of the cylinder, in order to correctly orientate the keel depending on the direction the vessel is moving in (windward or leeward) to prevent capsizing due to strong winds and waves. The distributor and keel can be adjusted using the control box.
The Keller Sensor 21Y is a pressure transducer made from steel, hastelloy and titanium. Created with the intent of providing low-cost calibration, the transducer measures pressure and provides an output signal corresponding to the pressure using a combination of mechanical and electrical components.
Keller produces more than 750 000 pressure transmitters with a variety of different designs for different purposes. This includes being successfully used to regulate internal cabin pressure in aircrafts, assisting hybrid vehicles to efficiently switch over from natural gas to petrol, and as reference sensors in laboratory research.
The Sensor 21Y is capable of measuring ranges between 2 bar and 1000 bar, functioning with a Total Error Band of about 1.5%FS over the temperature range of -20 degrees to 80 degrees Celsius.
In order to be functional in harsh changing environments, the sensor is extremely resistant to interference from electromagnetic fields and can withstand external voltages between the housing and electrical connection of as much as 300V.
During the last Vendee Globe Regatta, contestant skipper, Isabelle Joschke equipped her IMOCA boat, the MACSF, with the Keller Sensor 21Y. After 62 days of sailing, and achieving 11th place in the race, Joschke had to withdraw due to technical difficulties, not relating to the Sensor 21Y. Visit https://www.instrotech.co.za/ for more Keller transducers adn applications
