Sensor Integration

[Woody]

So I am looking for some basic input here; those of you who have already seen some of my other posts know that I am new to PLC's/Automation and just beginning to grasp the basics. The Question: I need to connect an ammonium sensor (ISE) to my Allen Bradley PLC; would I be correct in understanding that I would need nothing else but the sensor? And I would just connect it to one of the analog inputs that I have available? http://www.fondriest.com/thermo-orion-standard-ammonia-electrode.htm Just want to make sure I don't need anything else before I buy this and try and hook it up. (Compact Logix L35E) Thanks Edited February 5, 2013 by Woody

[OkiePC]

Looks like that sensor puts out a mV signal. I have not seen this type of sensor wired directly to a PLC. Usually, there is some sort of transmitter involved so that the signal read by the PLC is already linear, scaled and in a more useful range like 4-20mA. I am not saying it can't be done, and I am a novice with refrigeration controls. I would thoroughly study the manual for your sensor to determine if a mV input card is adequate for your purposes. http://www.fondriest...onia_manual.pdf Edited February 5, 2013 by OkiePC

[Woody]

Thanks. I believe that you are right after looking at the manual. Anyone know of a sensor that I could use? Is HACH's ammonium sensor an option?

[DanW]

Without doing a web search, my answer is "probably". Hach 'retails' finished products to industrial consumers so Hach has the means to produce a complete instrument. One way to tell is to look for what kind of electrical output it provides. Is it something on the order of 4-20mA? 0-5Vdc? 1-5V dc?