The development of an ATEX zone 0 encoder for explosive environments(ATEX Encoder)

对于任何无损检测来说，确定缺陷的精确位置是至关重要的。先进的检测，如相控阵或全矩阵捕获，需要传感器的精确位置，因为它在检测过程中移动。这允许将收集到的数据视为地图或3D段。机器人或探头的里程数由编码器处理。编码器是一种传感器，它感知位置或方向，用作参考，甚至作为控制位置的反馈。如果这些先进的技术要在潜在的爆炸性环境中使用，例如石油和天然气行业，那么ATEX认证是先决条件。ATEX认证证明了组件/系统在爆炸性环境中使用的适用性。目前的ATEX编码器不适合无损检测应用，因为它们体积庞大，扭矩非常大，需要一些力才能使轴旋转，编码器才能记录精确的位置。它们也容易打滑，这可能会影响机器人或探头的位置，特别是在存在碳氢化合物的环境中。ATEX环境：易燃气体、雾或蒸气或可燃粉尘可能引起爆炸性环境。在这些环境中，最小的点火源（如火花或热表面）都可能引起爆炸，造成重大损害、严重伤害和生命损失。使用正确的设备可以防止这种情况。在某些情况下，这些环境必须进入工作或检查。在这些环境中使用的设备必须通过ATEX认证-设计和认证，以防止任何爆炸，而不是成为潜在的点火源。该项目的目标是开发一个atex认证的非接触式磁编码器。在物理上，新的编码器将比传统的设计短得多。消除了机械联轴器（通过轴）的需求，进一步减小了整体封装尺寸，并将大大降低编码器扭矩。这意味着将新的编码器集成到空间是一个重要因素的应用中要容易得多，它将适用于无损检测应用，在具有挑战性的工业环境中编码器意外损坏的可能性将大大降低。

Vital to any NDT inspection is pinpointing the precise location of the defects found. Advanced inspections, such as phased array or full matrix capture, need the precise location of the sensor as it is moved during the inspection. This is to allow the data collected to be viewed as a map or 3D segment. The odometry of the robot or probe is handled by an encoder. An encoder is a transducer that sense the position or orientation for use as a reference or even as a feedback to control position.If these advanced techniques are to be used in potentially explosive environments, such as the oil and gas industry, then ATEX certification is a pre-requisite. ATEX certification demonstrates component/system suitability for use in an explosive environment. Current ATEX encoders are not suitable for NDT applications as they are bulky and have a very high torque that necessitates some force to enable the shaft to rotate and the encoder to record precise position. They can also be prone to slippage which may affect the position of the robot or probe, especially in an environment where hydrocarbons are present.ATEX environment: explosive atmospheres can be caused by flammable gases, mists or vapours or by combustible dusts. In these environments the smallest source of ignition such as a spark or a hot surface can cause an explosion resulting in significant damages, serious injuries and loss of life. Using the correct equipment can prevent this. In some circumstances, these environments must be entered to work or inspect. The equipment used in these environments must be ATEX certified -- designed and certified to prevent any explosions and not become a potential source of ignition.The goal of the project is to develop an ATEX-certified contactless magnetic encoder. Physically, the new encoder will much shorter than the conventional designs. Eliminating of the need for a mechanical coupling (via a shaft) further reduces overall package size and will considerably reduce the encoder torque. That means it will be much easier to integrate the new encoder into applications where space is an important factor, it will be appropriate to NDT applications, the potential for accidental damage to the encoder in challenging industrial environments will be significantly reduced.