New pressure scanner launches with world-first features

MIA member Evolution Measurement have released the following article. 

Introducing the DSA5000 from Scanivalve
 
A new digital pressure scanner launched by US manufacturer, Scanivalve Corporation, is set to delight engineers with a portfolio of innovative new features.

After two years in development, Scanivalve’s talented engineers have broken new ground with the DSA5000 as it delivers a significant number of world firsts.

The Scanivalve DSA5000 pressure scanner is a versatile, self-contained data acquisition system developed to capitalise on over 55 years history in manufacture of pressure measurement devices. The rugged, feature-rich package has a fully-customisable host of electrical and pneumatic interface options, making it ideal for use in a wide range of applications such as gas turbine testing, flight test, wind engineering and other industrial applications. The user-friendly interface offers straightforward operation in small projects in education and research facilities where low channel counts are required.

Each channel uses a dedicated pressure sensor, with all data acquisition, data conversion and communications being handled on-board. Uniquely, the DSA5000 utilises an individual 24-bit A/D converter and RTD for each sensor allowing fully, truly synchronous, data collection. Data can be delivered at rates of up to 5,000Hz per channel in a wide of engineering units.

A new and unique form of connectivity has been developed, in the DSA5000. Through revolutionary ‘ring-architecture’ capability, multiple DSA5000s can be connected together through industry standard miniature Ethernet connectors. This delivers the industry’s only integrated, multi-drop architecture, industrial network configuration for pressure scanning instrumentation. This creates an isolated, mini-network where the “master” unit serves as a single point of communications for all scanners in the mini-network. Scanners are automatically identified, easily configured, and accurately synchronized. Data from all scanners are merged to provide a single output data file with pressure and temperature values from all of the connected Scanivalve 5000 series scanners.

Whilst smart, fast and highly accurate, the DSA5000 is also designed to withstand extreme environments. Its IP67 rated aluminium case is rugged but lightweight, with an option to install a self-controlled internal heater which allows operation in ambient temperatures as low as -50°C. The DSA5000 can also be fitted with an optional shock-mount kit, which has been tested to MIL-STG 810G Cat. 24, 514.6.

Offering a multitude of pressure ranges from 4”H2O (0.18psi) to 1,000psi (at launch) in several pneumatic configurations means a DSA5000 can be configured for low pressure aerodynamic tests, high pressure compressor tests, and everything in-between.
 
Aerodynamic testing in aerospace and other extreme environments, has a unique set of challenges. For example, in flight testing, the scanner must be able to operate consistently at extreme temperatures. The DSA5000 offers a self-controlled internal heater option. With the heater option installed, DSA modules can be operated in ambient temperatures down to -50°C.

The optional shock mount kit has been tested to MIL-STG 810G Cat.24, 514.6. enabling the scanner to produce accurate data in the harshest of environments.

Whether the DSA5000 is used in the wind tunnel or on aircraft for measurement and validation, it provides valuable data to help produce higher performance, safer and more efficient aircraft.

Paul Crowhurst, Managing Director at Evolution Measurement said, “This is a truly exciting product. Never before have we seen this level of capability in a pressure instrument. This is going to revolutionise aerodynamic development as our world embarks on more advanced airframe and gas turbine engine development.”

Watch the video demonstration here.