What Is an Electromagnetic Counter?
An electromagnetic counter is a device that counts by the operation of an electromagnet built into the electromagnetic counter, which is activated by the pulse wave of an electrical signal.
It is connected to the actual circuit and operates only with external power, as the fluctuating value of the electrical signal is changed to a mechanical force by the magnets and counted. Electromagnetic counters can be classified into two categories: preset counters, which act as switches to operate the device according to the counted value, and total counters, which output only the counted value.
Uses of Electromagnetic Counters
Electromagnetic counters are mainly used in production plants for a variety of products. When selecting an electromagnetic counter, it is necessary to consider factors such as counting accuracy, the amount of current and voltage in the circuit to be connected, ease of maintenance, connectivity, vibration resistance and dust resistance.
1. Electrical Circuit Measurement
Used as ammeters and voltmeters, they measure the current and voltage of electrical circuits. This enables the management of the electricity supply network and the design and troubleshooting of electronic equipment.
2. Electricity Metering
Also used as electricity meters, they measure electricity consumption in households and industry, helping to regulate the electricity supply and calculate tariffs.
3. Geomagnetic Measurement
Used as a magnetometer, it measures fluctuations in the earth’s magnetic field. This is important for studying geomagnetic activity and calibrating compasses that use geomagnetic orientation.
4. Metal Detection
Used as a metal detector to detect buried metal objects (e.g. currency, weapons, underground pipes, etc.). Used for security checks and searches for valuables.
5. Non-destructive Testing
Used for non-destructive testing to detect defects and anomalies inside materials. For example, it is used to assess the quality of welds and to measure the density of materials.
6. Medical Equipment
In the medical sector, the electromagnetic counter principle is used in diagnostic imaging devices such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT scans (computed tomography). These devices help to visualise tissues and organs in the body in detail.
Principle of Electromagnetic Counters
Electromagnetic counters consist of wiring for connection to a circuit, a coil, an electromagnet and a counter whose value fluctuates as the electromagnet moves. In the case of preset counters, a device is included to transmit the counting values to other devices.
Electromagnetic counters usually generate a magnetic field around the coil by generating an external current pulse, which is then passed through the coil. The magnetic field of the magnetic field affects a nearby metallic object and induces a current in the metallic object. This induced current is generated by the metallic object and its magnitude depends on the nature and position of the object.
How to Choose an Electromagnetic Counter
1. Intended Use
First of all, it is important to clarify for which application the electromagnetic counter is to be used. There are suitable models for current measurement, voltage measurement, geomagnetic measurement, metal detection, etc.
2. Measuring Range and Accuracy
The measuring range and accuracy must be chosen to suit the specific application. If high-precision measurements are required, choose a counter with high accuracy. If a wide range of currents or voltages are to be measured, counters with a wide measuring range are suitable.
However, it is important to strike a balance, as selecting counters with excessively high accuracy or wide ranges can lead to high costs.
3. Interfaces and Data Acquisition
If data acquisition or recording is required, it should be checked whether there is an interface (e.g. analogue output, digital output, RS-232C, USB, Ethernet) or data logging function (i.e. the counter records the measured data at regular intervals for later analysis).
4. Calibration and Maintenance
Electromagnetic counters require regular calibration and maintenance. Check the calibration procedure and ease of maintenance of the chosen model. Particularly with regard to maintenance, this includes regular inspection, cleaning and replacement of parts to prevent counter components from deteriorating or wearing out.
If the counter is used under specific environmental conditions (e.g. high temperature, high humidity, corrosive environments, etc.), maintenance measures must be adapted to these conditions.