A Look at the Latest Sensors From Murata, EBE, and Endress+Hauser

Modern process automation relies heavily on sensors to monitor machine condition and process variables. As OEM equipment becomes more compact and data-driven, sensor manufacturers are releasing devices designed for easier integration, higher accuracy, and improved diagnostics.

Recent releases from Murata, EBE Sensors + Motion, and Endress+Hauser focus on vibration monitoring, non-contact media detection, and compact flow measurement. These technologies help OEM builders design smarter skids, laboratory equipment, and compact automation systems.

High-Frequency Vibration Monitoring for Rotating Equipment

Rotating machinery such as pumps, motors, and compressors generates vibration during normal operation. As bearings wear or lubrication degrades, vibration levels increase. Monitoring these changes helps engineers detect faults before failure occurs.

Murata introduced a compact vibration sensor designed for embedded installation inside equipment. The device supports high-frequency detection up to 20 kHz using piezoelectric sensing technology. This range allows early identification of bearing defects and mechanical imbalance.

In OEM equipment, vibration data can be routed directly to control platforms such as Bently Nevada 3500 System for condition monitoring. This enables predictive maintenance strategies and reduces unexpected downtime.

Non-Contact Foam and Media Detection

Processes involving liquids often generate foam, air pockets, or mixed media. These conditions can cause pump cavitation, inaccurate flow readings, or unstable process control.

EBE Sensors + Motion released a compact sensor capable of detecting foam, air, and liquid without direct contact. The device mounts externally and analyzes capacitive and conductive characteristics through hose or vessel walls.

This approach simplifies hygienic applications such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and laboratory automation. Engineers can detect foam formation and automatically stop pumps or switch process paths before damage occurs.

The sensor provides real-time data through a digital interface, allowing direct integration into PLC or DCS systems used in skid-mounted automation equipment.

Compact Flow Measurement for OEM Cooling Systems

Cooling skids and compact process systems require small sensors that still provide multiple measurements. Endress+Hauser introduced an OEM-focused version of its Picomag electromagnetic flowmeter designed for space-constrained installations.

The sensor measures flow, temperature, and conductivity within small diameter pipes. This makes it suitable for data center cooling systems and modular liquid cooling platforms.

Unlike the standard version, the OEM model removes wireless communication and focuses on wired integration. IO-Link and analog outputs allow easy connection to control architectures such as Allen-Bradley CompactLogix or similar PLC platforms.

By combining multiple measurements in one device, OEM builders can reduce panel space, simplify wiring, and improve overall system reliability.

Sensor Trends in OEM Automation

These new sensor releases highlight several trends in modern automation design. Devices are becoming smaller, more integrated, and easier to embed into equipment. Multi-parameter sensing reduces installation complexity, while digital interfaces support advanced diagnostics.

For OEM machine builders, these technologies enable predictive maintenance, improved process visibility, and more compact equipment layouts. As automation systems continue evolving, sensor integration will remain a key factor in improving reliability and performance.

Lin Haibin writes about industrial automation technology, focusing on PLC systems, condition monitoring, and sensor integration in OEM equipment.