Applications for inductive proximity sensors

[kensensorlearner]

Hi All,

Im assigned to a new product line and industry and Im trying to understand what all uses exist for harsh environment inductive proximity sensors. So far from google I can tell there are applications within valves and process equipment (steel manuf etc) but I see a lot of other sensors used for similar things (LVDTs etc). When are non-contact sensors used above say 200C or below -100C? Why/where would someone go with a non-contact sensors over an LVDT?

Thanks.