Self-contained through-beam sensors
25 August, 2008When they first arrived on the scene, photoelectric sensors debuted as through-beam devices using lights and reflectors. Over the years, they’ve blossomed into full lines of specialised designs, each excelling at a certain job.
Microwave beam blockage detector
08 August, 2008Hawk has announced a microwave beam blockage detector. The system uses microwave energy to detect blockage of the path between a sender and receiver. The system is suitable for high-reliability blocked chute detection in bulk material conveying and transfer systems, solving the costly problems of false tripping and failure to respond, which can occur with traditional tilt switch types.
Motor monitoring relays
08 August, 2008The PMDsigma electronic monitoring relays monitor values such as voltage, current, temperature or phase sequence. The first unit in the range monitors true power. This provides an early warning system for hazardous plant conditions, with no requirement for additional sensors.
PCA inclinometers
17 July, 2008Inclinometers are a valuable device for measuring the angle of equipment without any moving parts; the solid-state system is housed in a rugged metal case for mounting directly onto machinery. Fraba/Posital have recently extended their range from ±15°, 15° or 30° to include a single-axis unit capable of measuring the full 360°, and a dual axis unit with ±80° — both with CanOpen output protocol.
M-Gage wireless vehicle sensor
08 July, 2008Banner Engineering has introduced the M-Gage wireless sensor node for vehicle sensing using Banner’s new SureCross Wireless Network. The specially optimised M-Gage wireless sensor is encapsulated in a rugged, IP67 SureCross node enclosure and accompanied by a long-lasting FlexPower battery.
Where vision meets sensors
11 June, 2008Discrete sensors and vision tend to be at polar opposites in complexity and capability. But sensor suppliers are now providing more sophisticated sensors and application techniques advancing up the curve towards vision solutions, and vision providers are trying to expand down the curve towards the discrete sensor world. But instead of a crash of technologies, a new layer of technology is evolving that combines the best from each.
TDI the least complex of any gauging system
21 January, 2008With NDC Infrared every sensor and every scanning frame comes with its own built-in intelligence for higher speed and greater accuracy in measurement. This distributed intelligence is achieved by a state-of-the-art processing engine called a D-BRIC. Each D-BRIC is smaller than 4 x 6" (10 x 15 cm), yet powerful enough to run an entire gauging system on its own.
NDC Infrared SR7I0 reflectance gauge
19 November, 2007The NDC Infrared SR7I0 reflectance gauge is a sensor designed to allow accurate, online measurement of thin coatings on metal foils or metallised papers and plastics.
O4 series photoelectric sensors
17 October, 2007The ifm electronic opto family is growing with the release of the O4 series, a photoelectric sensor with ranges up to 50 m.
Non-nuclear X-ray backscatter gauge
19 September, 2007NDC Infrared has announced the model 318 XRB sensor — a non-nuclear X-ray backscatter gauge designed as an alternative to GBS and beta sensors.
Fibre-optic photoelectric switch
19 September, 2007The WLL190T-2 fibre-optic photoelectric switch from Sick has two programmable switching thresholds per device, an additional analog output and a response time of 60 µs. Together with over 80 different fibre-optic cables in the Sick LL3 series, it is suitable for those tasks where little mounting space is available, the sensor head (ie, the fibre-optic cable) must be adapted to meet the needs of the application, or the sensor (as an evaluation unit) must be installed at a distance to the objects to be detected - due to EMC, high temperatures or chemical effects.
Position sensors
22 May, 2007Cylinder sensors are used to detect the position on pneumatic C slot cylinders. The advantage is that the non-contact sensors virtually work without wear and often achieve a longer life than reed switches, saving on repair costs and down times.
Capacitance sensors
23 January, 2007The Minicap capacitance sensors are commonly used in the dust environment of the grain handling industry. Applications include level control and conveyor speed detection.
Dual-receiver sensors
06 December, 2006The 44B photoelectric sensor incorporates adjustable background or foreground suppression. The sensor is designed for industrial applications requiring reliable detection of targets close to a surface - such as a conveyor - that must be ignored by the sensor.
Smart positioner
06 December, 2006The YT-2350 smart electro pneumatic positioner is housed in a Stainless Steel 316 IP66 enclosure and fits well in areas of high corrosion. It is available in both rotary and linear design. Incorporated in the design is an easy-to-see LCD offering logical auto calibration and parameter setup. The option of HART communication and 4-20 mA feedback signal are available in both the linear and rotary designs.
