Electricity + Control May 2019

SENSORS, SWITCHES + TRANSDUCERS

Sensors are designed to perceive, reason, compute and communicate.

environments. In these applications, it is always best to select sensors that carry ATEX approval. Another example of a special material is in sen- sors with a PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) coating, which makes them adhesion-resistant and easy to clean. This type of coating is not damaged by harsh mechanical cleaning. Leveraging advances in sensor technology Touching on energy efficiency, Bryant says there has been a significant reduction in energy consump- tion with the move from analogue to digital sensing solutions. He says that with continuous product im- provement by leading OEMs such as Leuze, energy efficiencies are expected to improve further. Greater innovation in design and engineering is expected to see even more compact devices be- ing produced, with even better materials of con- struction and a reduction in power usage. Bryant is hoping that more South African op- erations will embrace the operational efficiencies that can be achieved by moving towards Industry 4.0 and says that the improvements in productivity and quality alone should support this decision. “It does not require a complete overhaul of a fa- cility and does not need to break the bank.The first

step would be to get a sensing specialist to assess the facility and implement a phased approach to take the operation to the next level,” he says. Important factors here include the selection of the correct sensing solution and the proper in- stallation to ensure optimum performance. Bryant cautions that although there are numerous sensor suppliers, it is important also to purchase sensors from a supplier than provides technical expertise and support locally. “The selection of appropriate sensors requires a certain skills set, as does the correct installation and initial calibration of these intelligent devices,” he says. “An informed decision can make all the difference when it comes to leveraging the major advantages that sensors can offer companies, and we believe that South African companies can no longer afford to ignore the need to start moving towards Industry 4.0.” □

For more information contact Gerry Bryant, Countapulse Controls. Tel. +27 (0)11 615 7556,

email: bryant@countapulse.co.za, or visit: www.countapulse.co.za

Automated processes require sensors that can operate at the highest resolution possible.

Sensors can operate in parallel ensuring quality, productivity and safety are met.

22 Electricity + Control

MAY 2019