Electricity + Control September 2019

SENSORS, SWITCHES + TRANSDUCERS

Conclusion Enhanced with more powerful and versatile programmability as well as more rugged design and construction, ultrasonic sensors are viewed as the ideal technology for an increasing number of challenging applications. With these advances, more users can take advantage of the low-cost, simple operation, low maintenance requirements, and other inherent advantages of ultrasonic, non- contact sensors. The smart sensor capabilities explained in this brief are available as standard features in all Senix ToughSonic CHEM sensors which are available locally from INSTROTECH, manufacturer and distributor of process control instrumentation and specialised systems.

Multiple output requirements In some non-contact distance measurement applications, results need to be communicated in multiple formats and to multiple controlling devices. For example, a liquid level application may require that a pump or a valve be controlled with switches and a tank-level display provided using analogue outputs. Similarly, liquid level applications often require outputs to a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a display. Add in a networking or synchronisation requirement and users might need three or four simultaneous outputs from a single application. Smart sensors can encode measurement data in a variety of simultaneous outputs, including serial digital, analogue and switch signals.

Smart sensors can encode measurement

data in a variety of simultaneous outputs, including serial digital,

analogue and switch signals.

round up

SENSORS, SWITCHES + TRANSDUCERS

New pressure sensors for homogenisers ifm’s new pressure sensors for homogenisers feature robust pressure measuring cells. The pressure sensors have been updated and now incorporate IO-Link, switching output, scalable analogue output, and an additional pressure range, as well as providing improved performance. They also feature easy setting via three push-buttons as well as a two- colour display and clearly visible switch point LEDs. In homogenisers there are often very high pressure peaks which can damage pressure sensors. These new sensors are equipped with robust diaphragm seals and have been tested successfully at 1.2 times the nominal pressure and 60 million cycles. Enquiries: ifm electronic ZA.Tel: +27 (0)12 450 0400, or email: info.za@ifm.com

The new pressure sensors provide improved performance and are designed to withstand the high pressure peaks that can occur in homogenisers.

38 Electricity + Control

SEPTEMBER 2019