Sparks Electrical News December 2021

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

10

Leading-edge technology in thermal cameras and IR thermometers

precision needed to do the job accurately. Designed and tested to survive a 3 m drop, this lightweight, compact infrared thermometer works in the harsh- est of environments and even when unattended. Ap- plications include industrial maintenance, electrical and HVAC industries. The Fluke 64 MAX IR features: • Precise laser technology for more accurate and repeatable measurements. • Temperature accuracy of up to ≥ 0°C: ± 1°C or ± 1% of reading, whichever is greater, with 20:1 distance to spot ratio (64 MAX). • Flashlight (64 MAX) and large, easy-to-read backlit LCD display for easy viewing even in dark environments. • IP54 rated for extra protection against airborne contaminants. • Set time and desired interval between meas- urements and Auto Capture will capture spot temperatures unattended (64 MAX). • 99 data point logging (64 MAX). • Displays the minimum, maximum or average temperature, or the difference between two measurements. • Hi and Lo alarms for rapid display of measure- ments outside set limits. • The 62 MAX+ has dual rotating lasers to help identify the area to be measured. The measure- ment area is the spot between the dots (62 MAX and 64 MAX have 1). For more information on the Ti401 and TiX501 PRO series thermal cameras, visit: bit.ly/3F04ejZ. For more information on the 64 MAX IR thermometer, visit bit.ly/3DdndGC. Enquiries: +27 (0)10 595 1820

sensitivity that captures the smallest measurement differences, the latest technology for on-screen clar- ity, and lens compatibility to capture targets – from tiny to large. The Ti401 PRO thermal camera gives ‘in-focus’ images in a matter of seconds. LaserSharp™ Auto Focus uses a built-in laser distance meter that calcu- lates and displays the distance from the designated target and immediately adjusts the focus. Users see small details in the image and can dis- cover anomalies faster with 640 x 480 resolution thermal images. The level of infrared and visible light can be ad- justed (on camera) with patented IR-Fusion™ tech- nology. Manage data, capture multiple measurements (mechanical, electrical and thermal) and organise them with Fluke Connect™ software. Top quality optics to transmit energy and produce high quality infrared images. Fluke thermal cameras use only 100% diamond-turned germanium lenses with specialty coatings. The TiX501 PRO Hi-Res thermal camera allows for near as well as distant images. Interchangeable smart lenses require no calibration of the thermal camera and give users the versatility and image quality needed to conduct inspections in almost any environment. Advanced thermal sensitivity helps find subtle temperature differences easily. An IR thermometer that takes heat, dust, water and a 3 m drop Another product, the Fluke 64 MAX IR thermometer, offers internal memory, unattended monitoring, im- proved accuracy, increased battery life, as well as the

The Fluke Ti401 PRO thermal camera.

The Fluke 64 MAX IR thermometer.

W hen diagnosing problems, captur- ing and displaying small temperature variances makes all the difference. Comtest is offering Fluke’s Ti401 and TiX501 PRO series thermal cameras, recently fine-tuned to make it easier for technicians, engineers, and electricians to get to the problem’s root cause faster by identifying hot spots, cold spots, and apparent surface temperature differentials with a

higher degree of confidence. These IR cameras have increased thermal sensitivity to capture minute differences and the latest Fluke technol- ogy for on-screen clarity to make it easy to visu- alise issues in the field. The Fluke PRO series cameras introduce a leading-edge visual infrared experience with the smartest, most intuitive user interface available to market. The units feature increased thermal

Put your healthiest foot forward

Distance sensor with pulse ranging technology for positioning accuracy

S afety footwear plays a vital part in creat- ing a safe and healthy work environment, protecting workers’ feet from the many dangers that are present in the workplace. Safety shoes are sold with varying features and specifications – from steel midsoles, steel toecaps and metatarsal protectors – all designed to protect the feet. While necessary to protect the outside of the foot, safety footwear is not always good for the foot itself. This raises the issue of designing ethical safety footwear. That is footwear that protects the foot, but also best promotes foot health. Safety foot- wear designers must allow for natural foot action to stimulate healthy blood flow, but also protect the wearer from various workplace hazards. So, how do you strike the balance between pro- tecting workers’ feet but at the same time keep- ing them healthy? Those in charge of workplace health and safety need to look at three things. 1: It starts with the shape The shape, alignment and proportional design of the mould is important, but so too is the positioning and flexibility of the sole. With increased sole flex- ibility, the new Bova Trax 2.0 range has improved the flexion of the sole significantly, which increases blood flow through the body. Healthy foot blood flow has many positive effects. It prevents fatigue, aids concentration, decreases stress and supports both

cardiovascular and foot function.

D ynamic applications such as distance meas- urement and positioning in storage and re- trieval machines or shuttle cars require a high measuring rate. The new R1000 distance sensor with Pulse Ranging Technology (PRT) is suitable for high- precision distance measurement. For this purpose, the dimension of the light spot was designed so that the sensor can easily compensate for mechanical influ- ences such as vibrations and shocks. Due to its com- pact housing, easy integration in applications with con- fined installation space is possible. The red transmitter light for easy alignment of the photoelectric sensor and an integrated display ensure user-friendly com- missioning and diagnostics. Precision even at long distances The R1000 offers an accuracy of <1 mm over the en- tire measuring range, which guarantees optimum po- sitioning. This is possible due to the underlying PRT. It is currently considered the most precise method for distance measurement in the industrial environment and has outstanding measuring characteristics for de- manding applications: PRT enables non-contact posi- tion determination even over large distances, so that no additional measures for fine positioning are neces- sary. Therefore, the devices of the R1000 series are ideally suited for demanding applications that require positioning with accuracy down to a millimetre. In ad- dition, the sensor is insensitive to ambient light, dirt or

dust, which opens up a wide range of applications for users.

2: A weighty issue The weight of a safety shoe or boot can affect a person’s energy levels. By reducing the weight on a sole you are saving on energy exerted per step. For an individual taking 8 000-10 000 steps per day and spending long hours on their feet, any reduc- tion in the weight of the shoe will reduce physical exertion. Weight in the Bova Trax 2.0 range has been reduced by 261 g per pair on average (based on a pair of size 8 shoes). This takes the equivalent of 1,3 kg off the back and reduces energy exerted by up to 2,8% per step. 3: A multi-layered approach Employers should look for safety footwear that provides multiple layers of shock absorption and comfort. Safety footwear in the Bova Trax 2.0 range provides three layers of comfort technology that work together to absorb shock, reduce fatigue and improve overall foot health. Bova Trax 2.0 has been designed in consulta- tion with an expert podiatrist and guided by data collected from a broad spectrum of South African wearers. This gave birth to a safety footwear range that provides more flexibility, is lighter in weight, has better traction and delivers even greater comfort.

Space-saving and rugged With ranges of up to 150 m and device dimensions of 55 x 116 x 81 mm, the sensor can be integrated even in particularly small machines or in lifting applications. Since the R1000 features metal threaded holes as standard, mounting can be carried out directly at short measuring distances. Optional mounting accessories for long-range adjustments are available. The compact housing is based on a robust metal frame, making the series suitable for use in harsher environments. Due to the Class 1 laser, eye-safe use of the sensor is guaranteed at all times without ad- ditional protective measures. Highlights of the R1000 distance sensor: • Compact and robust housing for use in confined installation spaces. • Metal threaded holes for direct mounting at short measuring distances, optional mounting acces- sories for long-range adjustments. • Pulse Ranging Technology for high-precision distance measurement and positioning. • Resistant to environmental influences such as ambient light, contamination or dust. • Eye-safe Class 1 laser.

Enquiries: info@za.pepperl-fuchs.com

Enquiries: www.bova.co.za/new-trax-range.

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

DECEMBER 2021