Electricitiy + Control February 2015

LIGHT + CURRENT

ROUND UP

New series high performance sensors

Eaton has introduced its new E75/E76 series of high performance photoelectric sensors. Sensors with field-adjustable background suppression and a considerably extended sensing range are also being released for the first time. The key to this is the Intel- liView technology. It enables a number of new sensing techniques for colour, contrast and luminescence sensing for particularly demanding applications requiring increased precision over large distances in challenging conditions. The high precision combined with the improved background suppression make the E75/76 sensor series into a flexible, high performance solution for a wide range of applications.Through the small number of sensing errors, the devices contribute even in the most difficult environments to increasing the productivity of machines and plants. In the E75/76 series, Eaton is presenting a photoelectric sensor with field-adjustable background suppression. It detects objects precisely at a distance of up to 190 cm and at the same time suppresses for example container edges. Besides the broad application range, the sensor stands out on account of its simple installation. This enables users to put the device easily into operation and adapt automatically to the individual requirements at the site of

installation. Eaton has also developed laser distance sensors with increased sensing depth, especially for the E75/E76 IntelliView series. These distance sensors output a signal from 0 - 10 V which changes within the operating range proportionally to the distance between the face of the sensor and the target.The integrated class II laser detects objects in a range between 0,3 and 4 m. In addition to analogue outputs, the sensors are provided with two PNP outputs

that can be programmed so that they switch at the set distances. Eaton's series E75/ E76 photoelectric sensors are divided into colour, contrast and luminescence sensors. The colour sensors feature a new ‘chroma- ticity plus intensity’ algorithm.This provides increased sensitivity for colour tone vari- ations and improves the differentiation of grayscale tones. Enquiries: Dean Nurden. Eaton Electric South Africa.Tel. 11 874 4315 or email DeanNurden@Eaton.com

Latest in radar sensors for bulk solids

signal.This is a distinct improvement on the previous model which operated at 26 GHz. In containers and silos with many internal obstructions, this enhanced focusing helps to reduce the influence of background ‘noise’. This means that reliable measure- ment is also possible even with complex internal structures. New microwave components allow the sensor to detect even the smallest reflected signals. Products such as plastic powders or wood chips, which until recently were very difficult to measure because of their poor reflective properties can now be measured with very high reliability.This considerably extends the application range for radar technology in the bulk solids industry and opens up new application areas as well.

January saw the launch of VEGA ’s latest offering in radar sensors to the market (see ‘social engineers' page 43). The level transmitter operates at a fre- quency of 79 GHz, which allows a consid- erably better focusing of the transmitted

With a measuring range of up to 120 metres and an accuracy of +/- 5 mm, the sensor has sufficient performance capability even for the out of the ordinary tasks such as level gauging inmine shafts or distancemeasure- ment on conveyor systems. Despite its large measuring range, the sensor is also an ideal solution for small hoppers or containers; the different antenna designs enable the optimum solution to meet the application needs. Completely unaffected by dirt and build-up, the innovative lens antenna guar- antees maintenance-free operation even in harsh environments. To make set-up and commissioning easier, an intelligent App for smartphones has been developed. It al- lows quick and easy alignment of the sensor on a swivel holder. By entering the vessel height and the distance from the discharge opening, the App automatically calculates the optimum tilt angle. Enquiries: Chantal Groom on 011 795 3249 or email chantal.groom@vega.com

Clemens Hengstler, VEGA product manager (radar) demonstrates VEGA's new radar sensors for bulk solids.

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