Detecting and counting clear bottles in pharmaceutical, food and beverage applications has been a difficult sensing challenge. With traditional photoelectric sensors the sensing beam may burn through translucent materials, or the emitted light may reflect off the bottle, resulting in unreliable counting results. Ultrasonic sensors can be used to detect clear objects reliably, but ultrasonic solutions may not have a fast enough response time, and the ultrasonic beam is usually too wide to detect the gaps between bottles. A solution is needed that will reliably count clear bottles as they pass on a conveyor, and is sensitive to the small gaps between targets.
The World-Beam QS30 clear object sensor from Turck Banner has been created specifically to detect and count clear objects reliably. The optical design of the QS30 controls how the emitted light strikes the reflector. The stable and controlled optical path allows the sensor’s microcontroller to detect small changes in the light level. Additionally, the fast 500 microsecond response time makes the sensor able to detect and count the clear bottles as they quickly pass on the conveyor.
For counting applications, the switching threshold is based on the amount of light received by the sensor as the gap between the bottles passes through the light beam. To configure this application, the sensor is aligned to the retroreflector, and the bottles are positioned so that the beam is passing through the gap between the bottles. A Light SET is then performed to teach the sensor the expected light level it should receive from the retroreflector. The user selects a switch point, either 8% (clear), 16% (medium) or 32% (dark) below this taught light level. All conditions darker than this selected switch point will trigger an output.
In this application, the sensor’s automatic compensation algorithm should be disabled to prevent the sensor from adjusting to the brighter light level it receives when no bottle is present. It is advised to select the darkest switch point which reliably detects the bottle. The medium level will work for most applications. Dark level may provide more robust detection under difficult environmental conditions such as dust and vibration.
The QS30 clear object sensor has an innovative 30 mm housing to suit any mounting requirement, and has IP67 or IP69K environmental rating, depending on the model. Not only does it have a high power sensing range of 200 metres, but it is also easily configurable, using either the push button on the sensor or via a remote input line. It includes bright LED operating status indicators visible from 360° for easy identification.
The smallest most powerful infrared sensor in the world
Sensors & Transducers
The superior performance and robustness of Telco’s infrared sensors ensures that there are no limits to any mining and industrial applications.
Read more...Easy parameter setting of vision sensors ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
Contour verification and object inspection are two of the most important functionalities in industrial imaging. With the new O2D5xx series, ifm now offers a solution that perfectly masters both functionalities
Read more...Status display for conveying sensor, machine and device data Turck Banner Southern Africa
Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays
Enhance application accuracy and efficiency with the SD50 Status Display, which conveys sensor, machine and device data via text and multicolour LEDs.
Read more...New range of vision units Beckhoff Automation
Sensors & Transducers
Beckhoff has added four new vision units to its VUI2000 series. They integrate a camera, illumination and liquid lens technology for simplified installation.
Read more...Condition monitoring sensor
Sensors & Transducers
The Balluff BCM Gen2 Condition Monitoring Sensor is an advanced IIoT-ready device designed for real-time machine health monitoring.
Read more...Inductive IO-Link sensors Turck Banner Southern Africa
Sensors & Transducers
Turck Banner is expanding its sensor range, with inductive measuring sensors with IO-Link and an analogue output for flush and non-flush mounting.
Read more...Value of PDS grows with data and sensing technology
Sensors & Transducers
Rapidly developing technology is constantly being harnessed by proximity detection systems (PDS) to deliver steadily improved functionality to customers. Booyco Electronics sees improved PDS solutions being developed, such as the combination of multiple different sensing technologies into a single fully integrated solution.
Read more...Pulp fiction or pulp precision? VEGA Controls SA
Sensors & Transducers
The density of fruit concentrate has a direct impact on the flavour, texture and overall quality of the final product. The VEGA Minitrac 31, VEGASOURCE 31, and the KV 31 mounting bracket present a failproof solution that effectively addresses the technical complexities associated with high temperature, viscosity and fouling.
Read more...Telco sensors in the pulp and paper industry Gail Norton Instrumentation
Sensors & Transducers
The pulp and paper industry poses a major problem for most photoelectric sensors. The high level of contamination in these dusty, dirty and grimy environments makes it impossible for most competing sensors to operate and sense reliably and efficiently.
Read more...Vibration monitoring with IO-Link ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
Machine vibrations are important indicators when it comes to assessing the current condition of a machine. fm’s new and smart IO-Link vibration sensor helps to implement a simple and scalable condition monitoring approach using only a single device.
printer friendly version