Sensors & Transducers


Clear water sensors

October 2008 Sensors & Transducers

Banner WORLD-BEAM QS30 water sensors solve challenging liquid applications in clear, frosted or coloured containers.

Banner Engineering’s opposed mode water sensors provide an innovative solution for efficiently detecting water-based liquids in clear, frosted, coloured or even partially opaque bottles or containers. QS30 water sensors use a specially designed 1450 nm sensing beam, which is inherently absorbed by water, to make the previously challenging clear bottle/clear water combination detection a high-contrast application, enabling reliable detection. In addition, the sensors have high excess gain to burn through coloured glass, labelled or decorated bottles.

This light-blocking technique delivers accurate sensing at a cost-effective price
This light-blocking technique delivers accurate sensing at a cost-effective price

Principle of operation

The units consist of an emitter and a choice of either a low-power receiver, ideal for detecting water in clear bottles, or a high-power receiver, designed to effectively receive the emitted beam through partially opaque containers. In addition, the 13 mm diameter beam can be shaped using one of the three apertures that come standard with each emitter/receiver pair. The aperture reduces excess gain and narrows the sensing beam, facilitating accurate detection of water in vials, test tubes or other small vessels and containers.

“At a wavelength of 1450 nm, water absorbs about 1000 times more energy than at visible wavelengths, allowing the QS30 Water Sensor to deliver reliable results in two ways,” said Dennis Smith, technical marketing engineer at Banner. “When the bottle is clear, the energy absorption of the water creates high contrast between the water and the bottle. For example, a clear PET plastic bottle may attenuate about 5% of the light emitted, while the water attenuates about 95% of the light energy, allowing for simple discrimination between an empty or full bottle. The sensor also has the optical power to burn through many partially opaque glass and plastic containers, but not through the liquid contents,” Smith adds.

The QS30 Water Sensor is a member of Banner’s WORLD-BEAM QS30 product line, a family of easy-to-use sensing products with a wide array of sensing modes and sizes, and delivered in standard 30 mm housing. The sensor’s rich feature set also includes the following:

* Offers compact design and mounting versatility.

* Features rugged IP67 housing for harsh environments.

* Provides easy-to-read operating status indicators.

* Delivers excellent noise immunity and crosstalk avoidance.

* Resists environmental contamination from moisture and dirt.

* Includes bipolar NPN/PNP outputs, with a choice of light or dark operate models.

Applications

The unique design and robust ability of the QS30 Water Sensor make it an exceptional solution for demanding sensing applications, including:

* Fill level inspection in bottling applications.

* Test tube liquid detection.

* Food packaging inspection and verification.

For more information contact Rodney Topham, RET Automation, +27 (0)11 453 2468, [email protected], www.retautomation.com



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

High-performance LineScan camera
Sensors & Transducers
Lynred, a global leader in infrared imaging technologies, has launched its next-generation SWIR LineScan camera and sensor, specifically designed for the inspection of silicon wafers, solar panels and waste management.

Read more...
Online monitoring solution optimises asset performance across
SKF South Africa Sensors & Transducers
SKF’s sales, service and management teams has joined forces to deliver an advanced, integrated online monitoring solution for a key customer in Tunisia, operating nine mines, five plants and eleven production lines.

Read more...
OMRON launches new non-contact
Sensors & Transducers
OMRON has unveiled its latest innovation in non-contact safety door switches, the D40A-2, which is designed to enhance workplace safety and streamline machinery operations.

Read more...
Vibration monitoring in three axes
ifm - South Africa Sensors & Transducers
Machine vibrations are important indicators when it comes to assessing the current condition of a machine. ifm’s new and smart IO-Link vibration sensor helps to implement a simple and scalable condition monitoring approach using but a single device.

Read more...
Smart solutions for weighing in hazardous milling zones
Sensors & Transducers
Minebea Intec supplies highly accurate weighing and inspection solutions that enable milling companies to organise their processes safely, efficiently and compliantly - even in hazardous areas.

Read more...
Optimise sludge treatment and reduce operational costs
Sensors & Transducers
The Endress+Hauser inline measuring devices, the Proline Teqwave MW 300 and the Proline Teqwave MW 500, determine the total solids content of wastewater directly through microwave transmission. This is considerably less time consuming than the process of determining total solids content in a laboratory.

Read more...
Family of analysers for smart and efficient chlorine measurement
ABB South Africa Sensors & Transducers
ABB has launched ChloroStar, a family of sensors, transmitters and accessories for accurate and reliable chlorine measurement and analysis that enable users in the water, wastewater and other industries to control chlorine more efficiently, enhancing treatment and increasing process uptime.

Read more...
Leading the way with Level 9 PDS implementation
Sensors & Transducers
Applying a Level 9 Proximity Detection System (PDS) to a mining operation is as much about changes in behaviour as it is about technical solutions, according to Pieter Wolfaardt from Apex, Booyco Electronics’ training partner of choice.

Read more...
Enhanced automated weld inspection system
Sensors & Transducers
SmartRay is offering the release of new hardware for its weld inspection system, JOSY, delivering elevated performance and flexibility in the process.

Read more...
Leaders in sensor technology
Gail Norton Instrumentation Sensors & Transducers
Photoelectric eyes have always needed perfect working conditions, but in the workplace there is no such thing. Steam, water, light and dirt interfere with most photoelectric eyes, but never with a Telco sensor.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved