Process monitoring is becoming a more absolute requirement due to increased demand from quality control and management information systems. Measuring the temperature of moving products with conventional temperature devices like thermocouples and PT100s has never been easy.
Today’s modern conveyor systems transfer hot and unstable product from one area to another far more easily than in the past. The problems of drag, friction and static generation rule out conventional contact measurement in most cases. Also response time is critical on fast moving conveying systems. Slow response can allow large volumes of out of spec or dangerous product to flow past the detector before an alarm can be generated.
The solution: non-contact infrared thermometers
Infrared technology is not new and it has been utilised successfully in industrial and research applications for decades. Now, new innovations have reduced cost, increased reliability and resulted in smaller non-contact infrared units suitable for demanding applications.
The advantages of non-contact temperature measurement are:
* Fast response to temperature changes in the millisecond range.
* Measurement of small areas of hot product can be detected on open conveyors moving at speed.
* Corrosive products can be measured.
* Measurement is possible from -50 to 3000°C with correct product choice.
* Signal processing.
* No contact = no product contamination.
With many different models of infrared units available in the Raytek and Ircon ranges it is easy to select the correct unit for an application. The application will determine the temperature range; the distance from the sensor to the product will determine the optical resolution, and the product velocity will determine response of the instrument required. Factors like the presence of smoke, dust and adverse weather conditions, will determine IP rating and whether air purge collars for the lenses are required.
In South Africa Raytek TX and MID systems have been used on large coal and coke conveyors, on smaller packaging plants the Raytek CM range fits the requirement for compact units with processing power.
Wind energy in the Black Forest
Motion Control & Drives
For more than 20 years, numerous wind turbines have stood in the Black Forest and are now receiving a performance boost through repowering projects.
Read more...Kollmorgen advances linear motor safety and performance
Motion Control & Drives
Kollmorgen Corporation has released the next update for the SafeMotion Monitor (SMM) firmware, SMM 3.0. This upgrade expands functional safety support for linear motors and linear axes, helping machine builders implement functional safety in industrial applications that require safety.
Read more...PC-based control for additive machine tools Beckhoff Automation
Motion Control & Drives
IRPD is a specialist in additive machine tools. Development is heavily focused on high system throughput and consistently high process quality. This goal was achieved with the help of PC- and EtherCAT-based control and drive technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...Major software release for Parker PSD servo drives Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Parker Hannifin has released its PSD servo drive family delivering new control modes, advanced synchronisation functions and performance optimisations designed to improve throughput, accuracy and system efficiency in demanding industrial applications.
Read more...Robotic positioning system drastically reduces changeover times Beckhoff Automation
Motion Control & Drives
At the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park, California, an advanced robotic system by Square One Systems Design and Beckhoff speeds up high-energy physics experiments.
Read more...Lubricant contamination costs more than you think
Motion Control & Drives
Lubrication Engineers has identified that 90% of lubrication contamination happens during storage and dispensing, not during application. To address this costly problem, it offers the isoPOD, a portable ‘plug and play’ lubrication storage and dispensing unit that’s a first for the South African market.
Read more...New generation surface drill rig
Motion Control & Drives
Epiroc South Africa is launching a new and improved PowerROC T45. This new generation surface drill rig offers increased fuel efficiency and high availability, and is a welcome addition to the PowerROC family.
Read more...How vision-guided robotics is transforming South African manufacturing Yaskawa Southern Africa
Motion Control & Drives
In South African manufacturing, the final stages of production need more than manual labour or conventional automation. For many, vision-guided robotics is becoming the solution to smarter, more flexible end-of-line processes.
Read more...Lubrication application a key component for wire rope longevity
Motion Control & Drives
As part of its extensive work to help develop benchmarking standards for wire rope lubrication in South Africa, lubrication specialists Lubrication Engineers South Africa has found the Viper wire rope lubricator to be a key element for effective lubrication application and rope maintenance.
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.
printer friendly version