Telco sensors for blocked/empty chute detection

January 2026 Sensors & Transducers

Most industries have a problem with photoelectric sensors as contaminated environments make it difficult to operate them reliably. Telco sensors overcome this through powerful high-performance infrared sensors that ensure penetration of harsh pollution and guarantee reliable detection.

Blocked or empty chute is a common application in industry for hopper/crusher detection. The Telco Sensors system used for blocked chute detection consists of a PA 11 amplifier with transmitter (LT) and receivers (LR). Sensing ranges from 18 to 40 to 70 metres, with enough power to ‘see through’ buildup contamination. A hole is drilled through the chute on either side so the transmitter and receiver can be mounted in through beam mode, out of the product stream and at the desired height to prevent buildup that could damage the conveyor belt.

The amplifier has an adjustable on/off time delay. There is also a sensitivity adjustment on the PA and full power is used to allow for dust, dirt and misalignment. These features have made Telco’s infrared sensors a sought-after solution in tough of environments.

For more information contact Gail Norton Instrumentation Agencies, +27 31 701 4861, telco@telcosa.co.za, www.gailnortoninstrumentation.co.za

Further reading:

Telco sensors for harsh environments
Sensors & Transducers
Telco sensors are designed to operate where moisture, particulate contamination and surface fouling would disable conventional sensors, with a range including an adjustable five-metre infrared proximity sensor for harsh industrial environments.

Read more...

---

The data-driven path to sustainable manufacturing
ifm - South Africa Editor's Choice Sensors & Transducers
Smart automation is closing the gap between operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, and the data to do it is already inside the plant. With ifm’s sensing and digitalisation technologies, manufacturers can turn machine intelligence into measurable sustainability gains.

Read more...

---

Expanding visibility in mining operations
Emerson Automation Solutions Editor's Choice Sensors & Transducers
Advances in wireless communications, condition monitoring and sensing technologies are helping mining operators extend measurement into previously under-monitored areas, improving equipment reliability, process performance and water stewardship.

Read more...

---

Fiber-optic amplifiers for precise object detection
ifm - South Africa Sensors & Transducers
The OCF fibre-optic amplifier detects even the smallest or most transparent objects in confined spaces, making proven fibre-optic technology easier and more user-friendly than before.

Read more...

---

The next era of measurement and instrumentation
Sensors & Transducers
Smart sensors and non-contact radar are reshaping industrial measurement, feeding connected platforms that predict failures before they happen.

Read more...

---

Distance sensor for confined spaces
ifm - South Africa Sensors & Transducers
The O6D100 from ifm has been designed as a powerful all-rounder for typical applications in object detection, distance measurement and positioning.

Read more...

---

Optimise sludge treatment and reduce operational costs
Endress+Hauser South Africa Sensors & Transducers
Endress+Hauser’s 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.

Read more...

---

Inclination sensors for motion control
ifm - South Africa Sensors & Transducers Motion Control & Drives
The JBC dynamic inclination sensor from ifm offers accurate angle measurement in the most demanding conditions, filtering out motion disturbances such as vibrations, shocks and vehicle dynamics to deliver reliable inclination values via IO-Link or programmable switch outputs.

Read more...

---

Fully integrated standalone thunderstorm warning system
Senseca Sensors & Transducers Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Senseca South Africa has introduced its BTD-1 fully integrated, standalone thunderstorm warning system, which detects lightning by monitoring the background quasi-electrostatic field. The system can generate alerts before the first lightning strike, with a detection raterange of up to 83 km.

Read more...

---

Technology and education are critical to advancing safety in the mining sector
Sensors & Transducers
As mining operations across Africa continue to evolve in scale, complexity and automation, the role of advanced safety technologies has become increasingly important in protecting people, equipment and productivity.

Read more...

---