Digital Light Sensor Works Behind Darkened Glass
Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions®, Inc., announced the first members of its next generation digital ambient light sensor (ALS) and proximity detection family that is designed to provide consumer electronics manufacturers with greater freedom to produce sleeker, more appealing and innovative product designs. These latest TAOS devices eliminate the need to use clear glass/plastic in front of the sensor or drill holes/slots into the display, bezel or frame in order for light to reach the sensor.
Specifically designed to operate behind darkened glass or other translucent materials, the TSL2771 device family provides both ambient light sensing and proximity detection in a single device that consumes far less power than currently available comparable solutions. Proximity detection is ideally suited for touch screen smart phones to automatically turn off the display or control other user functions and can also be used in laptops, desktop computers and monitors to conserve energy or maintain information privacy when the user is not present. Other emerging applications for proximity sensing technology include touchless display controls activation and management as well as human gesture detection.
Level Sensor Switches From Clean Liquids to Dry Solid Materials
March 19, 2010 by admin
Filed under Level, Liquid Level
BlueLevel Technologies, Inc. announces the availability of its latest level sensor, the Model CPH Capacitive Proximity Switch for clean liquids and dry bulk solid materials.
Managing Director, Joe Lewis, comments that “this level sensor is a great addition for our customer base. It provides them with a compact level sensor offering reliable performance and a low cost”. It provides level control, level detection and level monitoring capability.
The Model CPH is a capacitive proximity switch consisting of units available to operate with either AC or DC loads. They are compact level sensors, being 30mm in diameter and approximately 80mm deep. They are low in cost, well under $100, and provide a very high performance-to-cost value ratio.
The Model CPH 2-wire AC proximity switch operates with voltages from 20-250VAC, switching loads as high as 300ma. These AC capacitive proximity level switches include built-in ESD protection and operate over a wide temperature range from -25°C to +70°C (-13°F to +158°F).
The Model CPH 4-wire DC proximity switch units are capable of interfacing with a wide variety of PLC’s, operating on voltage from 10-30VDC, and come in either NPN or PNP styles with both NO and NC wiring connectivity.
BlueLevel Technologies brings 35 years of process measurement and control experience and knowledge to its “Just Level” service strategy. “Just Level” is designed to anticipate, meet and exceed the needs of BlueLevel Technologies customers and their industries by bringing decades of process measurement and control expertise directly to the user. Level measurement and monitoring is our single focus and our passion.
AccuStar® Electronic Clinometer from Sherborne Sensors
March 18, 2010 by admin
Filed under Inclinometer, Industry News, Level
Sherborne Sensors has announced the AccuStar® electronic clinometer, designed to provide precision angular measurements within applications where a high degree of accuracy is required.
The unique design of the AccuStar® incorporates a capacitance-based sensor without moving parts. When rotated about its sensitive axis, this sensor provides a fundamentally linear variation in capacitance, which is electronically converted into high-precision angular data. Available in choice of analog, ratiometric, digital or serial models, the AccuStar® electric clinometer offers a ±60° measurement range, outputting a signal that corresponds to the direction and magnitude of angular displacement. The highly compact AccuStar® measures just two inches (50 mm) in diameter and weighs just two ounces (60 grams) for easy installation, with units designed to reliably operate in temperatures of -30 to +65°C. The sensor and its associated low-power CMOS electronics are encased in a rugged plastic housing.
With its durable, high-performance design, the AccuStar® is ideal for a multitude of applications, including off-highway vehicles, wheel alignment, construction equipment, antenna positioning and robotics applications, as well as other portable or mobile applications where space constraints or environmental concerns preclude the use of other types of precision angle measurement devices.
Sherborne Sensors
www.sherbornesensors.com
Sensor Measures Dissolved Nitrate In Water
March 2, 2010 by admin
Filed under Level, Liquid Level, Temperature
Featuring a precision nitrate ISE electrode sensor with an integral self-cleaning sprayer, the new HYDRA Nitrate Analyzer System from Electro-Chemical Devices, Inc. (ECD), offers superior measurement, monitoring and control with virtually no maintenance.
The highly intelligent HYDRA Nitrate Analyzer System measures the concentration of dissolved nitrate as nitrogen (NO3–N) in water. The sensor uses two electrodes to determine the NO3–N concentration: a nitrate ion electrode and a chloride ion electrode. An optional electrode is also available for pH measurement.
The system’s HYDRA Analyzer is configured to periodically actuate a cleaning cycle using the integral spray cleaner in the nitrate sensor, minimizing the formation of biofilms or other coatings on the electrodes and keeping maintenance to a minimum. The cleaning cycles feature a user configurable period and duration. During the cleaning cycle the 4-20 mA output is held at either a preset value or the last value.
While useful in all types of water treatment applications, the HYDRA Nitrate Analyzer System is especially well suited for municipal wastewater treatment plants. Nitrogen primarily enters a municipal wastewater system as ammonia/ammonium compounds. Nitrification oxidizes the toxic ammonium ion into a much less toxic nitrate ion using an aerobic activated sludge process.
De-nitrification reduces the nitrate ion (NO3-) to nitrogen gas (N2) through an anoxic reaction in the same treatment basin or in a separate anaerobic digester. The NO3–N measurement helps optimize the methanol being fed to the digester, which minimizes cost and provides trend measurement of the total nitrogen (TN) in the effluent.
The nitrate ion electrode provides the primary measurement. A second electrode measures the Chloride ions in the sample. The HYDRA Analyzer subtracts the appropriate amount of signal from the nitrate measurement for accurate monitoring. The sensor also detects temperature, and the analyzer provides a temperature-compensation calculation for superior measurement accuracy.
The rugged nitrate sensor offers 1.25-inch NPT rear facing threads for attaching an extension/immersion tube for easy installation from catwalks or handrails. Internal signal conditioning allows the sensor to be mounted up to 200 meters from the analyzer. The sensor is extremely low-maintenance, featuring a movable electrode guard to facilitate easy electrode replacement when necessary.
ECD’s HYDRA Nitrate Analyzer System measures nitrate and chloride in concentrations from 0.1 to 1000 ppm, pH from 0 to 14 and temperature from 0 to 50°C (32 to 122°F). Accuracy is ±3 percent of reading with a response time of T90 1 minute.
Featuring a backlit LCD display that provides up to 4 lines of text and graphics, the HYDRA Analyzer includes two 4-20 mA outputs with two SPDT alarm relays. Input power is 110/220 Vac. It is housed in a rugged NEMA 4X enclosure.
Safety Gas Sensor Detect Combustable Gases And CO2
Scott Health & Safety is proud to announce the launch of the Freedom(TM) Direct gas detector-the newest member of the company’s full line of fixed gas detection instruments.
Specifically designed to detect combustible gases and carbon dioxide using infrared (IR) or catalytic bead sensor technologies, the Scott Freedom Direct detector delivers information on gas concentrations directly to a Scott controller without the need for a transmitter. By eliminating the use of the transmitter, the Freedom Direct detector reduces the initial investment needed to maintain plant safety.
This unique design provides the most economical way to add points of detection to remote locations or areas where local display is not required, providing a greater coverage of potentially hazardous areas.
The Freedom Direct detector also allows for easy installation, simple maintenance and quick sensor change-out in the field. The ability to switch between IR and catalytic bead sensor technologies in the field expands the detector’s capabilities and provides customers the ultimate flexibility.
The advanced sensor technology used with the Freedom Direct detector is protected from the harshest of environments by its rugged stainless steel housing which helps to maintain its life and operation. When combined with the 5.5 volt catalytic bead sensor, the detector can operate in temperatures up to 200°C (392°F).
When local display is required, the Freedom Direct detector can be upgraded seamlessly to the Freedom 6000 transmitter in the field, providing customers the functionality that they desire.
Inclinometer Packaged To Be Compact, Ideal For OEM Applications
February 9, 2010 by admin
Filed under Inclinometer, Level
Automated Control Engineering is the exclusive national supplier of the newest ASM product. ASM has introduced its smallest addition to the POSITILT® inclinometer series that is available in single and dual axis versions. By using MEMS technology, this new inclinometer PTAM20 series is packaged into a very compact, flat housing making it ideally suited for OEM applications.
The measurement range for the single axis version is available from +/- 15° to +/- 180°, in increments of 15°. For the dual axis version, the measurement range is available from +/- 15° to +/- 60°, in increments of 15°. The resolution is 0.05° and the linearity is up to +/- 0.5°. Several analogue output types are available that include: 0.5-4.5 V, 0.5-10 V and 4-20 mA. Each version offers high shock resistance and is rated IP60 which is suitable for many instrumentation functions.
Medical Sensor Is Put On Blood Bags
January 27, 2010 by admin
Filed under Level, Liquid Level
Schweizer Electronic AG, situated in Schramberg, Germany, and SIEMENS AG Österreich, with registered offices in Vienna, Austria, have agreed to extensive cooperation for the manufacture and marketing of RFID transponders with the integrated sensor technology known as “SEAGSens”. Schweizer Electronic is responsible for the manufacture of the transponders developed in collaboration with the Hochschule Offenburg (Offenburg university) and SIEMENS. SIEMENS will assume the distribution and marketing. The SEAGSens will be used in seamless temperature monitoring, tracing and the clear identification of blood bags, medications or foodstuffs, among others. Schweizer Electronic is to operate the RFID business in the context of a “Schweizer Tracking and Tracing Solutions” business unit.
After having completed extensive tests and pilot projects, Schweizer Electronic has now finalised the qualification of the SEAGSens (see pictures). The first series production order has already been received.
In principle, the RFID-based measuring instrument monitors and verifies temperatures as required in this logistical application of blood products. Reliability is the all-important decisive factor here. The SEAGSens fulfils the highest requirements of clinics and blood banks. The temperature-based quality assessment of donor blood on their entire route from the donor to the patient markedly reduces the discard rate of blood products which leads to considerable cost savings.
In addition, the clear identification of the stored blood effectively prevents the serious consequences of incorrect blood transfusions caused by mistaking blood bags. The same technology can also be used to monitor the transport and logistical processes of other industries and applications for which temperature is of critical importance.
RFID sensor tag SEAGsens on blood bag
To achieve the required quality level of temperature-sensitive pharmaceutic products, monitoring of the complete cold chain has to be ensured. Therefore, Schweizer Electronic designed the requirements for a tracking and tracing system for blood products in close collaboration with Siemens AG Österreich and ‘Universitätsklinik für Blutgruppenserologie und Transfusionsmedizin’ located in Graz.
The complete temperature profile of blood bags has to be monitored from vein of donor to vein of recipient. Thus, the monitoring device must be able to withstand the centrifugation processes necessary for blood fraction (up to 5,000 G) without malfunction. The operation costs per run have to be low.
Together with Siemens AG Österreich and University of Offenburg Schweizer Electronic developed SEAGsens, a temperature data logger with RFID frontend.
How does it work?
A digital sensor is measuring the temperature very accurately at a freely selectable time cycle. The microcontroller is analysing the temperature/time data and stores up to 30,000 measurement readings in a memory chip. The memory can be read out contactlessly at any time via the RFID wireless interface (HF frontend). Schweizer Electronic developed a special housing and battery technology to ensure centrifugation ability. The qualification process and the clinical field test have been terminated successfully. The benefit: monitoring of long periods through high memory and battery capacity.
The SEAGsens RFID sensor tag provides highest level of functionality, safety and quality. Due to the long operation time, costs per run are comparatively low. The integrated battery allows a continuous useability of more than 3 years. The temperature focused quality control reduces the wastage rate of blood products considerably. By the unique identity of each single blood bag, incorrect transfusions with all their harmful consequences are efficiently eliminated.
Sensor Detects Ozone In Air, Water & Explosive Gases
In Freiburg, Germany, scientists have developed a highly sensitive, miniaturized mobile Ozone sensor. This sensor can be used not only in air, but also in water and in the vicinity of explosive gases.
Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent and can cause a wide range of symptoms in humans, including lacrimation, irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth, throat, and bronchial tubes, headaches, coughing and even deterioration in lung function.
The main sources of ozone pollution are industrial and transport emissions. Particularly in warmer weather, these react with intensive UV radiation to form ground-level ozone.
But laser printers and copiers, machines so prevalent in modern-day offices, can also emit ozone.
The European Commission has announced its intention to cut the guideline value for ozone in the air from the current level of 90 parts per billion to 60 parts per billion by 2010, and when this new regulation comes into force, there will be an increased demand for inexpensive ozone sensors.
But, according to project manager Dr. Volker Cimalla of the IAF, “Since ozone is, at the same time, an agent with high application potential, novel sensors are required, which have to be compact and affordable.”
Sensors are essential equipment in industrial settings such as wastewater treatment facilities and water sterilization units, where they are used to monitor the ozone concentration – firstly to ensure the required concentration for the relevant application is maintained, and secondly to guard against exceeding hazardous thresholds for humans.
According to Project manager Cimalla, “The ozone sensors currently available on the market employ extremely laborious and complex measuring procedures such as UV absorption and are therefore very expensive.”
“By contrast, the more affordable ozone sensors have to be heated up to 300 degrees Celsius and produce inaccurate readings or only work in limited areas of application,” he said.
“We’ve done away with the need for heating by instead applying blue/violet light radiation to trigger the chemical process necessary for regeneration on the sensor surface. This allows the sensors to operate at room temperature,” he added.
The scientists built on the existing knowledge that molecules absorbed on the surface of a sensing layer alter its electrical resistance – and can also be removed again by light irradiation.
The result is a highly-sensitive, miniaturized sensor capable of measuring the low ozone levels that occur in environmental and ambient air monitoring just as accurately as the high levels associated with industrial process control.
Since the sensor is extremely small, it can even be integrated into mobile equipment.
Liquid Sensor Has No Moving Parts
January 23, 2010 by admin
Filed under Flow, Level, Liquid Level
A precision off-the-shelf liquid level sensor, developed for motorsport, military and industrial applications the ‘R-Series’ is now available from Gill Sensors. The sensor has no moving parts, utilising advanced capacitive technology to accurately monitor the liquid level.
Compatible with fuel, oil, water and other specialist liquids, the R-Series liquid level sensor features an SAE 5-bolt flange mount as standard and is manufactured to the end users’ exact length requirement, avoiding the need for any mechanical adjustment by the user. With fully integrated electronics producing a configurable 0-5V analogue output, the R-Series is seen as an ideal ‘drop-in’ solution for most liquid level applications.
In addition to the standard R-Series sensor, Gill Sensors has also introduced an ‘Rxl’ variant for applications where a very long sensor is required. This variant of the R-Series utilises the same SAE 5-bolt mounting pattern but introduces additional mechanical strengthening features to support the longer probe. This sensor targets industrial applications that require precision liquid level measurement of storage tanks up to 3m in depth, says the company.
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Differential Pressure Sensor for Wet Media & Low Pressure Ranges
American Sensor Technologies, Inc. (AST) has recently created the 
AST5100 Wet / Wet differential pressure sensor (also termed differential pressure transducer or transmitter) for differential pressure measurement ranges as low as 0 to 5 inches of water column (0 to 0.18 PSI) and up to 0 to 15 PSID.
AST uses a Macro Sensors LVDT (Linear Variable Differential Transformer) to measure the movement of bellows and digitally amplifies the signal with new AST electronics. The LVDT is known throughout the sensor industry as a measurement device with accurate, repeatable measurements as low as a few millionths of an inch. The AST5100 is compensated from 0 to 55°C (30 to 130°F) using the same advanced electronics as the AST20HA pressure transducer. With its advanced linearity correction and thermal compensation, the AST5100 series meets the demanding performance characteristics industrial applications require.
The AST5100 is available with 1/8″ NPT female pressure ports and two mounting holes for easy installation. With an optional 4-20mA or 0-5V output signal, the AST5100 is compatible with most PLC’s and controllers. Each product is packaged with an M12x1 Eurofast electrical connection. AST also supplies the mating cable assembly in either a four foot or ten foot length.
Built to withstand a line pressure up to 200 PSI, the AST5100 series is designed for a variety of applications including; filter monitoring, flow calculation across an orifice and level measurement. By positioning the high pressure side (or upstream side) of the AST5100 before the filter and the low pressure side (or downstream side) after the filter, the cleanliness of the filter can be measured. As the pressure decreases, the output signal will increase. Pneumatic systems for clean rooms or water filtration equipment commonly utilize this type of device. With the use of an orifice, the AST5100 series can be used to measure flow rates of liquids or gases based on the size of the orifice. Level measurement of sealed tanks can be measured by mounting the high pressure side to the bottom of the tank, with the low pressure side connected into the top of the tank. The AST5100 series can also be used as a gauge pressure sensor. By leaving the low pressure side of the differential pressure sensor open to atmosphere, the AST5100 series will measure the differential pressure between the high side and atmosphere.
