Mini Cori-Flow Sensor Measures Low Flow Rates

Bronkhorst Cori-Tech has released a new model in its series of compact Coriolis Mass Flow Meters/Controllers for accurate measurement and control of low flow rates. The Mini Cori-Flow M12 instruments are suitable for measurement and control for liquid-flow and gas-flow applications. The design of the miniature Coriolis sensor is said to feature superior response time and high accuracy, irrespective of changing operating conditions with regard to pressure, temperature, density, conductivity and viscosity.

The effective turndown is no less than 1000:1, with easy, onsite possibility for the user to re-range the instrument to their requirements. The Mini Cori-flow has a IP65 weatherproof housing and is available with approval for use in hazardous areas. The instruments offer integrated PID control and close-coupled control valves or pumps, constituting very compact Coriolis mass-flow control loops.

Mini Cori-flow features state-of-the-art digital technology, offering standard analogue and RS-232 communication, optional fieldbus interfaces and additional functions such as alarms, totaliser (to measure fluid consumption) and batch dosing. Both fluid temperature and density are available as secondary digital outputs. Typical applications include research laboratories, food and pharmaceutical industries, analytical installations, micro-reactors and anywhere requiring accurate, fluid-independent mass-flow measurement or dosage of very small flow rates.

Rutronik Releases Temperature-Sensor IC Range

Rutronik has presented the TSci temperature-sensor IC range from ZMDI, containing fully tested and calibrated sensors with absolute measurement accuracy on delivery. Designed for high-performance, cost-effective solutions, the TSic series is used for sensing temperature in building automation, automotive, industrial, office automation, white goods and low-power/mobile applications.

The TSic series employs a high-precision bandgap reference with PTAT output; a low-power, precision ADC and an on-chip DSP core with EEPROM to precisely calibrate the output temperature signal. They include ICs with two linear analogue signal output options, such as standard 0-1V (supply voltage is 3.0 to 5.5V) or ratiometric (10-90 per cent of supply voltage); or the digital serial output signal for interfacing with microcontrollers.

The TSic 506 has a typical current consumption of 45uA, which leads to typically less than 0.07C temperature-reading error due to self heating of the device.

Gill Develops Off-The-Shelf Liquid-Level Sensor

Gill Sensors has introduced the R-Series precision off-the-shelf liquid-level sensor, developed for motorsport, military and industrial applications. The sensor has no moving parts and utilises 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 five-bolt flange mount as standard and is manufactured to the customer's exact length requirement, avoiding the need for any mechanical adjustment by the customer.

With fully integrated electronics producing a configurable 0-5V analogue output, the R-Series is a suitable 'drop-in' solution for most liquid-level applications, according to the company. In addition to the standard R-Series sensor, Gill Sensors has also introduced an Rxl variant of the sensor for applications where a very long sensor is required.

This variant of the R-Series utilises the same SAE five-bolt mounting pattern but introduces additional mechanical strengthening features to support the longer probe. This sensor is suitable for industrial applications that require the precision liquid-level measurement of storage tanks up to 3m in depth.

SICK UK Publishes Food-Processing Sensor Guide

SICK UK's 'Efficient Automation for Food and Beverage Production' guide features sensors that have a positive effect on operating safety, availability and economic efficiency of facilities. The 72-page guide describes the best sensor or scanner for differing applications.

It addresses hygiene design issues and resisting clean-in-place and sterilise-in-place regimes; hygiene legislation and certification; temperature; and environmental and ingress protection. Further sections cover the extensive support services provided by SICK for food and beverage manufacturers and a comprehensive overview of SICK sensor products.

Michell Sensor Speeds Up Maintenance Of RH Devices

Michell Instruments has introduced the I7000 Hygrosmart humidity sensor, which is claimed to make the maintenance of the company's relative-humidity (RH) instruments quick and simple with no downtime. The interchangeable module incorporates all calibration data and is delivered together with a calibration certificate.

To ensure continued measurement accuracy over time, the user can recalibrate an instrument by replacing the old sensor with a new one. No specialist training is required for this process, according to the company. The I7000 Hygrosmart interchangeable module forms the base of a range of temperature and humidity instruments, suitable for applications from precision manufacturing to controlled environments and heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

Ophir-Spiricon 10kW Sensor Measures High Powers

Ophir-Spiricon has announced the 10kW Power/Energy Sensor, said to be the first detector to directly measure very high powers and power densities. Designed for material processing applications such as welding and metal cutting, the 10kW measures YAG and fibre lasers in the 1040-1100nm range, and CO2 lasers at 10.6um. An aperture of 45mm allows for measurement of broad beams.

The maximum power for concentrated beams is up to 10kW/cm2 and the maximum energy density for a 10ms pulse is up to 150J/cm2. Ephraim Greenfield, chief technical officer, Laser Measurement Group, Ophir-Spiricon, said: 'The 10kW power/energy sensor uses a reflective cone to deflect the laser beam over the peripheral circumference of the sensor.

'This increases the radiated area and reduces the power density to manageable levels.' The 10kW Power/Energy Sensor features Ophir Smart Connector technology that automatically configures and calibrates connected displays, including the company's Orion PE, Nova, Nova II, Vega, Laserstar, USBI, Pulsar, and Quasar.

Schmitt Expands AEM Sensor Range

Schmitt has added the Fluid Acoustic Emission sensor to its range of acoustical emission monitoring (AEM) sensors, which monitor grinding-wheel processes. The Fluid AE sensor is ideal for situations where direct acoustic contact is required during the grinding process, for example where machine design, high-frequency bearing, mechanical or electromagnetic-noise prevent the use of other types of AE sensor.

The Fluid AE sensor uses the existing oil or water-based grinding-machine coolant with a separate feed from the cutting stream directed at the component or dresser. The noise of the grinding wheel touching the component or diamond is then transmitted back up the coolant stream to the AE sensor and detected by the Schmitt electronics within one millisecond. User benefits include elimination of the grinding-gap time in the grind cycle, notification and prevention of machine-crash conditions, automatic quality monitoring of wheel dressing and machine positional control.

The AEMS system allows rapid and automatic grinding-wheel in-feed, right up to the point of initial contact with a new part loaded in the machine. The system can automatically detect the initial contact and quickly report this event to the machine control, stopping the wheel in-feed without operator intervention. This system has achieved typical cycle-time savings of up to 20 per cent. The AEMS system can standalone or be added to any SBS grinding-wheel balancer controller, providing two sensor-input sockets.

A four-channel SBS controller can give up to eight inputs from eight different AE sensors. Data can be downloaded via a 0 - 10V analogue output to a PC or external data-logger for QA purposes. Schmitt's acoustic sensors are easy to retro fit, resistant to grinding-machine coolants and grinding paste and give reaction speeds faster than traditional methods of spindle load or current monitoring.

Schmitt Unveils Fluid Acoustic Emission Sensor

The latest addition to the Schmitt portfolio of AEM (acoustical emission monitoring) sensors is the Fluid Acoustic Emission (AE) sensor. The SBS acoustical emission monitoring system (AEMS) is an established method of monitoring grinding wheel processes with high precision. Also known as 'gap and crash control' or 'gap-crash', AEMS uses acoustic technology to monitor high-frequency signals generated on the grinding machine during key events in the grinding process.

The Fluid AE sensor is suitable for situations where direct acoustic contact is required during the grinding process. For example, where machine design, high-frequency bearing, mechanical or electromagnetic noise, prevents the use of other types of AE sensor. The Fluid AE sensor uses the existing oil or water-based grinding machine coolant with a separate feed from the cutting stream directed at the component or dresser. The noise of the grinding wheel touching the component or diamond is then transmitted back up the coolant stream to the AE sensor and detected by the Schmitt electronics within one millisecond.

User benefits include elimination of the grinding gap time in the grind cycle, notification and prevention of machine crash conditions, automatic quality monitoring of wheel dressing and machine positional control. The AEMS allows rapid, automatic grinding wheel in-feed right up to the point of initial contact with a new part loaded in the machine. The system can automatically detect the initial contact and report this event to the machine control, stopping the wheel in-feed without operator intervention.

Typical cycle time savings of up to 20 per cent have been achieved using this system, said Schmitt. The AEMS can be stand-alone or added to any SBS grinding wheel balancer controller providing two sensor input sockets. A four-channel SBS controller can give up to eight inputs from eight different AE sensors. Data can be downloaded via a 0-10V analogue output to a PC or external datalogger for QA purposes. Schmitt said that its acoustic sensors can be retro fit, are highly resistant to grinding machine coolants and grinding paste and give reaction speeds faster than traditional methods of spindle load or current monitoring.

UM30-2 Sensor Features Adjustable Filter-Setting

SICK UK has added the UM30-2 series to its range of 30mm ultrasonic sensors. The UM30-2 series includes a filter-setting adjustment that enables the user to change between a high-security mode, which protects against false signal switching but has a slower update, and a fast response mode for highly dynamic applications that do not require such a high level of false switching security.

This allows the customer to fine tune the performance of the sensor, enabling the UM30-2 to be used in even more diverse applications. Another new feature is the Multiplex switching mode, which enables up to 10 UM30-2 sensors to be connected to measure large areas, with integrated phase switching to prevent mutual interference and false switching. Targets of different colours or even transparent materials, water and film present no difficulty.

Despite now being 25 per cent shorter than the original sensor (between 84 and 105mm long), the UM30-2's 30 to 8000mm operating range is one of the widest available for this class of sensor, covering applications from level sensing and product detection to crane and vehicle-collision control. The clear display indicates distance to target and larger buttons increase ease of set-up.

Digital or analogue output variants of the UM30-2 are available, with the analogue variants capable of producing 4-20mA or 0-10V at their output. Selection of analogue output type is either automatic - the sensor detects the impedance of the load at power up, or manual - via the intuitive menu structure. Such flexibility reduces the number of different models required to meet installation needs and therefore reduces inventory costs.

Sensor Unaffected By External Lighting Conditions

IFM Electronic has launched the Efector PMD 3D, an industrial 3D sensor that can detect scenes and objects in three dimensions. The company said it has integrated its photonic mixer device (PMD) time-of-flight measurement sensing technology into a full-vision chip. The image sensor has 64 x 48 pixels. Each pixel of this chip matrix evaluates its distance to the object, resulting in 3,072 distance values.

The image of the object on the matrix and the respective distance values correspond to a 3D image. The geometrical characteristics of the object or the scene can be read from these values. This means the object and the sensor can be stationary; line scanning followed by complex post-imaging processing is simply not involved. The integrated time-of-flight measurement based on PMD technology allows evaluation of geometrical characteristics such as volume, distance, level or surface area.

The applications are easy to resolve, as the firmware has the capability - all users have to do is select the type of evaluation and set the parameters. Two switching outputs indicate the results; or alternatively, one of these switching outputs can be configured as 4-20mA/0-10V analogue output. The device is independent of, and unaffected by, external lighting conditions, having its own built-in infrared illumination.

Sensirion SLQ-HC60 Sensor Measures Low Flow Rates

Sensirion AG, based in Stafa, Switzerland, has launched a flow sensor for flow rates below 100ml/min. According to the company, the SLQ-HC60 fills a gap in its existing range of products for precise measurement in the low-millilitre range. Inexpensive mechanical solutions, such as small paddlewheels, do not adequately meet the requirements of many applications.

Sensirion has now filled the gap between sensors for high flow rates and its own line of microsensor products for the microlitre and nanolitre ranges. The SLQ-HC60 water-resistant flow meter operates without moving parts and grants high reliability and media compatibility, according to the company. Flow rates below 100ml/min can be measured for a range of media.

The detection of bubbles in the microlitre range is also possible. The MEMS-based sensor device is designed for use in automated systems. This small, highly sensitive flow meter enables precise measurement of dynamic flow rates with a response time of less than 50ms. The SLQ-HC60, with a protection rating of IP65, requires a supply voltage of 24V and provides a 0-10V analogue output signal.

Media separation ensures that liquids can only come into contact with glass, Peek and Tefzel during the measuring process. The straight flow channel of the SLQ-HC60 has an inside diameter of 1.8mm and can be connected to 1/8in or 3mm plastic hoses via threaded couplings.

IFM Announces Pressure Sensor Series

IFM Electronic has launched the PMP series of pressure sensors. The PMP series features hygienic design, high accuracy, connectivity and suitability for hazardous areas. Via Profibus PA the PMP series can offer extended diagnostic capabilities beyond just the signal processing. The high degree of accuracy of 0.2 per cent is achieved by electronic temperature compensation and improved temperature decoupling.

The flush process connection is via IFM's EHEDG-certified modular hygienic adapter system, allowing integration via common process adapters, ideal for CIP or other applications. Via Profibus PA, the PMP series offers extended diagnostic capabilities beyond signal processing. To ensure this, the unit carries out self-tests while in operation.

The diagnosis status can be polled cyclically or acyclically via the Profibus master. Food and pharmaceutical processes may give rise to explosive vapours or dust clouds, leading to classification of the working area as a hazardous zone under DSEAR/ATEX. Four units of the PMP range are certified 1G and 1D/2D for these applications. The pressure range that the PMP series will monitor is split over four common spans in separate devices.

Segway Transporter Uses Novotechnik Sensor

The steering system of the two-wheeled Segway Personal Transporter (PT) utilises an angular position sensor from Novotechnik to aid balance and acceleration of the vehicle. The second-generation PT is a self-balancing transportation device with sophisticated motion and stabilisation technology that uses the rider's natural body movements to propel and steer the vehicle.

The vehicle can hit 12.5mph and covers a range of 24 miles. The Segway PT uses its Leansteer steering system to allow the riders body movement to guide the vehicle, while the Segway Smart Motion (SSM) controller uses the same information to maintain motion and direction with complete dynamic stability through its balance sensor assembly (BSA), which has integral solid-state rate gyro and tilt sensors.

In operation, the rider simply moves forwards, backwards and to each side to propel and steer the PT in the corresponding direction while the control system ensures that bumps, camber or uneven slopes, which may affect the riders body position, are fully compensated to ensure completely smooth operation. To guarantee the safe operation of the PT and maintain its total reliability, long life and costs, the choice of components are of paramount importance.

The Leansteer system uses the compact and robust SP2880 angular position sensor from German manufacturer Novotechnik, represented exclusively in the UK and Ireland by Variohm Eurosensor. The SP2800 is located at the pivoting base of the handlebar shaft, providing high-bandwidth angular position feedback that effectively measures the rider's body angle, which is used as a reference to generate the lateral acceleration required to balance the PT and its rider.

For this application, the conductive plastic technology SP2880 sensor is a fully redundant design for maximum reliability featuring two completely independent measuring systems, each with precious metal wipers and dual voltage outputs. The sensor provides a 140deg electrical range with a resolution of less than 0.01deg, linearity to +/- 0.3 per cent and repeatability of 0.03deg.

The 28mm-diameter sensor is 17mm long, built from temperature resistant plastic and features a push-on shaft coupling and slotted flange mounting. The durable housing is IP65 rated for dust and water spray protection and has an operating temperature range of -40 to +150C, allowing its use in extreme weather conditions.

The rated life is over 50 million cycles and with a current consumption of less than 1mA, the SP2880 sensor satisfies the requirements for minimal energy use on the battery-powered Segway PT. The Novotechnik 2880 series is a part of a wide range of contacting and non-contacting angular position sensors available from Novotechnik that are stocked and fully supported in the UK by Variohm Eurosensor.

Tilt Sensor Aids Safety Critical Applications

Penny + Giles has launched a robust tilt sensor, STT500, for use in safety critical applications used on cranes and lifting platforms. A tilt sensor is an essential part of a safe load indicator (SLI) system on a crane, designed to alert the operator if the lift is exceeding the safe operating range of the machine.

The SLI measures the angle and extension of the boom along with the load weight, and calculates if the machine is working within the manufacturers suggested safety margins. Based on solid-state technology, the STT500 offers reliability, stability and compactness over fluid-based, electrolytic and pendulum operated sensors. It can operate from a 5V or 8-30V power source and has a measurement range of +/-10, +/-20, +/-30 or +/-60 with an output from 0.5 to 4.5V DC over the full inclination angle.

STT500 is supplied in a marine grade (LM6) cast aluminium alloy housing with 88mm diameter flange. It has a high environmental protection rating of IP69K to withstand the ingress of dust and fluids, even under high-pressure washing. The sensor has no moving parts and as a result has resistance to shock and vibration up to 20,000g. It can withstand operating temperatures of -40 to + 125C and has an EMC Immunity of 100V/m. For maximum flexibility, the sensor has a low power requirement of less than 6.5mA, so it can be used in hard-wired or battery-powered systems.

OEMs can fit their own cable through the supplied gland or use the supplied cable option. Alternatively, a circular M12 connector is available that can interface with industry standard sensor cables. The company's STT280, which has a smaller, moulded housing diameter of just 28mm, is also now available with +/-10, +/-20, +/-30 or +/-60 measurement range options.

Balluff Reveals Flush-Mountable C-Slot Sensor

Balluff has expanded its range of miniature BMF magnetic field sensors with the BMF 204K, a flush- mountable C-slot sensor with integrated holding. With a length of just 20mm, it disappears in the C-slot without protruding. This makes it ideal for use in short-stroke cylinders, mini-grippers and other space-critical applications. Installation of the BMF 204K is easy: the integrated holding element allows you to slide the sensor into the slot, position it and turn a screw to tighten.

It features high accuracy, short over-travel distances and low hysteresis. The sensor is optimised mechanically for the Festo C-slot, but also fits other slot styles such as SMC. It is available in a cable version with IP67 plastic housing and PNP normally-open output, and pigtail versions with M8 connector and cable lengths of 0.3 and 0.5m. BMF sensors detect individual positions, such as end of travel on pneumatic cylinders, wear-free and precisely and can 'see' the permanent magnets installed on the piston rod through the non-magnetisable cylinder wall. As soon as the piston approaches, the output signal jumps to the other state.

AST Releases The AST46HA Explosion-Proof Sensor

American Sensor Technologies' (AST) AST46HA is a media-isolated explosion-proof sensor with digital compensation and single-seal approval. It is made of stainless steel and is approved to CSA30 (UL1203/FM3615) Class 1, Division 1 and Zone 1 Group IIB Explosion Proof, groups C and D. The AST46HA is suitable for extreme temperature applications, including arctic environments and off-shore platforms.

It applies digital compensation and utilises Krystal Bond technology. It utilises a one-piece stainless steel non-oil-filled sensor design, which offers continuous operation at temperatures that cause other sensors to fail. The AST46HA is suitable for applications where linearity and repeatability are critical. The AST46HA is versatile and suitable in a variety of applications.

These applications include: oil and gas pipelines, well optimisation, drilling platforms, CNG/LNG fill stations, paint booths and remote transmitter units (RTU). The AST46HA operates at a wide ambient temperature range -40 to +85C, offers a compensated temperature range of -30 to +55C and a media temperature range of -40 to +125C. All AST46HA units come standard with +/-0.1 per cent BFSL accuracy, EMI/RFI protection of 100V/meter and a variety of output options including 4-20mA, 1-5V and 0.5-4.5V ratiometric.

Torque Sensor Gets The Measure Of Steering

Steering wheel torque sensor fits in place of a standard steering coupler to measure the driver-applied torque on the system. The Techmor SW-1 steering wheel torque sensor is designed to accurately measure driver-applied torque on the steering wheel. This allows driver "feel" to be correlated with an actual value.

A direct replacement for a standard steering coupler, this unit provides a millivolt output for torque applied in either direction. The SW-1 can easily be mated to the Techmor SG-1strain gauge amplifier for 0-5V output.

Image Sensor Resolves For Microscopy

The ProgRes C7 is suitable for any illumination technique in light microscopy and excels with high light sensitivity and natural reproduction of colours. The new ProgRes C7 from Jenoptik, equipped with instantaneous SXGA live image, mechanical shutter and 7Mpixel CCD sensor, records even the tiniest specimen structures in a precise and detailed fashion. The ProgRes C7 is particularly suited to macro shots in addition to microscopy applications.

The instantaneous live image makes precise specimen positioning and focusing much easier. Thanks to the integrated shutter, it takes only a single shot to capture objects in motion and easily accommodates flash illumination techniques. Another advantage of the shutter is that it allows the camera to be triggered directly and precisely. Integration into automated process sequences or applications involving, for example, a motorised stage are made easy.

The ProgRes C7 is suitable for any illumination technique in light microscopy and excels with high light sensitivity and natural reproduction of colours. C-Mount and IEEE1394 FireWire provide standard interfaces for connection with all common types of microscopes and computers. Powerful easy-to-handle ProgRes CapturePro image acquisition software for Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh operating systems is included.

Small Sensor Interface Provides Direct Connections

The digital output from the SX8273 allows manufacturers of industrial pressure/temperature sensing equipment to provide a cost-effective and complete solution to their customers. Solid State Supplies has released an ultra-small sensor interface device that uses low-power ZoomingADC signal amplification circuitry to connect directly to a wide variety of pressure, temperature and magnetic sensors Enabling electronics to be co-located with the sensor, the digital output from the SX8273 sensor, whether it is magnetic, pressure or chemical, allows manufacturers of industrial pressure/temperature sensing equipment to provide a cost-effective and complete solution to their customers.

Capable of operating from a single Li-Ion battery without loss of its 16bit precision, even with a depleted battery, the device features ZoomingADC, a 10bit preamplifier with a programmable gain of between 0.1 and 1000 and a 16bit ADC.

The preamplifier delivers the highest possible gain, giving designers the freedom to achieve a given level of sensitivity using lower-cost sensors. Four digital GPIO lines enable the component to read most Wheatstone bridge sensors.

Teachable Series 9000 Photoelectric Sensor

These new additions to the Series 9000 family incorporate the latest in ASIC technology, which when combined with the proven mechanical and optical package of the Series 9000 will provide the user with a distinct advantage for the most challenging industrial applications. Both new models have improved LED functionality; for example, a flashing green LED indicates an unstable condition such as lens contamination while a flashing red LED indicates a short circuit in the field wiring.

The 42GSP-9000 provides a teach function which eliminates the need to manually adjust the sensor’s sensitivity level. The manual adjustment potentiometer of the standard 9000 has been replaced by a single pushbutton which is used to initiate the “learning” of both the light and dark conditions presented to the sensor.

The 42GLP-9000 contains a manual adjustment potentiometer to adjust the sensor’s sensitivity level. As an enhancement over the standard Series 9000, the adjustment pot of the 42GLP-9000 provides a linear response to user input.

Both the self-teach button and the manual adjustment pot models, when combined with the new LED functionality, will drastically reduce set up time for installers and troubleshooting time for maintenance personnel. Additional features of both the 42GSP-9000 and 42GLP-9000 include:
Exceptionally high resistance to electrical noise and fluorescent lighting
Temperature compensation for environmental changes