Instrumental to the workplace: Devices sense what’s going on

A variety of sensing devices suited for a range of applications are among the new products introduced to the marketplace this month. Included in our review are a line of liquid-level sensors, a series of hydrogen fluoride sensors, an ultrasonic level sensor, and a series of pressure switches.

By Control Engineering Staff April 15, 2004

A variety of sensing devices suited for a range of applications are among the new products introduced to the marketplace this month. Included in our review are a line of liquid-level sensors, a series of hydrogen fluoride sensors, an ultrasonic level sensor, and a series of pressure switches. Each is outlined and illustrated and includes links to more information.

LLE series of liquid-level sensors from Honeywell Sensing and Control offer fast sensing in a small space.

An enhanced series of liquid-level sensors from Honeywell Sensing and Control incorporates a phototransistor trigger that switches state to denote the presence or absence of liquid. LLE Series is suited for use where fast, reliable sensing is required in a small space. It features solid-state technology that incorporates built-in voltage regulation and over-voltage protection circuits.

Optical components are surface-mounted on printed circuit boards. Electrically robust sensors have reverse polarity and transient protection. They are pre-wired for easy installation, feature digital output to make them microprocessor compatible, and operate with power sources ranging from 5 to 12 V dc. Typical applications include appliances, compressors, machine tools, and vending machines in industries such as food and beverage, medical, and automotive.

Hydrogen fluoride sensor from MSA Instrument Div is particularly suited for refining, semiconductor, and automotive industries.

Hydrogen fluoride sensor from MSA Instrument Div . features a 0 to 10 ppm monitoring range and a 0.1 ppm resolution, making it suitable for the refining, semiconductor, and automotive industries as well as general industrial applications. Ultima X Series features mechanical and electrical technologies to perform in virtually any gas detection application. XE monitors have 316 stainless steel enclosures; XA devices have all-purpose plastic enclosures designed for NEMA 4X rating. Advanced features included in both types include:

Interchangeable smart sensors that are easy to install and replace;

State-of-the-art display that alternates between sensor reading and gas type, features scrolling diagnostic messaging;

Onboard LEDs and relays to indicate alarm and fault conditions;

Single electronics board that offers maximum reliability and serviceability.

Loop-powered ultrasonic level sensor from Scientific Technologies Inc., Automation Products Group, requires little maintenance.

Loop-powered ultrasonic level sensor from Scientific Technologies Inc., Automation Products Group , is designed for tank/bin continuous level measurement and environmental monitoring. LPU-2127 requires little maintenance and features non-contact operation to make is suitable for a variety of applications and harsh environments. It is unaffected by color/translucency, dielectric constant, specific gravity, or viscosity of target. Detection range for liquids is 1 to 25 ft; detection range for solids is 1 to 10 ft.

Pressure switches from Gem Sensors use a modular design to accommodate a range of configurations.

PS98 Series of pressure switches from Gem Sensors uses transducer technology and is suited for mobile and demanding applications. Switches feature a polysilicon strain gauge teamed with a custom ASIC to provide accurate, thermal-compensated pressure sensing. Results are used to actuate a solid-state relay or transistor switch. Solid-state construction has no moving parts and resists damage that shock and vibration can cause. Devices are designed to deliver more than 100 million switch actuation cycles. Module design allows for a range of configurations.

—Jeanine Katzel, senior editor, Control Engineering, jkatzel@reedbusiness.com