My friends from Pepperl + Fuchs shared this information regarding measurement displacement sensors and I'd like to share it with you:

Measurement displacement sensors are used when you need to know a continuous distance that the sensor is from a selected target. There are two primary output types that can give distance.  The discrete digital output is basically a yes or no signal threshold that will change the output of the sensor when the target reaches a certain distance or falls within a certain range.
An analog output will give a continuous analog signal either on 4 mA to 20 mA or 0 V to 10 V (model dependent). This signal is established by teaching in a window on the sensor that will have the near or far limit return 4 mA or 20 mA. This information is then interpreted by a controller or PLC to give you a distance measurement.

The VDM28 Series is a popular distance measurement photoelectric sensor that is relatively low cost for the range and performance it yields. The VDM28 Series has a diffuse sensing range of 8 meters or about 26 feet. The long sensing distance and small light spot diameter is possible through the class 1 or 2 laser (model dependent) that the sensor utilizes. The long range and exceptional accuracy are all due to to pulse ranging technology.

The sensor sends out a short pulse of light, and that light is reflected off the target. The time it takes for the light pulse to reach the sensor's receiver is used to calculate the target's distance. This method is more effective than phase correlation, which is more susceptible to ambient light due to continuously sending out light and evaluating the slight phase change. Some models of the VDM28 Series of lasers also offer dual, independent discrete outputs for applications where switch outputs are needed rather than a continuous distance measurement.

The photoelectric VDM18 Series is offered for more precise applications requiring a very high resolution at a shorter sensing range. The two primary models have a 100 mm range and a 300 mm range, both with exceptional resolution for applications demanding better than 1 mm accuracy. Since this sensor is based on a triangulation method of distance measurement, both VDM18 models have a better resolution than the VDM28, but this unit is also more costly (usually more than double the price of the VDM28).

Ultrasonic sensors are another common sensing method. Pepperl+Fuchs has several models available. Most come with either switching outputs or analog outputs. They can be used for detection based on a window, threshold value, or they can be used for continuous distance measurement using the analog output. Most UC Series ultrasonic sensors offer a 0 to 10 voltage output and a 4 to 20 mA output signal. There are also discrete signal models. The advantages offered by an ultrasonic sensor are in the function of operation. Since ultrasonic sensors operate by transmitting sound waves instead of a light source, they are not sensitive to targets that have different colors and are a good option for detecting transparent objects. This is critical for tank filling applications when the fluid is transparent such as water or where the use of a laser light source is not possible.

Some successful applications include overhead crane operations, level measurement, or direct distance measurement of targets when accuracy is critical. The tank measuring application described earlier involves using an ultrasonic sensor to determine the level in the tank. If the distance is known, you can derive a formula to find the relationship between the distance, and how full the tank is. Continuous measurement will require an analog output (0 V to 10 V or 4 mA to 20 mA). If continuous measurement is not important, a discrete output model can be used. For example, many tank level applications just need a high and a low point to trigger a pump to turn on or off.  In these applications, a discrete output model is preferred.

Contact the technical department at Marshall Wolf Automation for any application assistance.  Learn more about sensors here!  As a premier factory automation distributor, we are always here to help!

 

Ultrasonic sensors present the ideal solution for non-contact position and distance measurement in all industrial areas where environmental conditions such as dust, smoke or steam may affect the sensors. Objects consisting of a variety of materials can be detected to within millimeters regardless of color or shape.

The ultrasonic sensor produces a data carrier utilizing very high frequencies that are outside the human’s audible range. The time it takes for that ultrasonic wave to pass between the sensor and the object is the value for the distance or the position.

Ultrasonic sensors have proven their reliability and precision in many industries and applications, including:

• lumber and furniture
• construction materials and equipment
• farming equipment
• level control applications

Pepperl+Fuchs’ ultrasonic sensors currently encompass twelve series of mechanical designs for through-beam, direct detection and retro-reflective operation. Customer and application specific custom solutions underscore our technological competence in this area of sensors.

Product features of ultrasonic sensors:

• Devices with TEACH-IN functionality for fast and simple installation
• ULTRA 3000 software for improved adaptation of sensors to applications
• Adjustable sensitivity to the sound beam width for optimized adjustment of the sensor characteristics according to the application
• Temperature compensation - compensates for sound velocity due to varying air temperatures
• Synchronization input to prevent cross-talk interference when sensors are mounted within close proximity of each other
• Sensors with digital and/ or analog outputs

Check out all Marshall Wolf Automation's sensor products here!

Resolving a customers issue/concern. This is he result of working with a customer on an application that they were looking to automate. We went in and reviewed the application with the customer to see what we could offer, we asked a lot of questions and got to see the equipment up close and personal (sorry a movie pun). By working with the customer and communicating all the issues / concerns they had we were able to come back with a solution that is cost effective and will work well for them going forward.

Project 2 – Glue Pot Auto Fill System:

Looking again for us to design a solution for him that would consist of a pump, motor that would allow him to keep his 55 gallon drum at a consistent level so the operator would not need to check the levels in the drum. It is a typical glue pot system according to the customer @ “XYZ”. They would like a indicator, and again to keep the depth of the glue consistent. Let me know if this is a project that Marshall Wolf would be interested in. I can set up a time to meet with the customer if you feel either or both of these projects are of interest.

Solution Presented to Customer:

Operational Specs:

Ultrasonic Sensor (below) will monitor the tank level. When tank level; hits the low limit the sensor will actuate the SPDT relay. Relay will control actuation of the valve. The valve will allow glue to flow into the tank; end user (Nosco) is responsible for the installation of the valve. Valve will be wired to “NO” contact on the relay. Relays contact rating is = 10A (1540VA resistive / 990VA inductive)

Secondary option:

Valve can be wired to a male or female M12 cable; this would make the system a plug and play solution.

 

BOM to include the following parts: Left out as it is a custom application, parts incluede an Ultrasonic Sensor, Power Supply, Relay and Socket and an Enclosure

Please let us know if you are having similiar projects, we would like the opportunity to come in and review possible solutions with you.

 

Carlo Gavazzi's comprehensive range of level detection products is well suited to solve most level control applications. Their range is able to detect conductive and non-conductive liquids, granulates, grains, and plastics.

We offer level sensors and level control relays for both on/off control and continuous monitoring of levels. We offer conductive probes and amplifiers, capacitive level sensors, ultrasonic sensors, magnetic level probes, and optical sensors.

Typical applications are for level control in wells and municipal water systems, protection of pumps, levels in grain elevators and feed conveyors, and level detection in vacuum delivery systems in the plastics industry.

The multi-function CLD/P controllers allow easy monitoring of two to four level points, with simple selection of functions, including filling, emptying, and a tank-well option, which allows a single device to control levels in an above ground tank and underground well, and prevent either from running dry.

A master-slave option allows up to seven controllers to be directly connected to each other. A new single-point controller is added to the family, which includes a time delay function to allow for filling or emptying of a tank with a single level point.

All functions and adjustments of the CLD/P Series are made via rotary switches and potentiometers on the face of the unit – no dip switches or push buttons are used. LEDs on the controllers give clear indication of the power and relay output states. The controllers are in compact 17.5 or 35mm wide housings, with DIN-rail mount or eleven pin plug connection.

The CLD/P Series are UL, cRus and CSA approved, and designed to be in compliance with all relevant European and North American standards, and carry the CE mark.  Contact Marshall Wolf Automation for all of your sensor needs!

The self-contained Pepperl+Fuchs F65 ultrasonic sensor is a ready-to-connect, complete device.

This series is ideal for small container fill level applications because of its low-profile housing. The ultrasonic transducer is slightly recessed in the housing for protection and has an integrated gasket that enables an airtight seal.

These ultrasonic sensors have two fully adjustable switching outputs (S min and S max) which can each be assigned a range. This allows you to measure both the minimum level and maximum level in the tank.

The values are set on the 3RX4000-PF programming unit using the SONPROG software package or a potentiometer. Again, this series is ideal for ultrasonic level control. 

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized Pepperl+Fuchs distributor for their complete line of inductive and capacitive proximity sensors, photoelectric light sensors, ultrasonic sensors, intrinsically safe barriers and much more.

As one of the Midwest's largest Pepperl & Fuchs distributors, we'd like you to take a look at their F260 ultrasonic sensors.  F260 series has a reliable 10-meter sensing range, even in dirty environments the F260 Series rugged ultrasonic sensors deliver 12-bit resolution over a 10-meter (33 ft) sensing window, providing both analog and dual switch point outputs.  An ultra-powerful transducer permits installation in the dirtiest environments.  These ultrasonic sensors are ideal for level control, overhead crane positioning, and many outdoor position feedback applications.

The F260 series ultrasonic level control sensors are also easy to configure – analog adjustments are quickly made in an intuitive software programming environment, while dual potentiometers control switch point adjustment.  Beyond range limit control, the software effectively “smooths” outputs responding to unstable targets (i.e. turbulent tanks) by modifying sampling and filtering functions.  F260 ultrasonic sensors also provide users with a 10-degree pivoting face, permitting optimum sensor-to-target alignment.

Call Marshall Wolf Automation today for all of your sensor needs! 

 

P+F is a great source for all types of ultrasonic sensors, including ultrasonic motion sensors and ultrasonic range sensors.  Ultrasonic sensors present the ideal solution for non-contact position and distance measurement in all industrial areas where environmental conditions such as dust, smoke or steam may affect the sensors. Objects consisting of a variety of materials can be detected to within millimeters regardless of color or shape.

The ultrasonic sensor produces a data carrier utilizing very high frequencies that are outside the human’s audible range. The time it takes for that ultrasonic wave to pass between the sensor and the object is the value for the distance or the position. Ultrasonic sensors have proven their reliability and precision in many industries, including lumber and furniture, construction materials and equipment, farming equipment and in level control applications.

Pepperl+Fuchs’ ultrasonic sensors currently encompass twelve series of mechanical designs for through-beam, direct detection and retro-reflective operation. Customer and application specific custom solutions underscore our technological competence in this area of sensors.

Some product features are:

• Devices with TEACH-IN functionality for fast and simple installation
• ULTRA 3000 software for improved adaptation of sensors to applications
• Adjustable sensitivity to the sound beam width for optimized adjustment of the sensor characteristics according to the application
• Temperature compensation - compensates for sound velocity due to varying air temperatures
• Synchronization input to prevent cross-talk interference when sensors are mounted within close proximity of eachother
• Sensors with digital and/ or analog outputs

Call us at 800-325-9653 for all of your Pepperl + Fuchs sensor needs.

Going through the car wash on Christmas Eve, I thought about how important the sensors are to a car-wash application.  After all, they keep the heavy parts off of your car, keep things from banging into your car and make sure the soap and water are applied properly!

Are you involved with car washing systems?  Looking for quality car wash products?  Call us.  We can help you with your application needs, recommend products, get you the latest technical information, cross reference products from other manufacturers, find out what can ship quickly and we have great pricing!

Carlo Gavazzi Sensors are the leading supplier of photo-eyes to the car wash industry. 

Whether you need ultrasonic motion sensors for position detection and profiling, inductive sensors for end of travel detection, capacitive proximity sensors for level detection of soap and/or wax, Carlo Gavazzi is the way to go!  How about programmable controllers for complete process control?   Current and Power Monitors will monitor motor loading and brush pressure.

Delay timing and application timing can be controlled with a large selection of timers.

We carry the full line of Carlo Gavazzi products, so look to Marshall Wolf Automation.  As an authorized factory automation distributor, we can help supply just about anything you need to replace in your system.  Just give us a call at 800-325-9653, we have tech support on staff, helpful customer service and a live person answers the phone!  How can we help you today?

Are you involved with car washing systems?  Looking for quality car wash products?  Call us.  We can help you with your application needs, recommend products, get you the latest technical information, cross reference products from other manufacturers, find out what can ship quickly and we have great pricing!

Carlo Gavazzi Sensors are the leading supplier of photo-eyes to the car wash industry. 

Whether you need ultrasonic motion sensors for position detection and profiling, inductive sensors for end of travel detection, capacitive proximity sensors for level detection of soap and/or wax, Carlo Gavazzi is the way to go!  How about programmable controllers for complete process control?   Current and Power Monitors will monitor motor loading and brush pressure.

Delay timing and application timing can be controlled with a large selection of timers.

We carry the full line of Carlo Gavazzi products, so look to Marshall Wolf Automation.  We can help supply just about anything you need to replace in your system.  Just give us a call at 800-325-9653, we have tech support on staff, helpful customer service and a live person answers the phone!  How can we help you today?

If you need to measure edge position or object width we have the line sensor for you!

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for two of the top manufacturers of edge detection sensors.

We are your Pepperl & Fuchs distributor as well as your authorized Baumer Electric sensor distributor.

Edge detection sensors are used primarily for the reliable detection of the front edges of objects, as well as the consistent detection of different objects with no defined shape or position, such as pallets, bags,deformed blocks, etc.

Search our Baumer Electric and Pepperl & Fuchs edge and object detection sensors now!
 

Remember that Marshall Wolf Automation is your industrial automation distributor
for a full range of industrial sensors including laser distance measurement sensors,
inductive and capacitive proximity sensors, photoelectric light sensors,
ultrasonic level control sensors and more.