Sensors designed for extreme conditions

Leuze: In the world of sensor technology, achieving functional reliability also entails providing a practically-oriented design capable of withstanding even the most hostile operating influences. Leuze electronic offers a comprehensive selection of scanners for functions ranging from distance measurement to identification and data transmission solutions, each equipped with the relevant equipment features.

Ranges, degrees of measurement accuracy, transmission outputs, beam angles and response behaviour are among the many technological properties which determine the functional characteristics of sensors. Performance in application is also to a large extent a question of choosing the right practically-oriented design and drawing on extensive application expertise. In warehousing and conveying applications particularly, system components are frequently exposed to air-borne pollution or heavy-handed treatment under time pressure in daily operation, as well as the whole range of adverse conditions from extremes of temperature through to chemical cleaning agents and spurious light sources.

Practically-oriented product development from Leuze electronic is characterized by features such as high performance reserves in optical sensors which render the components insensitive to the accumulation of dirt, and guarantee reliable differentiation between objects and their background. Warning outputs provide early indication of accumulating dirt. Troublefree operation is also aided by resistance to spurious and ambient light sources in Leuze electronic optosensors by A2LS (Active Ambient Light Suppression). The sensors detect the incidence of ambient light and are able to differentiate between their own sensor signal and the source of the interference. Alongside lighting conditions and optically problematical object properties brought about by factors ranging from dark colours to shrink-wrapped surfaces, mechanical stress is another factor which has to be taken into account in product development. To address this demand, Leuze electronic produces the entire B platform using a new production process which guarantees optimum seal tightness of the devices as well as extreme stability, even to the extent of preventing connecting cables or plugs from being torn out. With protection rating IP 67 and IP 69K and ECOLAB certification, even the most intensive cleaning cycles will not compromise the long service life of these sensors. To address the specific demands of the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, Leuze electronic has developed WASH-DOWN and HYGIENE design sensor series featuring V4A housings, which are capable of withstanding even exposure to H2O2 gas and cleaning with high-percentage alcohol. In addition to Leuze electronic’s own in-house CleanProof+ standard, in this category devices complying with EHEDG hygiene specifications are also on offer.

Another problem frequently encountered in the food industry is that of extreme temperatures; Refrigerated areas can often dip to temperatures as low as -30°C. The devices supplied by the “sensor people” from Owen/Teck are designed to withstand operating temperatures ranging from -30 to +60°C. Special versions are additionally equipped with lens heating which prevents phenomena such as condensation due to exposure to changing temperature air currents in different air locks. Products equipped for identification technologies such as bar code readers or RFID systems as well as data transmission units are also offered. The Leuze electronic product range covers the entire spectrum of sensor technology requirements for warehousing and conveying technology – through to metal enclosures providing the sensors with supplementary protection from mechanical damage in potentially explosive atmospheres, or RFID products with Ex approval rating. Standard solutions are on offer to address even the most extreme operating conditions.