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  1. Ultrasonic sensors
  2. Applications

Applications

Whether levels in tanks or distances to objects: Ultrasonic sensors can be used in a wide variety of applications.

Non-contact and continuous level measurement

Important applications of ultrasonic sensors include level measurements in tanks or silos. Regardless of vessels containing liquids or bulk materials – the measurements are always reliable and precise. Particularly aggressive media and vapours encountered in some applications can present a major challenge for many sensors. With its full high-grade stainless-steel housing, the new ultrasonic sensor from ifm is resistant to external influences and benefits from an extended service life.

Detection of transparent objects

Transparent objects such as PET bottles, blister packs or thin film pose great challenges for photoelectric sensors. Ultrasonic sensors detect such objects reliably. They emit a sound wave which is reflected by the object surface and reliably detected. This means that even transparent and semi-transparent targets can be safely detected regardless of their material properties.

“Empty” detection of reels

Film, labels, paper, wire: All these products are typically stored on reels and fed into the process. The more material is consumed, the smaller the total diameter of the reel becomes. An ultrasonic sensor can detect this change in diameter with millimetre precision. The colour, transparency or surface of the object has no influence. Users will be informed in good time when the reel needs to be replaced. This minimises expensive, unnecessary downtimes.

Detection of sound-absorbing objects

When measuring irregular or sound-absorbing objects, the ultrasonic sensor might not receive a return echo. For such applications, retro-reflective sensors can be used. The emitted sound is returned from a defined reflector and received by the sensor. An object is detected when it interrupts the reflected signal.

Precise detection through small openings

Ultrasonic sensors are characterised by a wide beam. This is an advantage where irregular targets such as mesh boxes need to be detected. But what if the level of small ampoules must be detected or high-precision detection is required? The “sound tube” (E23000) has been developed precisely for such applications. It focuses the sound and narrows the beam, enabling detection through small openings.

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