German manufacturer expands electronic sensor range

20th June 2014

  

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South African sensor solutions company Countapulse Controls, which distributes Germany-based electronic sensor manufacturer Leuze’s products, reported in April that the company had expanded its already extensive line of sensors with the introduction of the Leuze 18B sensor series.

These high-performance sensors have been engineered for use in all applications involving transparent media, including the detection of transparent bottles, foils and glass panes.

Compared to its predecessor, the Leuze 18B series sensors offer smaller dimensions in a more robust housing. Benefits include shorter response times, higher switching frequency, improved adjustability of the switching point and a tracking function for extending the cleaning interval.

Engineered using the latest advances in sensor technology, the Leuze 18B series is able to reliably and rapidly detect fast moving, small, thin and transparent objects such as foils. The major advantage is that detection can be accomplished even under extreme environmental conditions, which is a significant benefit for companies in industries, such as food and beverage and packaging.

The visibility of the light spot and the light- emitting diode display have also been improved, which simplifies the start-up and operation of the sensor. The optics minimise light beam tolerances to the extent that mounting can be quickly performed without alignment. The electrical connection is established either through the M12 plug or the integrated cable.

Sensors in Sensitive Environments
Countapulse Controls notes that sensors used in potentially explosive environments need to comply with stringent safety regulations. The range of Leuze opto-electronic sensors, available in South Africa exclusively from Countapulse Controls, has been developed with minimum risk in mind.

Extensive investment in research and development (R&D) by Leuze has resulted in a range of opto-electronic sensors capable of reliable detection, while simultaneously meeting intrinsically safe specifications.

The Leuze 92 Ex Series intrinsically safe sensors with NAMUR are suitable for use in Zone 1 areas with flammable gases and vapours, which are unlikely to be present for long periods, and Zone 21, where dust is expected to be occasionally present during normal operation. These devices are available as diffuse reflection light scanners, retro-reflective photoelectric sensors or throughbeam photoelectric sensors, and are capable of reliably detecting objects at distances of between 300 mm and 12 m.

Leuze’s intrinsically safe sensors transmit switching signals to the VS 403 isolated switching amplifier through the NAMUR interface. The temperature class for explosive gas areas is T6 at 85 ºC and for explosive dust areas at 80 ºC.

The compact Leuze 55 Series stainless steel sensors are ideal for areas where explosive risk is minimal, such as Zone 2 areas where flammable gases and vapours are expected to only be present for a short period of time and Zone  2 areas where dust is unlikely to occur during normal operation.

These sensors are developed for all category 3G, which is suitable for all Zone 2 applications, and 3D, suitable for all Zone 22 applications. The Leuze 55 Series sensors have dimensions of only 14 mm × 36 mm × 25 mm long, making it ideal for use in constrained spaces. The stainless steel sensors and their protective housings are designed for resistance to corrosion and chemicals, making them suitable for use in demanding operating conditions.

Countapulse Controls currently supplies both the retro-reflective photoelectric sensors and scanners with background suppression. The temperature class for explosive gas areas is T4 at 135 ºC and for explosive dust areas at 70 ºC.

The high-performance Leuze 46B Series sensors, with Zones 2 and 22 certification, are used for reliable detection in category 3G and 3D applications. The sensors provide accurate operation even where heavy soiling is present. It is available in a number of variants including throughbeam photoelectric sensor, retro-reflective photoelectric sensor or scanner with background suppression. The temperature class for explosive gas areas is T4; for explosive dust areas it is 90 ºC.

Leuze 96 long-range sensors for Zones 2 and 22 were specially designed for applications that require large ranges of 0.85 m to 120 m in categories 3G and 3D. The product spectrum encompasses all operating principles, including a category 2 protective photoelectric sensor during testing. The temperature class for explosive gas areas is T4 and for explosive dust areas it is 70 ºC.

In Countapulse Controls’ more than 30 years in business, it has managed to create a sustainable business model by anticipating and exceeding market demands. An example of this is its long-standing relationship with Leuze, which has resulted in it bringing a number of firsts to the South African market.

Leuze was founded in the early 1960s and is, today, considered one of the leading sensor manufacturers in the world. The company conducts ongoing R&D and works closely with its distributors to ensure that market demands for sensing technology are met.

Edited by Megan van Wyngaardt
Creamer Media Contributing Editor Online

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