11 Applications for Ultrasonic Sensors
Flexible sensor all-rounders at work
Different types of ultrasonic sensors from Pepperl+Fuchs are able to cover a vast variety of applications
Ultrasonic sensors from Pepperl+Fuchs cover a vast variety of industrial automation application scenarios. They detect a wide range of materials, are not influenced by problematic surfaces, and are largely immune to environmental influences. Whether your task is material handling, mobile equipment, food and beverage, fill level measurement or detection at gates and doorways: ultrasonic sensors offer solutions for the most diverse application requirements. Have a look at 11 comprehensive application examples that show you the versatility of ultrasonic sensors.
Level measuring is used in a wide variety of applications. The substance does not matter - ultrasonic sensors detect almost all materials. Liquids like milk, chemicals, or lacquer, as well as mud or bulk goods are safely controlled. They accurately monitor the fill level of silos or tanks used by dairies, chemical plants, mineral companies, and many others.
Gravel open-cast mines contain construction materials like sand, crushed rock, and gravel. These materials are excavated at depths of up to 50 m and must be appropriately stored until they can be transported from the site. Conveyor belts transport the materials to silos. Ultrasonic sensors determine when the maximum fill level is reached.
Waste water treatment produces enormous amounts of sewage sludge on a daily basis. This waste product has to be processed or properly disposed of. Either way, it is necessary to load the sewage sludge into appropriate transport containers. Ultrasonic sensors monitor the process to prevent overfilling of the containers.
To ensure consistent, optimum spray coverage over uneven terrain and varying crop height, and to prevent the boom from impacting crops or soil, its height must be monitored and adjusted. Immune to the effects of dust, dirt, and chemicals, and able to detect surfaces of any color with identical accuracy, ultrasonic sensors are well suited for this application.
Drivable aerial work platforms are common on many construction sites. These platforms facilitate working in high locations and increase productivity. However, since severe accidents involving aerial work platforms may occur due to collisions, the safety aspect should not be ignored. Ultrasonic sensors safeguard the operation of this equipment.
In order to keep trees in top condition, chemicals are applied through a spraying process. These products generate high costs for farmers. To sell the harvest at a reasonable price, the spraying must be efficient. Using ultrasonic sensors saves pesticides by detecting tree gaps. As soon a gap is recognized, the spraying process temporarily stops.
For reliable operation, mobile equipment requires sensors that can withstand the harshest conditions. Extreme temperatures, violent jolting, and vibrations are common challenges for these vehicles. Ultrasonic sensors, which are used on vehicles like refuse collection trucks, must be extremely robust to guarantee safe operation.
Logistics applications in the material handling industry rely on forklifts for safely transporting heavy loads to their destination. Ultrasonic sensors monitor specific areas of the forklift to ensure accuracy and reliability. With ultrasonic sensors, you can determine whether a pallet is on the fork and how far the fork is inserted under the pallet.
From smartphones and household appliances through to the cars we drive, electronics - and therefore printed circuit boards (PCBs) - are an indispensable feature of almost every machine available today. These PCBs are at the heart of any device and must be handled with the utmost care. Ultrasonic sensors help to control the production process of these highly sensitive PCBs.
Detecting and counting bottles at several points in the machine ensures continuous monitoring of material flow. The entry and exit of bottles in the filling system is optimized and missing bottles in the chain are reliably detected. Even in areas with strong steam generation, reliable detection of bottles is guaranteed with ultrasonic thru-beam sensors.
In car parking lots and parking garages, entry is controlled using barrier systems. The barrier must not be lowered when there is a vehicle underneath. Ultrasonic sensors are particularly suitable for controlling this process. They detect objects regardless of vehicle type or color and monitor the entire area below the barrier.
PDF Downloads: Technology Guides Ultrasonic Sensors
Pepperl+Fuchs offers you various downloadable documents containing knowledge on ultrasonic sensors. In addition to a general technology guide on ultrasonic sensors, you can now download a new guide focusing on double material detection with ultrasonic sensors. Get your free PDF documents and benefit from valuable insights and advice for your field work!
Pepperl+Fuchs offers you various downloadable documents containing knowledge on ultrasonic sensors.
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Pepperl+Fuchs is a leading developer and manufacturer of electronic sensors and components for the global automation market. Continuous innovation, enduring quality, and steady growth have been the foundation of our success for more than 70 years. Pepperl+Fuchs employs 6,300 people worldwide and has manufacturing facilities in Germany, USA, Singapore, Hungary, Indonesia and Vietnam, most of them ISO 9001 certified.