Light curtains in commercial laundries
September 2005
Sensors & Transducers
The processing of commercial laundry has now become very automated and processing as much laundry as possible, as quick as possible, is very important.
Although some laundry batches are charged and processed by weight it is often necessary to sort and count the different items. In this application, besides weighing the sorted batches, the customer also needed to count the items. The various items of laundry are initially sorted manually and then thrown into what is called a 'transfer loading station'. The customer needs to count the items as they are thrown in. Once a pre-determined weight/quantity is reached the transfer sorting unit rises and discharges its load onto a conveyor.
The items of laundry vary in size and can be as small as a glove or as large as bed linen, it is important that the sensor detects all items regardless of size. Smaller items can present a problem because the opening in which they are thrown is approximately 1 m square so the item could be thrown and pass through any part of the opening so the whole area has to be scanned constantly.
This particular company designs, manufactures and installs an automated overhead monorail system that is used in the heavy-duty laundry industry for the handling and storage of linen.
A full demonstration using the SGT/R 1 085-016-05-3F was given to this customer who was impressed with the SG1. He particularly liked the simplicity and ease of use of the SG1 and the fact there was no adjustment necessary after power-up.
Although initial trials were successful it was thought that there could be instances where smaller items such as a glove, or similarly sized items of laundry, could, if thrown through the beams at a high relative speed, be too small and fast for the 16 beam unit to detect. It was felt that the solution to this potential problem would be to decrease the scan time of the SG1.
After consultation with Telco R&D, samples of an SG1 085 8 beam were produced and a programme of field trials were instigated. These trials proved successful and some 15 sets have since been supplied to two different customers.
Feedback so far has been positive and future orders are anticipated.
For more information contact Telco-Gail Norton, 031 701 4861.
Further reading:
Inductive IO-Link sensors
Turck Banner Southern Africa
Sensors & Transducers
Turck Banner is expanding its sensor range, with inductive measuring sensors with IO-Link and an analogue output for flush and non-flush mounting.
Read more...
Value of PDS grows with data and sensing technology
Sensors & Transducers
Rapidly developing technology is constantly being harnessed by proximity detection systems (PDS) to deliver steadily improved functionality to customers. Booyco Electronics sees improved PDS solutions being developed, such as the combination of multiple different sensing technologies into a single fully integrated solution.
Read more...
Pulp fiction or pulp precision?
VEGA Controls SA
Sensors & Transducers
The density of fruit concentrate has a direct impact on the flavour, texture and overall quality of the final product. The VEGA Minitrac 31, VEGASOURCE 31, and the KV 31 mounting bracket present a failproof solution that effectively addresses the technical complexities associated with high temperature, viscosity and fouling.
Read more...
Telco sensors in the pulp and paper industry
Gail Norton Instrumentation
Sensors & Transducers
The pulp and paper industry poses a major problem for most photoelectric sensors. The high level of contamination in these dusty, dirty and grimy environments makes it impossible for most competing sensors to operate and sense reliably and efficiently.
Read more...
Vibration monitoring with IO-Link
ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
Machine vibrations are important indicators when it comes to assessing the current condition of a machine. fm’s new and smart IO-Link vibration sensor helps to implement a simple and scalable condition monitoring approach using only a single device.
Read more...
Duct and plant room air quality (PRAQ) sensors
Schneider Electric South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
Schneider Electric South Africa offers a comprehensive range of SpaceLogic duct and plant room air quality sensors. These cutting-edge sensors are designed to enhance building air quality and energy efficiency by combining multiple sensing capabilities into a single unit.
Read more...
The sensory reaction of the BMS
Schneider Electric South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
Today’s building management systems cannot function properly without sensors. Like our senses, they are an integral part of operations that run silently in the background, almost taken for granted.
Read more...
Leaders in sensor technology
Gail Norton Instrumentation
Sensors & Transducers
Photoelectric eyes have always needed perfect working conditions, but in the workplace there is no such thing. Steam, water, light and dirt interfere with most photoelectric eyes, but never with a Telco sensor.
Read more...
A new era in top-notch measurement technology
Senseca
Sensors & Transducers
In the ever-evolving world of sensor technology, a new name has emerged that brings a legacy of excellence, innovation and reliability - Senseca. This newly unified brand represents the merger of five industry-leading companies. All have a reputation for delivering top-tier sensor solutions, and have made significant contributions and set high standards in their respective industries.
Read more...
Playing autoclave roulette
VEGA Controls SA
Sensors & Transducers
Autoclaves ensure the sterility of medical and pharmaceutical products before reaching healthcare providers and their patients. To effectively manage these demanding conditions, VEGA provides reliable solutions, specifically the VEGAFLEX 81 and VEGABAR 83 sensors, which are designed to meet the stringent requirements of autoclave operations.
Read more...
printer friendly version