Ultrasonic sensors assess the distance between a target and a sensor. The underlying technology works via the principles of ultrasonic sound waves, which are inaudible to humans. The sensor transmits sound waves, which diffract from the target before returning to the sensor.
Image Credit: Introtek International
The time required for the sound waves to bounce back to the sensor is assessed. An ultrasonic fluid level sensor may also be utilized to assess depth, temperature, velocity, pressure, acceleration, etc., by emitting waves sensed by a sensor.
Owing to their small size and low power consumption, ultrasonic level sensors are widely utilized across multiple industrial uses. They are predominantly utilized in the machinery, medical, aerospace, agriculture, security, and automotive industries, and beyond.
How are Ultrasonic Sensors Utilized in Different Industries?
The Smart Factory
Ultrasonic sensors are important for automation on a factory floor. They locate an object’s position by transmitting ultrasonic waves to identify objects in the confines of a detection zone. Ultrasonic sensors are located at different points to minimize the risk of blind spots. They are also utilized for item sorting, high-speed counting, robotic machine sensing, and liquid level controls.
Supply Chain and Warehousing Industry
Demand for efficient and precise tracking of materials and items is growing. The supply chain and warehousing industry uses ultrasonic sensors for counting purposes and for sorting items, engaging in high-speed counting, robotic machine sensing, and liquid level controls.
Ultrasonic sensors quantify the number of pieces per second as they descend a conveyor line or pass through a port. They can be used for sorting and classifying objects and monitoring a conveyor line’s flow rate. Ultrasonic level sensors are utilized to track levels in storage tanks or bins. Using an array sensor, multiple ultrasonic sensors enable automatic control of bin levels without opening a bin’s top or doors.
Waste Management
Ultrasonic level sensors are utilized for waste management and recycling programs alike. To manage waste, they can track levels in dumpsters, compactors, and trash trucks to ensure that an appropriate amount is disposed of. Ultrasonic sensors are especially effective for compressed garbage, as a user does not have to open the truck or bin to know if it is full.
Energy Sector, Beverage, and Pharmaceutical Industry
Ultrasonic liquid level sensors, typically mounted on the outside, assess liquid levels in storage tanks or silos. The ultrasonic device transmits sound waves into liquids and assesses how long it takes for the echo to come back. This time is utilized to quantify the liquid level.
The Ultrasonic Liquid Level Meter provides users with reliable leak detection solutions.
About Introtek International
Introtek has produced non-invasive ultrasonic air bubble detectors, continuous liquid level sensors, optical blood component detectors, and now pressure occlusion detectors. Introtek sensors utilize a patented pulse-type ultrasonic technology that detects air bubbles, air-in-line, and liquid levels with the highest degree of accuracy and reliability, thereby maintaining an extremely high MTBF. Introtek sensors are not susceptible to the limitations exhibited by continuous wave, capacitive, or load-cell sensors.