Wet environments coupled with aggressive chemical cleaning can make non-contact ultrasonic distance measurement and level sensing very challenging. ifm electronic say their full-metal ultrasonic sensors in the new UIT300 range provide a convenient, durable and cost-effective solution. To ensure long life even in demanding environments, all exposed surfaces of these cylindrical M30 sensors, including the sensing face and the connector housing, are fabricated from high grade 316L stainless steel, which is highly resistant to corrosion.
UIT300-series ultrasonic sensors have a sensing range of 250 to 2,500 mm, with a 400 x 400 mm target. They incorporate an IO-Link interface which is used for configuration and to provide a continuous measurement of sensor-to-target distance with a resolution of 3 mm. Also available via IO-Link is an echo quality indication, which can be used as an aid for optimising the installation of the sensor and to monitor its performance while it is in service.
As well as the IO-Link interface, UIT300 sensors provide two conventional switching outputs which could be used, for example, to detect high and low liquid levels in a tank. The operating points for these outputs can be freely programmed by the user. Other models in the range are UIT301 sensors which have one switching output and one analogue 4-20 mA output, and UIT302 sensors with one switching output and one analogue 0-10 V output.
The operating temperature range for all UIT300-series sensors is -10 to + 60 ºC and they have an ingress protection rating of up to IP69K, which means that they are suitable for use in almost any industrial or process environment. Available accessories include mounting brackets and a full range of ready-terminated cables.