FEATURE SENSORS & SENSING SYSTEMS
FEATURE SENSORS & SENSING SYSTEMS
Just a few short weeks ago, Turck Banner announced the launch of a new range of radar sensors. But
what are the benefits of radar sensors and where can they be used?
robust Q120RA has a narrow beam pattern and will detect objects from 1-40m. With its independently adjustable sensing zones, this can be used for such applications as port crane anti-collision and train detection. The QT50RAFQ is a wide angle device with a total beam angle of 90˚, and is therefore used in such applications as traffic monitoring, car parking and road tolls.
Going under the radar
S
ensors are used across industries for a huge range of applications.
While these can offer many benefits to the designer and end user, some – including standard photoelectric – do have limitations in some applications, explains Turck Banner. As a result it may sometimes be better to use a laser device over a standard LED photoelectric sensor. In applications where light is required to travel great distances, laser sensors can be used. But why is this?
SENSOR SOLUTIONS Both laser and LED use a diode to generate the light. In laser technology the laser then bounces this light back and forth within its housing to generate more of the same wavelength of light (monochromatic, single colour), and all the waves are in line with each other (coherent). LEDs also generate near monochromatic light. They have a broader spectrum of wavelengths than lasers but the critical feature is that the light is incoherent, with the wavelengths randomly produced. All natural light and most man-made
light is incoherent and has many wavelengths, which is why it spreads out from its point source as it travels. Laser light remains in a tightly focused beam over great distances. It is the coherence of laser light that gives laser sensors their very narrow beam – and this can travel great distances without spreading out. As a result, they are suited to certain applications and a very poor choice for others. Target materials and textures also play an important part in sensor selection. For
20 NOVEMBER 2016 | DESIGN SOLUTIONS
example, the LTF Series of laser distance sensors from Banner are designed to accurately measure targets at distances up to 12m and provide reliable detection regardless of colour or material. The dynamically adjusted laser power increases output for dark targets or objects at steep angles while reducing power for shiny ones, providing accurate measurements across a wide range of challenging targets.
THE BENEFITS OF RADAR SENSORS Ultrasonic devices may struggle to operate in conditions with high winds as the sound wave emitted and received back to the unit can be blown off course, resulting in poor response. Another example would be photoelectric sensors which, when used outside, can suffer from adverse weather conditions such as snow, fog, heavy rain and humidity. In fact even good weather has been know to affect this type of sensor, adds Turck Banner, with bright sunlight affecting the operation; while a build-up of dirt and dust on the lens will impede accurate sensing. Radar sensors, however, are unaffected
by wind, rain, fog, light, humidity or air temperatures. These also have operating temperatures of between -40 and +65˚C. According to Banner, radar sensors use
Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar to reliably detect moving or stationary targets. Thanks to their features, these are therefore suitable for detecting moving or stationery targets – and are the ideal choice for collision avoidance on mobile equipment. Banner has introduced two new
product ranges to meet demands. The
Radar sensors can be used to detect the presence of trains
THE APPLICATIONS Radar sensors from Banner can be used in a wide range of applications including: • STS collision avoidance: Radar sensing with dual detection zones with a range up to 40m for slowing down or stopping cranes approaching an obstacle.
• RTG collision avoidance: The dual detection zones allow high speed gantry cranes to slow down or stop when approaching an obstacle or other crane.
• Crane-to-crane collision avoidance: Radar sensors can reliably detect the presence of another crane or obstacle and activate stop or warning signals.
• Spreader control to crane: Radar sensors detect the presence of a container and reduce the spreader dropping speed when approaching the container.
• Train detection: Detecting the presence of container trains while the radar sensor output activates equipment such as RFID antennas, etc.
• Truck detection: Radar sensors act as a trigger at entrance/exit portals to activate cameras and lights to capture container and truck ID markings. The radar system replaces road sensing loops.
Banner radar sensors are ideal for crane collision avoidance
Turck Banner T: 01268 578888
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