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HELPING YOU #MAKE SENSE OF SENSORS
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EXAMPLE APPLICATIONS

TO ILLUSTRATE THE WIDE-VARIETY OF APPLICATIONS SOLVED USING CONTRINEX SENSORS, WE HAVE POSTED A LARGE SELECTION OF EXAMPLE APPLICATIONS WHICH CAN BE SEEN BY CLICKING ON AN IMAGE. BELOW ARE A SELECTION OF SOME OF THESE APPLICATIONS:
CUSTOMER VALUES RELIABLE, EXCEPTIONAL RELIABILITY IN A HARSH OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT AUTOMATIC OPERATION WITH OPTIMAL SPACE UTILISATION ELIMINATION OF SWITCHING ERRORS DURING YEAR-ROUND OPERATION SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED MAINTENANCE COSTS PRODUCT ADVANTAGES SENSING RANGE UP TO 12,000 MM LONG SENSING RANGE IN SMALL SENSOR EXCEPTIONAL RESISTANCE TO VIBRATION DURING OPERATION
When a tram reaches a road junction, wire-switches, installed on the overhead conductor cables, control its direction of travel, with switches in either the default “straight-through” or “turnout” positions. As the tram passes a switch in the turnout position, Contrinex photoelectric sensors mounted on the overhead cables detect the presence of the pantograph current collector so that the control system can then reset the switch to the default position. CUSTOMER APPLICATION In urban tram transportation systems, wire-switches installed on the overhead conductor cables at road junctions, control the direction of travel for the trams. The switches default to the straight-through position so that when a bus approaches a turn, the driver uses a remote trigger to change the switch to the turnout position. After the bus completes the turn, the switch reverts to the straight-through position. If a triggered switch reverts to the straight-through position prematurely, the pantagraph current collector may become disengaged, damaging the switch. Therefore tram operators install safety systems to prevent premature switching. Typically, these utilise timer circuits and a predetermined delay or mechanical sensors that rely on physical contact with the current collector, but neither system is reliable. A Swiss manufacturer of trolley-bus control systems requires a highly reliable, rugged sensor system that will detect the presence of a current collector as it passes a switch. The system must operate with minimal maintenance and withstand the varied weather conditions of an outdoor environment in Switzerland and therefore they selected Contrinex sensors. .
Customer Solution Contrinex’s C23 through-beam photoelectric sensors offer high-performance, small size and high-stability. A purpose- designed metal bracket, mounted above the conductor cable, holds the transmitter and receiver units in alignment on either side of the cable. As the pantagraph current collector passes between the two units it breaks the beam, triggering the sensor and returning the switch to the straight-through position. The C23 photoelectric sensors are virtually impervious to the harsh, outdoor environment and their small physically size (30 x 20 x 10mm) eliminates the risk of accidental damage arising from a mechanical collision. The rugged construction and vacuum-encapsulated electronics within the sensor minimise the effects of vibration, ensuring a long service life. Each unit is connected to the trolley-bus control systems via a PVC-sheathed cable with a hermetically sealed entry. The receiver has an industry-standard PNP interface. The one- piece mounting bracket allows easy removal and replacement of the complete assembly during routine maintenance. Operational results have been excellent and the Contrinex sensors have proved highly reliable, eliminating switching errors and reducing maintenance costs significantly. These rugged miniature sensors have a sensing range up to 30m, for Through-beam applications. They are very reliable and cost-effective with the additional benefit of offering a range of low-cost stainless-steel mounting and protection brackets, making them ideal for a wide variety of applications.
CUSTOMER VALUES ELIMINATION OF HUMAN ERROR PREVENTS TRUCK BEING DRIVEN IN AN UNSAFE CONDITION. HIGHLY RELIABLE SENSING PERFORMANCE IN HIGHLY DEMANDING CONDITIONS CORROSION-RESISTANT SENSORS WITHSTAND WATER, ICE, MUD AND SALT HIGHLY COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTION TO A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS PROBLEM PRODUCT ADVANTAGES EXTREMELY ROBUST, IMPACT AND ABRASION RESISTANT IP68/ IP69K RATED HOUSING. CORROSION-RESISTANT, V2A/ AISI 304 STAINLESS-STEEL, FOOD-COMPATIBLE BODY. LONG OPERATING DISTANCE OF 7MM IN A SMALL & SLIM STAINLESS-STEEL 20X 32X 8MM HOUSING. ROBUST, METAL-CASED INDUCTIVE PROXIMITY SENSORS SUITABLE FOR EASY INTEGRATION FACTOR 1 - CONSISTENT SENSING, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THE TARGET IS STEEL OR ALUMINIUM. RELIABLE, COMPACT VIBRATION-RESISTANT SENSORS IO-LINK INTERFACE INCLUDED IDEAL FOR INDUSTRY 4
Hook loader trucks utilise a hydraulic system for loading and unloading a demountable container. Once the container is correctly positioned on the vehicle’s load bed, interlocks engage with its base, securing it in position. Contrinex’s rugged sensor systems detect full engagement of the interlocks, ensuring the truck is safely loaded prior to driving away. Therefore, the sensors must be mechanically robust and able to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. CUSTOMER APPLICATION A specialist vehicle builder manufactures hydraulic hook-lift systems for commercial trucks. A hook loader truck employs a series of hydraulic rams to hook, lift and pull a demountable container onto the vehicle’s load bed; a full container may weigh up to 30 tons. Hook loader trucks operate all year round, often in harsh environments such as demolition and construction sites. Hook-lift systems are typically semi-automated. The driver positions the truck, engages the hook with the container and initiates the lifting sequence. Once the container is pulled onto the load bed, two interlock mechanisms, mounted on the truck chassis, actuate and engage with the container body. Once the interlocks are fully engaged, the container is secure and the truck may be driven safely. A highly reliable sensor system must detect the position of the interlocks, ensuring that they are fully engaged before the truck drives away. Sensors must be robust and must withstand water, mud, dirt and ice. They may also be subject to mechanical shock and vibration.
CUSTOMER SOLUTION Rugged Full stainless-steel inductive sensors from the Contrinex Extreme 700 Series are designed for demanding or even exceptionally demanding environments, making them ideal for this application. Highly reliable and IP68 / IP69K rated, these embeddable units feature one-piece V2A (AISI 304) stainless-steel construction with vacuum-encapsulated electronics, making them well suited to the hostile operating conditions. During operation, a double-ended ram drives a pair of interlock bolts into position. On either side of the truck, two M18-diameter sensors are mounted in the wall of each bolt housing; one detects the bolt as it reaches the fully engaged position; the other detects it in the fully retracted position. A second ram drives a rotating lock mechanism to engage with the vehicle chassis; a further two sensors detect the position of a cam on the locking shaft as it rotates. Each sensor is configured with an industry-standard PNP normally-open interface, and connection to the truck’s hydraulic control system is via an integral M12 connector and PUR-sheathed cable. This allows easy removal and replacement during routine maintenance.
CUSTOMER VALUES SAFE, RELIABLE PERFORMANCE IN A DEMANDING OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT NO LIKELIHOOD OF ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE ARISING IN OPERATION COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTION, MAINTENANCE FREE PRODUCT ADVANTAGES CORROSION-RESISTANT STAINLESS-STEEL SENSOR RATED TO IP68 AND IP69K COST-EFFECTIVE HIGH-PERFORMANCE SENSOR WITH EXCEPTIONAL RELIABILITY BEST-IN-CLASS 20MM SENSING DISTANCE IN M30-DIAMETER HOUSING
CUSTOMER SOLUTION Contrinex inductive sensors are robust, reliable and offer extended sensing distances; the Full Inox Extreme range is ideal for this application. A one-piece M30-diameter stainless- steel body and vacuum-encapsulated electronics make this device particularly suitable for the mechanically demanding environment, and the sensing distance of 20mm eliminates any possibility of accidental collision in operation. A metal bracket is mounted externally on the actuating mechanism for the upper forks; the embeddable sensor is mounted immediately adjacent to one of the forks and detects the position of the actuating arm as it drives the fork into the vertical position. The AISI 303/V2A stainless-steel housing and sensing face are corrosion-resistant and impervious to water ingress; the sensor is IP68- and IP69K-rated. Configured with an industry-standard PNP normally-open interface, the Contrinex M30 Extreme sensor connects to the forklift’s lower-fork tilt-control systems via a flexible PUR- sheathed cable. A sealed cable entry ensures fit-and-forget capability during extended periods of operation in an outdoor environment. The Full Inox inductive sensor detects the vertical position of the forklift’s upper forks effectively and repeatably, ensuring safe, reliable operation of the unloading system. Contrinex inductive sensors deliver a cost-effective solution that satisfies the customer’s requirements for extreme robustness and extended sensing distance.
A container manufacturer uses a modified forklift, fitted with two sets of forks, for unloading bulk cargo. The lower forks support the container while the upper forks control the lid. When unloading, the lid opens and the lower forks rotate, tipping out the contents. A robust inductive sensor senses the position of the lid, ensuring it opens fully before emptying. CUSTOMER APPLICATION Containers are often used when transporting bulk cargo, including wood chip and biomass, by rail. A manufacturer of bulk-cargo containers has developed an innovative unloading system that uses only a modified forklift, eliminating the need for specialist handling equipment. The forklift has two pairs of lifting forks. The main forks, mounted conventionally, support the weight of the container as it is unloaded from a freight wagon; a second pair, mounted vertically above the lower pair, opens and closes the lid of the container. During opening, the upper forks lift the lid a short distance before tilting it vertically, leaving the top of the container completely unobstructed. The lower forks then rotate about a horizontal axis, tilting the container end-over-end and tipping the contents out. A robust and reliable sensor system is required to detect the vertical position of the lid before rotation begins. An extended sensing distance is essential to eliminate the possibility of mechanical damage.
CUSTOMER VALUES RELIABLE, CONTINUOUS SPEED MONITORING IN HARSH ENVIRONMENT FIT-AND-FORGET SENSOR SOLUTION EFFICIENT, COMPACT DESIGN POSSIBLE FOR MOBILE TURNING MACHINE NO SENSOR-RELATED DOWNTIME NO REPAIR COSTS THANKS TO EXCEPTIONALLY LONG SENSOR LIFE PRODUCT ADVANTAGES EXTREMELY ROBUST, IMPACT AND ABRASION RESISTANT IP68/ IP69K RATED HOUSING. CORROSION-RESISTANT, V4A/ AISI 316L STAINLESS-STEEL, FOOD-COMPATIBLE BODY. LONG OPERATING DISTANCE OF 7MM IN A SMALL & SLIM STAINLESS-STEEL 20X 32X 8MM HOUSING. ROBUST, METAL-CASED INDUCTIVE PROXIMITY SENSORS SUITABLE FOR EASY INTEGRATION FACTOR 1 - CONSISTENT SENSING, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THE TARGET IS STEEL OR ALUMINIUM. RELIABLE, COMPACT VIBRATION-RESISTANT SENSORS IO-LINK INTERFACE INCLUDED FOR FREE IDEAL FOR INDUSTRY 4
Agriculture is using increasingly complex automation in its machinery and an example application is in composting machines. Contrinex’s uniquely robust V4A/ 316L stainless-steel sensors are relied upon for operating reliably in the challenging environment of the inside of the machine’s drive rotor. Withstanding dust, humidity and high temperatures, the sensors enable the machine to provide the fast drying of materials and optimal decomposition with reliable sanitisation being ensured. CUSTOMER APPLICATION The efficient turning of organic materials – loosening, lifting and aerating – is vitally important in industrial composting. Special mobile equipment ensures fast drying of materials, optimal decomposition and reliable sanitisation, processing between 500 and 6800 cubic metres of earth per hour. A manufacturer has introduced machine speed monitoring by sensor. A sensor located in the rotor counts the passing teeth of a rotating mechanical disk. From the number of teeth per second, the controller then calculates the final speed. Perfect sensor operation is required under these particularly harsh conditions. In addition to permanent vibration and shaking, the inductive sensor is also constantly exposed to dust, moisture, and temperatures from 70 to 80°C (158 to 176°F). Since the location of the sensor in the rotor is hard to access, the sensor must be very durable and low maintenance to avoid time-consuming repairs.
CUSTOMER SOLUTION Contrinex inductive sensors from the FULL INOX family, Washdown range, are perfect for this application. Made from a single piece of V4A stainless steel, including the sensing face, they have no covers, caps or welding seams and are the most robust inductive sensors on the market. They resist shock, vibration, impact and abrasion and almost any exposure to dirt, gases, or liquids such as oil, water and cleaning agents. Functionally stable at temperatures from -25 to +85°C (-13 to 185°F), they are also insensitive to core breakage. Thanks to the long operating distances of these sensors (three times greater than the norm) a compact and efficient design was possible using the M12 size. A long operating distance allows the sensor to be mounted well away from the rotating disk’s passing teeth. Setup is also straightforward, as installation tolerances are less critical. A sensor version with plug connector was chosen to allow speedy replacement if necessary.
CUSTOMER VALUES MAXIMUM VEHICLE UTILISATION WITH FEWER CONSTRAINTS ON OPERATIONS REAL-TIME INDICATION OF BEARING CONDITION AND WEAR RATE REDUCED MAINTENANCE COSTS WITH MINIMAL INCIDENCE OF BREAKDOWNS RELIABLE OPERATION IN A HIGHLY DEMANDING AND HARSH ENVIRONMENT PRODUCT ADVANTAGES ANALOGUE DEVICE WITH EXTENDED 40MM SENSING RANGE SMALL PHYSICAL SIZE (LESS THAN 50MM LENGTH) EXCEPTIONAL ACCURACY AND RESOLUTION IN THE MICRON RANGE LONG LIFE, ESPECIALLY IN APPLICATIONS WITH TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS AND VIBRATIONS
Busy container seaports rely upon the ‘24/7’ operation of specialist container-handling vehicles called Straddle Carriers for loading, unloading and stacking containers. Often located at ports, being beside the sea can mean that they have to work in an aggressive and corrosive environment, requiring frequent maintenance. Because traditional, interval-based maintenance schedules are not optimally efficient, condition-based intervention systems which minimise the risk of breakdown, are popular. European port operators therefore frequently rely upon Contrinex’s rugged, analogue-output inductive sensors to monitor components with a high risk of premature failure, maximising vehicle utilisation and reducing maintenance costs. CUSTOMER APPLICATION A fleet of straddle carriers services a busy container port, operating round the clock in a highly aggressive environment. Frequent maintenance is necessary, but traditional, interval- based maintenance schedules are not always optimal. Condition-based intervention minimises the risk of breakdowns, while imposing fewer constraints on day-to-day operation; it also incurs cost only when necessary. As a carrier moves over a container, a central spreader beam lowers and locks onto the four corner fittings of the container. Plain plastic bearings on the carrier legs guide the container as it is raised; there is significant contamination from dirt and other debris. Bearings wear rapidly in the all-weather operating conditions. A condition-monitoring system must measure bearing thickness, repeatably and accurately, in realtime and with µm resolution. Sensors must operate reliably in the harsh environment with a minimum rating of IP67. Sensor length must not exceed 70mm and a minimum sensing range of 30mm is mandatory.
CUSTOMER SOLUTION Contrinex’s Analogue Inductive sensors, which feature ‘Extra Distance’ technology are ideal for this demanding application. These M30-diameter metal-bodied devices are IP67-rated and provide an analogue voltage (0 to 10 volt) or current (4 to 20mA) output. The sensors are less than 50mm long with a 40mm sensing range, comfortably exceeding the specified requirement. A mild steel mounting plate, fixed immediately behind the plastic bearing, locates each sensor with its sensing face in contact with the rear surface of the bearing. As a container passes over the front face of the bearing, the sensor measures the distance to the metal container wall, and thus the bearing thickness. Data is collected in real time with exceptional accuracy and resolution in the micron range. Data passes to on-board computers mounted on each carrier; connection is via a flexible cable with an easily detachable M12 connector. At intervals, carriers transmit data wirelessly to a central processor for detailed analysis. The output gives a clear indication of the condition and wear rate of each bearing, identifying any carrier requiring maintenance. Consequently, the port operator has the means to develop a genuine commercial advantage by eliminating compromise from day-to-day operating processes
CUSTOMER VALUES UNINTERRUPTED PRODUCTION AS POSITIONAL IDENTIFICATION IS HIGHLY RELIABLE. NO RISK OF SKEWING AS MOVEMENT OF THE MACHINE STRUCTURE IS SYNCHRONISED. ELIMINATION OF COLLISION DAMAGE BECAUSE OF SENSING DISTANCE UP TO 45MM. PRODUCT ADVANTAGES PASSIVE RFID TRANSPONDER TAGS REQUIRE NO POWER SOURCE AND MINIMAL MAINTENANCE. RUGGED RFID TRANSPONDER TAGS WITH NYLON OR ALL- METAL HOUSINGS SEALED TO IP67. CONIDENT® TECHNOLOGY PROVIDES EXTENDED SENSING RANGE 45MM. READ/WRITE UNITS INTERFACE WITH A CHOICE OF INDUSTRY- STANDARD CONTROL SYSTEMS OR IO-LINK
CUSTOMER SOLUTION Contrinex high-frequency RFID read/write modules and 30mm-diameter RFID transponder tags are ideal for this application. Rated up to IP67, the M30-diameter read/write modules have PBTP sensing faces and V2A stainless-steel housings, making them ideal for the demanding environment. The ConIdent® passive transponders require no internal power source and, with PBTP synthetic housings, have the same IP67 rating. The selected combination provides read/write distances of up to 45mm (nearly 2 in), ideal for the specified operating conditions. Tags are mounted at one-meter intervals along each travel rail, each programmed with a unique identification number. As the machine passes a tag, the read/write module reads its identification number at high speed; this is transmitted via a PROFIBUS DP interface to the customer’s control system. A simple look-up table confirms the location of the tag and thus the position of the machine, allowing movement of both sides of the structure to be synchronized without skewing. Operation is independent of the direction of travel. Contrinex ConIdent® RFID devices allow accurate and highly reliable sensing of machine position and the long sensing distance avoids any risk of collision damage. The customer enjoys extended service life and robustness not available from alternative position-detection systems, together with excellent value for money
A manufacturer of bulk material-handling equipment uses Contrinex Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) technology to sense the position of a large rail-mounted reclamation- conveyor operating in a hot, dusty environment. A pair of read- write modules, mounted on the machine structure, interrogates a series of RFID tags, positioned at one-meter intervals along each travel rail. The control system identifies each tag individually and determines the exact position of the machinery. CUSTOMER APPLICATION During surface-mining operations, large mobile reclamation machines are used to recover bulk materials. On each machine, a bucket-wheel excavator collects material and deposits it onto a conveyor. As an area is cleared of material, the machine moves along parallel steel travel rails to the next area, allowing continuous operation without interruptions for machine repositioning. The distance between the travel rails is around 100 metres (300 ft) and travel speeds may reach 2m/sec (4.5 mph). If machine movement along the two rails is not controlled accurately, the two sides of the structure become misaligned, causing the machine to skew. In this event, production is halted while the machine is realigned; in the worst case, costly damage occurs. A sensing system is required that detects the position of each side of the machine structure accurately and reliably along the entire length of the travel rails, allowing coordinated control of the drive systems. Sensors must accommodate up to 10mm lateral movement of the machine structure across either rail and must withstand the hot, dusty environment of a desert climate.
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CUSTOMER VALUES NON-CONTACT, ALL-ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH SENSING RANGE UP TO 500MM. LARGE SENSING RANGE AVAILABLE IN A PHYSICALLY SMALL SENSOR.• EXCEPTIONAL RESISTANCE TO EXTREME VIBRATION DURING OPERATION. OPTIMAL SPACE UTILISATION WITH LITTLE OR NO RELIANCE ON OPERATOR INVOLVEMENT PRODUCT ADVANTAGES ELIMINATION OF CALIBRATION ERRORS DURING NORMAL OPERATION LARGE SENSING RANGE AVAILABLE IN PHYSICALLY SMALL SENSOR PROVIDES RELIABLE, REPEATABLE SENSING IN DEMANDING OPERATING CONDITIONS
At busy container seaports, purpose-designed container- handling vehicles called Straddle Carriers, operate around the clock, loading, unloading and stacking containers. Space utilisation is increasingly important and correctly identifying the size of container picked for each lift is essential for efficiency. Contrinex photoelectric sensors have been fitted to the Straddle Carriers to detect the container size and eliminate the need for drivers to carry out identification checks, saving time and avoiding errors. CUSTOMER APPLICATION A fleet of straddle carriers, purpose-designed container- handling vehicles, services a busy French container port. As a straddle carrier moves over a container, a central lifting beam lowers and locks onto the corner castings of the container; each lift comprises either a single 40-foot container or two 20- foot containers. Optimal utilisation of storage space is essential; correctly identifying the size of container picked for each lift is vital. Fitting carriers with sensors that detect the size and type of containers at the time of lifting eliminate the need for drivers to carry out identification checks, saving time and avoiding errors. The original mechanical sensors proved unreliable, losing calibration when subjected to continuous vibration during normal operation. Although the scheduled maintenance interval for each vehicle is 1,000 hours, mechanical sensors required recalibration at intervals of no more than two or three days. A highly stable replacement sensor system was required.
CUSTOMER SOLUTION Highly stable, non-contact, all-electronic units from the Contrinex range of photoelectric sensors provide a reliable and cost-effective alternative. The moulded-resin sensor casings, fitted with coated-plastic sensing faces, are IP67 rated, making them virtually impervious to the harsh, salt-laden environment of a busy container port. Connection to the vehicle’s control systems is via an integral M12 connector and PVC-sheathed cable, allowing easy removal and replacement during routine maintenance. To confirm the size of the container, two pairs of diffuse sensors with background suppression are mounted centrally on each lifting beam. As the lifting beam descends, one sensor from each pair detects the presence or absence of corner castings at the central lifting points, while the other detects the presence or absence of the gap between two 20-foot containers. The combination of the two eliminates incorrect identification in the unlikely event that the first sensor returns a false-positive signal from a 40-foot container. A physically small housing and long sensing distances eliminate the risk of accidental damage arising from a mechanical collision, while rugged industry-standard housings and vacuum-encapsulated electronics minimise the effects of vibration. Operational results have been excellent; the new Contrinex sensors have eliminated calibration errors and reduced maintenance costs significantly.
A range of multi-purpose off-road tractors allows the driver to choose between two-wheel or four-wheel steering. When selecting two-wheel steering using the front wheels only, the rear axle is locked in the straight-ahead position. Before the axle is locked, rugged inductive sensors from Contrinex detect the straight-ahead position accurately and reliably, ensuring precise alignment of the tractor’s steering geometry. CUSTOMER APPLICATION Modern multi-purpose off-road utility vehicles are exceptionally versatile, offering four-wheel drive and both front and rear-wheel steering. Reliable operation all year round, on all types of terrain and in all weather conditions, is essential as typical tasks include bulk-load transportation and agricultural engineering. Extreme conditions often demand increased manoeuvrability; for maximum control, the driver can engage four-wheel steering when required. When reverting to the default two- wheel steering configuration, the rear axle must be locked in the straight-ahead position to prevent misalignment of the rear wheels. A rugged, reliable and accurate sensor system is required to detect the straight-ahead position of the rear axle before it is locked. The sensor must withstand significant mechanical shock and vibration and must also be impervious to water ingress. Additionally, it should accommodate the extremes of temperature experienced during all-year-round operation.
CUSTOMER VALUES RELIABLE, REPEATABLE SENSING PERFORMANCE IN DEMANDING OPERATING CONDITIONS FIT-AND-FORGET OPERATION WITH MINIMAL MAINTENANCE TECHNICALLY ELEGANT, COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTION REQUIRING MINIMAL RE-ENGINEERING PRODUCT ADVANTAGES 2MM SENSING DISTANCE ELIMINATES THE POSSIBILITY OF ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE TO THE SENSOR RUGGED, ROBUST STAINLESS-STEEL SENSOR WITH INTEGRAL M8 CONNECTOR AFFORDABLE HIGH-PERFORMANCE SENSOR WITH EXCEPTIONAL RELIABILITY - FIT-AND-FORGET OPERATION WITH MINIMAL MAINTENANCE
Configured with an industry-standard PNP normally-open interface, the sensor features an integral M8 connector and connects to the vehicle’s central controller via a flexible PVC- sheathed cable. Adding the sensor requires minimal modification to the vehicle’s control systems, and maintenance is simple and speedy. The sensor detects the straight-ahead position of the vehicle’s rear axle repeatably and accurately, ensuring correct, reliable engagement of two-wheel steering. Contrinex inductive sensors provide the customer with a cost-effective fit-and- forget solution to a challenging problem.
CUSTOMER SOLUTION Inductive sensors from the Contrinex ‘Basic’ range are rugged, reliable and accommodate the required extremes of temperature; with an M8-sized sensor being ideal for this application. A V2A/AISI 303 stainless-steel body and vacuum-encapsulated electronics, make it particularly suitable for the mechanically demanding environment, and it is rated for operation at temperatures between -25ºC (-13ºF) and 70ºC (158ºF). A narrow flange is attached to each end of the vehicle’s hydraulic power-steering rack. The sensor is mounted immediately below one end of the rack and detects the position of the flange as it passes over the sensing face. The sensing distance of 2mm eliminates any possibility of accidental collision with the flange.
CUSTOMER VALUES RELIABLE OPERATION DESPITE HIGH-OPERATING PRESSURES EASE OF MOUNTING REDUCED MAINTENANCE COSTS INCREASED EFFICIENCY PRODUCT ADVANTAGES PRACTICALLY UNLIMITED NUMBER OF PRESSURE CYCLES ACROSS THE PRESSURE RANGE 10 TIMES GREATER LONGEVITY THAN THE MARKET STANDARD PEAK PRESSURE UP TO 1000 BAR (14500 PSI) LONG OPERATING DISTANCES DESPITE PRESSURE RESISTANT HOUSING RESISTANCE TO DYNAMIC STRESSES
Manufacturers of mobile concrete pumping trucks trust Contrinex’s High Pressure sensors to monitor the piston position in the hydraulic drive cylinder. These sensors provide exceptional reliability despite the challenges of pressure cycles and high pressure peaks, increasing longevity and efficiency and reducing maintenance costs for these concrete pump. An additional benefit is that these sensors are part of Contrinex’s Extra Distance family and so combine long operating distances despite the pressure resistant housing. CUSTOMER APPLICATION Concrete pumps use a double-piston pump and require two feed cylinders that pump concrete at a working pressure of up to 400 bar (5800 psi). These feed cylinders are driven by pairs of hydraulic cylinder pairs which operate in push-pull opposition. To achieve the maximum possible efficiency, the timing of this push-pull operation must be precisely coordinated. It is therefore essential to monitor the cylinder limit position with sensors that are resistant to high-pressure. The dynamic stresses on all components built into the hydraulic system are very high, due to constantly changing pressure cycles during pump operation. Concrete pump failures are extremely costly because they can cause construction problems and stoppages and risk compromising the building being constructed. If the breakdown is due to problems in the hydraulic system, all the hydraulic oil must be drained to correct the fault. Then, after refilling and before start-up, several time-consuming de- aeration cycles must take place before the pump is fully fit for service again. This prolongs the construction stoppage. The customer’s requirements for longevity and resistance to high peak pressures are essential to guarantee the smooth operation of such systems.
CUSTOMER SOLUTION Contrinex High-Pressure sensors (series 500P) withstand the necessary pressure levels (peak pressure up to 1000 bar - 14500 psi) due to a patented process whereby a solid ceramic disk is built into the stainless steel housing. These sensors are fully resistant to dynamic stresses. A patented technology ensures that all electronics, including the ferrite core and coil, are located on the unpressurised side of the housing. This results in an unusually long life under pressure cycle stresses. To monitor cylinder limit positions in the concrete pump, two sensors are installed and connected to the control system. Due to their longevity, which is ten times greater than the market standard, maintenance costs are reduced to a minimum.
OFF-HIGHWAY AND RAIL APPLICATIONS SHARE A REQUIREMENT FOR ROBUST, HIGH-PERFORMANCE, BUT LOW-COST SENSORS, WHICH MAKES CONTRINEX SENSORS POPULAR ACROSS THESE INDUSTRIES.

OFF-HIGHWAY & RAIL APPLICATIONS

Click for Brochure 700 Series - Extreme Robust Click for Brochure 700 Series  - 316L/ V4A Washdown Click for Brochure 600 Series -  Standard Click for Brochure C23PA Photoelectric
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Rugged sensor construction ensures excellent resistance to shock and vibration and a sensing distance of up to 10mm eliminates any risk of accidental collision with moving parts. These devices are corrosion-resistant and impervious to water ingress, mud, ice and salt. Reliability has been excellent. Contrinex inductive sensors deliver a cost-effective solution that satisfies the customer’s requirements for a simple, fit- and-forget system.
The ‘700’ Series ‘Extreme’ sensors are uniquely robust sensors are typically demonstrated by Contrinex as being able to repeatedly being used to hammer in nails. Even when their front face is dented, the sensor continues to operate correctly. Even under the harsh operating conditions of this application, these sensors last several years and downtime attributable to faulty sensors is minimal. Their long service life contributes to a reduction in repair costs.
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CUSTOMER VALUES ELIMINATION OF HUMAN ERROR PREVENTS TRUCK BEING DRIVEN IN AN UNSAFE CONDITION. HIGHLY RELIABLE SENSING PERFORMANCE IN HIGHLY DEMANDING CONDITIONS CORROSION-RESISTANT SENSORS WITHSTAND WATER, ICE, MUD AND SALT HIGHLY COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTION TO A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS PROBLEM PRODUCT ADVANTAGES EXTREMELY ROBUST, IMPACT AND ABRASION RESISTANT IP68/ IP69K RATED HOUSING. CORROSION-RESISTANT, V2A/ AISI 304 STAINLESS-STEEL, FOOD-COMPATIBLE BODY. LONG OPERATING DISTANCE OF 7MM IN A SMALL & SLIM STAINLESS-STEEL 20X 32X 8MM HOUSING. ROBUST, METAL-CASED INDUCTIVE PROXIMITY SENSORS SUITABLE FOR EASY INTEGRATION FACTOR 1 - CONSISTENT SENSING, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THE TARGET IS STEEL OR ALUMINIUM. RELIABLE, COMPACT VIBRATION-RESISTANT SENSORS IO-LINK INTERFACE INCLUDED IDEAL FOR INDUSTRY 4
Hook loader trucks utilise a hydraulic system for loading and unloading a demountable container. Once the container is correctly positioned on the vehicle’s load bed, interlocks engage with its base, securing it in position. Contrinex’s rugged sensor systems detect full engagement of the interlocks, ensuring the truck is safely loaded prior to driving away. Therefore, the sensors must be mechanically robust and able to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. CUSTOMER APPLICATION A specialist vehicle builder manufactures hydraulic hook-lift systems for commercial trucks. A hook loader truck employs a series of hydraulic rams to hook, lift and pull a demountable container onto the vehicle’s load bed; a full container may weigh up to 30 tons. Hook loader trucks operate all year round, often in harsh environments such as demolition and construction sites. Hook-lift systems are typically semi-automated. The driver positions the truck, engages the hook with the container and initiates the lifting sequence. Once the container is pulled onto the load bed, two interlock mechanisms, mounted on the truck chassis, actuate and engage with the container body. Once the interlocks are fully engaged, the container is secure and the truck may be driven safely. A highly reliable sensor system must detect the position of the interlocks, ensuring that they are fully engaged before the truck drives away. Sensors must be robust and must withstand water, mud, dirt and ice. They may also be subject to mechanical shock and vibration.
CUSTOMER SOLUTION Rugged Full stainless-steel inductive sensors from the Contrinex Extreme 700 Series are designed for demanding or even exceptionally demanding environments, making them ideal for this application. Highly reliable and IP68 / IP69K rated, these embeddable units feature one-piece V2A (AISI 304) stainless-steel construction with vacuum-encapsulated electronics, making them well suited to the hostile operating conditions. During operation, a double-ended ram drives a pair of interlock bolts into position. On either side of the truck, two M18-diameter sensors are mounted in the wall of each bolt housing; one detects the bolt as it reaches the fully engaged position; the other detects it in the fully retracted position. A second ram drives a rotating lock mechanism to engage with the vehicle chassis; a further two sensors detect the position of a cam on the locking shaft as it rotates. Each sensor is configured with an industry-standard PNP normally-open interface, and connection to the truck’s hydraulic control system is via an integral M12 connector and PUR-sheathed cable. This allows easy removal and replacement during routine maintenance.
CUSTOMER VALUES RELIABLE, EXCEPTIONAL RELIABILITY IN A HARSH OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT AUTOMATIC OPERATION WITH OPTIMAL SPACE UTILISATION ELIMINATION OF SWITCHING ERRORS DURING YEAR-ROUND OPERATION SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED MAINTENANCE COSTS PRODUCT ADVANTAGES SENSING RANGE UP TO 12,000 MM LONG SENSING RANGE IN SMALL SENSOR EXCEPTIONAL RESISTANCE TO VIBRATION DURING OPERATION
When a tram reaches a road junction, wire-switches, installed on the overhead conductor cables, control its direction of travel, with switches in either the default “straight-through” or “turnout” positions. As the tram passes a switch in the turnout position, Contrinex photoelectric sensors mounted on the overhead cables detect the presence of the pantograph current collector so that the control system can then reset the switch to the default position. CUSTOMER APPLICATION In urban tram transportation systems, wire-switches installed on the overhead conductor cables at road junctions, control the direction of travel for the trams. The switches default to the straight-through position so that when a bus approaches a turn, the driver uses a remote trigger to change the switch to the turnout position. After the bus completes the turn, the switch reverts to the straight-through position. If a triggered switch reverts to the straight-through position prematurely, the pantagraph current collector may become disengaged, damaging the switch. Therefore tram operators install safety systems to prevent premature switching. Typically, these utilise timer circuits and a predetermined delay or mechanical sensors that rely on physical contact with the current collector, but neither system is reliable. A Swiss manufacturer of trolley-bus control systems requires a highly reliable, rugged sensor system that will detect the presence of a current collector as it passes a switch. The system must operate with minimal maintenance and withstand the varied weather conditions of an outdoor environment in Switzerland and therefore they selected Contrinex sensors. .
Customer Solution Contrinex’s C23 through-beam photoelectric sensors offer high-performance, small size and high-stability. A purpose- designed metal bracket, mounted above the conductor cable, holds the transmitter and receiver units in alignment on either side of the cable. As the pantagraph current collector passes between the two units it breaks the beam, triggering the sensor and returning the switch to the straight-through position. The C23 photoelectric sensors are virtually impervious to the harsh, outdoor environment and their small physically size (30 x 20 x 10mm) eliminates the risk of accidental damage arising from a mechanical collision. The rugged construction and vacuum-encapsulated electronics within the sensor minimise the effects of vibration, ensuring a long service life. Each unit is connected to the trolley-bus control systems via a PVC-sheathed cable with a hermetically sealed entry. The receiver has an industry-standard PNP interface. The one- piece mounting bracket allows easy removal and replacement of the complete assembly during routine maintenance. Operational results have been excellent and the Contrinex sensors have proved highly reliable, eliminating switching errors and reducing maintenance costs significantly. These rugged miniature sensors have a sensing range up to 30m, for Through-beam applications. They are very reliable and cost-effective with the additional benefit of offering a range of low-cost stainless-steel mounting and protection brackets, making them ideal for a wide variety of applications.
CUSTOMER VALUES SAFE, RELIABLE PERFORMANCE IN A DEMANDING OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT NO LIKELIHOOD OF ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE ARISING IN OPERATION COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTION, MAINTENANCE FREE PRODUCT ADVANTAGES CORROSION-RESISTANT STAINLESS-STEEL SENSOR RATED TO IP68 AND IP69K COST-EFFECTIVE HIGH-PERFORMANCE SENSOR WITH EXCEPTIONAL RELIABILITY BEST-IN-CLASS 20MM SENSING DISTANCE IN M30-DIAMETER HOUSING
CUSTOMER SOLUTION Contrinex inductive sensors are robust, reliable and offer extended sensing distances; the Full Inox Extreme range is ideal for this application. A one-piece M30-diameter stainless- steel body and vacuum-encapsulated electronics make this device particularly suitable for the mechanically demanding environment, and the sensing distance of 20mm eliminates any possibility of accidental collision in operation. A metal bracket is mounted externally on the actuating mechanism for the upper forks; the embeddable sensor is mounted immediately adjacent to one of the forks and detects the position of the actuating arm as it drives the fork into the vertical position. The AISI 303/V2A stainless-steel housing and sensing face are corrosion-resistant and impervious to water ingress; the sensor is IP68- and IP69K-rated. Configured with an industry-standard PNP normally-open interface, the Contrinex M30 Extreme sensor connects to the forklift’s lower-fork tilt-control systems via a flexible PUR- sheathed cable. A sealed cable entry ensures fit-and-forget capability during extended periods of operation in an outdoor environment. The Full Inox inductive sensor detects the vertical position of the forklift’s upper forks effectively and repeatably, ensuring safe, reliable operation of the unloading system. Contrinex inductive sensors deliver a cost-effective solution that satisfies the customer’s requirements for extreme robustness and extended sensing distance
A container manufacturer uses a modified forklift, fitted with two sets of forks, for unloading bulk cargo. The lower forks support the container while the upper forks control the lid. When unloading, the lid opens and the lower forks rotate, tipping out the contents. A robust inductive sensor senses the position of the lid, ensuring it opens fully before emptying. CUSTOMER APPLICATION Containers are often used when transporting bulk cargo, including wood chip and biomass, by rail. A manufacturer of bulk-cargo containers has developed an innovative unloading system that uses only a modified forklift, eliminating the need for specialist handling equipment. The forklift has two pairs of lifting forks. The main forks, mounted conventionally, support the weight of the container as it is unloaded from a freight wagon; a second pair, mounted vertically above the lower pair, opens and closes the lid of the container. During opening, the upper forks lift the lid a short distance before tilting it vertically, leaving the top of the container completely unobstructed. The lower forks then rotate about a horizontal axis, tilting the container end-over-end and tipping the contents out. A robust and reliable sensor system is required to detect the vertical position of the lid before rotation begins. An extended sensing distance is essential to eliminate the possibility of mechanical damage.
CUSTOMER VALUES RELIABLE, CONTINUOUS SPEED MONITORING IN HARSH ENVIRONMENT FIT-AND-FORGET SENSOR SOLUTION EFFICIENT, COMPACT DESIGN POSSIBLE FOR MOBILE TURNING MACHINE NO SENSOR-RELATED DOWNTIME NO REPAIR COSTS THANKS TO EXCEPTIONALLY LONG SENSOR LIFE PRODUCT ADVANTAGES EXTREMELY ROBUST, IMPACT AND ABRASION RESISTANT IP68/ IP69K RATED HOUSING. CORROSION-RESISTANT, V4A/ AISI 316L STAINLESS-STEEL, FOOD-COMPATIBLE BODY. LONG OPERATING DISTANCE OF 7MM IN A SMALL & SLIM STAINLESS-STEEL 20X 32X 8MM HOUSING. ROBUST, METAL-CASED INDUCTIVE PROXIMITY SENSORS SUITABLE FOR EASY INTEGRATION FACTOR 1 - CONSISTENT SENSING, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THE TARGET IS STEEL OR ALUMINIUM. RELIABLE, COMPACT VIBRATION-RESISTANT SENSORS IO-LINK INTERFACE INCLUDED FOR FREE IDEAL FOR INDUSTRY 4
Agriculture is using increasingly complex automation in its machinery and an example application is in composting machines. Contrinex’s uniquely robust V4A/ 316L stainless-steel sensors are relied upon for operating reliably in the challenging environment of the inside of the machine’s drive rotor. Withstanding dust, humidity and high temperatures, the sensors enable the machine to provide the fast drying of materials and optimal decomposition with reliable sanitisation being ensured. CUSTOMER APPLICATION The efficient turning of organic materials – loosening, lifting and aerating – is vitally important in industrial composting. Special mobile equipment ensures fast drying of materials, optimal decomposition and reliable sanitisation, processing between 500 and 6800 cubic metres of earth per hour. A manufacturer has introduced machine speed monitoring by sensor. A sensor located in the rotor counts the passing teeth of a rotating mechanical disk. From the number of teeth per second, the controller then calculates the final speed. Perfect sensor operation is required under these particularly harsh conditions. In addition to permanent vibration and shaking, the inductive sensor is also constantly exposed to dust, moisture, and temperatures from 70 to 80°C (158 to 176°F). Since the location of the sensor in the rotor is hard to access, the sensor must be very durable and low maintenance to avoid time-consuming repairs.
CUSTOMER SOLUTION Contrinex inductive sensors from the FULL INOX family, Washdown range, are perfect for this application. Made from a single piece of V4A stainless steel, including the sensing face, they have no covers, caps or welding seams and are the most robust inductive sensors on the market. They resist shock, vibration, impact and abrasion and almost any exposure to dirt, gases, or liquids such as oil, water and cleaning agents. Functionally stable at temperatures from -25 to +85°C (-13 to 185°F), they are also insensitive to core breakage. Thanks to the long operating distances of these sensors (three times greater than the norm) a compact and efficient design was possible using the M12 size. A long operating distance allows the sensor to be mounted well away from the rotating disk’s passing teeth. Setup is also straightforward, as installation tolerances are less critical. A sensor version with plug connector was chosen to allow speedy replacement if necessary.
CUSTOMER VALUES MAXIMUM VEHICLE UTILISATION WITH FEWER CONSTRAINTS ON OPERATIONS REAL-TIME INDICATION OF BEARING CONDITION AND WEAR RATE REDUCED MAINTENANCE COSTS WITH MINIMAL INCIDENCE OF BREAKDOWNS RELIABLE OPERATION IN A HIGHLY DEMANDING AND HARSH ENVIRONMENT PRODUCT ADVANTAGES ANALOGUE DEVICE WITH EXTENDED 40MM SENSING RANGE SMALL PHYSICAL SIZE (LESS THAN 50MM LENGTH) EXCEPTIONAL ACCURACY AND RESOLUTION IN THE MICRON RANGE LONG LIFE, ESPECIALLY IN APPLICATIONS WITH TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS AND VIBRATIONS
Busy container seaports rely upon the ‘24/7’ operation of specialist container-handling vehicles called Straddle Carriers for loading, unloading and stacking containers. Often located at ports, being beside the sea can mean that they have to work in an aggressive and corrosive environment, requiring frequent maintenance. Because traditional, interval-based maintenance schedules are not optimally efficient, condition-based intervention systems which minimise the risk of breakdown, are popular. European port operators therefore frequently rely upon Contrinex’s rugged, analogue-output inductive sensors to monitor components with a high risk of premature failure, maximising vehicle utilisation and reducing maintenance costs. CUSTOMER APPLICATION A fleet of straddle carriers services a busy container port, operating round the clock in a highly aggressive environment. Frequent maintenance is necessary, but traditional, interval- based maintenance schedules are not always optimal. Condition-based intervention minimises the risk of breakdowns, while imposing fewer constraints on day-to-day operation; it also incurs cost only when necessary. As a carrier moves over a container, a central spreader beam lowers and locks onto the four corner fittings of the container. Plain plastic bearings on the carrier legs guide the container as it is raised; there is significant contamination from dirt and other debris. Bearings wear rapidly in the all-weather operating conditions. A condition-monitoring system must measure bearing thickness, repeatably and accurately, in realtime and with µm resolution. Sensors must operate reliably in the harsh environment with a minimum rating of IP67. Sensor length must not exceed 70mm and a minimum sensing range of 30mm is mandatory.
CUSTOMER SOLUTION Contrinex’s Analogue Inductive sensors, which feature ‘Extra Distance’ technology are ideal for this demanding application. These M30-diameter metal-bodied devices are IP67-rated and provide an analogue voltage (0 to 10 volt) or current (4 to 20mA) output. The sensors are less than 50mm long with a 40mm sensing range, comfortably exceeding the specified requirement. A mild steel mounting plate, fixed immediately behind the plastic bearing, locates each sensor with its sensing face in contact with the rear surface of the bearing. As a container passes over the front face of the bearing, the sensor measures the distance to the metal container wall, and thus the bearing thickness. Data is collected in real time with exceptional accuracy and resolution in the micron range. Data passes to on-board computers mounted on each carrier; connection is via a flexible cable with an easily detachable M12 connector. At intervals, carriers transmit data wirelessly to a central processor for detailed analysis. The output gives a clear indication of the condition and wear rate of each bearing, identifying any carrier requiring maintenance. Consequently, the port operator has the means to develop a genuine commercial advantage by eliminating compromise from day-to-day operating processes
CUSTOMER VALUES UNINTERRUPTED PRODUCTION AS POSITIONAL IDENTIFICATION IS HIGHLY RELIABLE. NO RISK OF SKEWING AS MOVEMENT OF THE MACHINE STRUCTURE IS SYNCHRONISED. ELIMINATION OF COLLISION DAMAGE BECAUSE OF SENSING DISTANCE UP TO 45MM. PRODUCT ADVANTAGES PASSIVE RFID TRANSPONDER TAGS REQUIRE NO POWER SOURCE AND MINIMAL MAINTENANCE. RUGGED RFID TRANSPONDER TAGS WITH NYLON OR ALL- METAL HOUSINGS SEALED TO IP67. CONIDENT® TECHNOLOGY PROVIDES EXTENDED SENSING RANGE 45MM. READ/WRITE UNITS INTERFACE WITH A CHOICE OF INDUSTRY- STANDARD CONTROL SYSTEMS OR IO-LINK
CUSTOMER SOLUTION Contrinex high-frequency RFID read/write modules and 30mm-diameter RFID transponder tags are ideal for this application. Rated up to IP67, the M30-diameter read/write modules have PBTP sensing faces and V2A stainless-steel housings, making them ideal for the demanding environment. The ConIdent® passive transponders require no internal power source and, with PBTP synthetic housings, have the same IP67 rating. The selected combination provides read/write distances of up to 45mm (nearly 2 in), ideal for the specified operating conditions. Tags are mounted at one-meter intervals along each travel rail, each programmed with a unique identification number. As the machine passes a tag, the read/write module reads its identification number at high speed; this is transmitted via a PROFIBUS DP interface to the customer’s control system. A simple look-up table confirms the location of the tag and thus the position of the machine, allowing movement of both sides of the structure to be synchronized without skewing. Operation is independent of the direction of travel. Contrinex ConIdent® RFID devices allow accurate and highly reliable sensing of machine position and the long sensing distance avoids any risk of collision damage. The customer enjoys extended service life and robustness not available from alternative position-detection systems, together with excellent value for money
A manufacturer of bulk material-handling equipment uses Contrinex Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) technology to sense the position of a large rail-mounted reclamation- conveyor operating in a hot, dusty environment. A pair of read- write modules, mounted on the machine structure, interrogates a series of RFID tags, positioned at one-meter intervals along each travel rail. The control system identifies each tag individually and determines the exact position of the machinery. CUSTOMER APPLICATION During surface-mining operations, large mobile reclamation machines are used to recover bulk materials. On each machine, a bucket-wheel excavator collects material and deposits it onto a conveyor. As an area is cleared of material, the machine moves along parallel steel travel rails to the next area, allowing continuous operation without interruptions for machine repositioning. The distance between the travel rails is around 100 metres (300 ft) and travel speeds may reach 2m/sec (4.5 mph). If machine movement along the two rails is not controlled accurately, the two sides of the structure become misaligned, causing the machine to skew. In this event, production is halted while the machine is realigned; in the worst case, costly damage occurs. A sensing system is required that detects the position of each side of the machine structure accurately and reliably along the entire length of the travel rails, allowing coordinated control of the drive systems. Sensors must accommodate up to 10mm lateral movement of the machine structure across either rail and must withstand the hot, dusty environment of a desert climate.
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CUSTOMER VALUES NON-CONTACT, ALL-ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH SENSING RANGE UP TO 500MM. LARGE SENSING RANGE AVAILABLE IN A PHYSICALLY SMALL SENSOR.• EXCEPTIONAL RESISTANCE TO EXTREME VIBRATION DURING OPERATION. OPTIMAL SPACE UTILISATION WITH LITTLE OR NO RELIANCE ON OPERATOR INVOLVEMENT PRODUCT ADVANTAGES ELIMINATION OF CALIBRATION ERRORS DURING NORMAL OPERATION LARGE SENSING RANGE AVAILABLE IN PHYSICALLY SMALL SENSOR PROVIDES RELIABLE, REPEATABLE SENSING IN DEMANDING OPERATING CONDITIONS
At busy container seaports, purpose-designed container- handling vehicles called Straddle Carriers, operate around the clock, loading, unloading and stacking containers. Space utilisation is increasingly important and correctly identifying the size of container picked for each lift is essential for efficiency. Contrinex photoelectric sensors have been fitted to the Straddle Carriers to detect the container size and eliminate the need for drivers to carry out identification checks, saving time and avoiding errors. CUSTOMER APPLICATION A fleet of straddle carriers, purpose-designed container- handling vehicles, services a busy French container port. As a straddle carrier moves over a container, a central lifting beam lowers and locks onto the corner castings of the container; each lift comprises either a single 40-foot container or two 20- foot containers. Optimal utilisation of storage space is essential; correctly identifying the size of container picked for each lift is vital. Fitting carriers with sensors that detect the size and type of containers at the time of lifting eliminate the need for drivers to carry out identification checks, saving time and avoiding errors. The original mechanical sensors proved unreliable, losing calibration when subjected to continuous vibration during normal operation. Although the scheduled maintenance interval for each vehicle is 1,000 hours, mechanical sensors required recalibration at intervals of no more than two or three days. A highly stable replacement sensor system was required.
CUSTOMER SOLUTION Highly stable, non-contact, all-electronic units from the Contrinex range of photoelectric sensors provide a reliable and cost-effective alternative. The moulded-resin sensor casings, fitted with coated-plastic sensing faces, are IP67 rated, making them virtually impervious to the harsh, salt-laden environment of a busy container port. Connection to the vehicle’s control systems is via an integral M12 connector and PVC-sheathed cable, allowing easy removal and replacement during routine maintenance. To confirm the size of the container, two pairs of diffuse sensors with background suppression are mounted centrally on each lifting beam. As the lifting beam descends, one sensor from each pair detects the presence or absence of corner castings at the central lifting points, while the other detects the presence or absence of the gap between two 20-foot containers. The combination of the two eliminates incorrect identification in the unlikely event that the first sensor returns a false-positive signal from a 40-foot container. A physically small housing and long sensing distances eliminate the risk of accidental damage arising from a mechanical collision, while rugged industry-standard housings and vacuum-encapsulated electronics minimise the effects of vibration. Operational results have been excellent; the new Contrinex sensors have eliminated calibration errors and reduced maintenance costs significantly.
A range of multi-purpose off-road tractors allows the driver to choose between two-wheel or four-wheel steering. When selecting two-wheel steering using the front wheels only, the rear axle is locked in the straight-ahead position. Before the axle is locked, rugged inductive sensors from Contrinex detect the straight-ahead position accurately and reliably, ensuring precise alignment of the tractor’s steering geometry. CUSTOMER APPLICATION Modern multi-purpose off-road utility vehicles are exceptionally versatile, offering four-wheel drive and both front and rear-wheel steering. Reliable operation all year round, on all types of terrain and in all weather conditions, is essential as typical tasks include bulk-load transportation and agricultural engineering. Extreme conditions often demand increased manoeuvrability; for maximum control, the driver can engage four-wheel steering when required. When reverting to the default two- wheel steering configuration, the rear axle must be locked in the straight-ahead position to prevent misalignment of the rear wheels. A rugged, reliable and accurate sensor system is required to detect the straight-ahead position of the rear axle before it is locked. The sensor must withstand significant mechanical shock and vibration and must also be impervious to water ingress. Additionally, it should accommodate the extremes of temperature experienced during all-year-round operation.
CUSTOMER VALUES RELIABLE, REPEATABLE SENSING PERFORMANCE IN DEMANDING OPERATING CONDITIONS FIT-AND-FORGET OPERATION WITH MINIMAL MAINTENANCE TECHNICALLY ELEGANT, COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTION REQUIRING MINIMAL RE-ENGINEERING PRODUCT ADVANTAGES 2MM SENSING DISTANCE ELIMINATES THE POSSIBILITY OF ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE TO THE SENSOR RUGGED, ROBUST STAINLESS-STEEL SENSOR WITH INTEGRAL M8 CONNECTOR AFFORDABLE HIGH-PERFORMANCE SENSOR WITH EXCEPTIONAL RELIABILITY - FIT-AND-FORGET OPERATION WITH MINIMAL MAINTENANCE
Configured with an industry-standard PNP normally-open interface, the sensor features an integral M8 connector and connects to the vehicle’s central controller via a flexible PVC- sheathed cable. Adding the sensor requires minimal modification to the vehicle’s control systems, and maintenance is simple and speedy. The sensor detects the straight-ahead position of the vehicle’s rear axle repeatably and accurately, ensuring correct, reliable engagement of two-wheel steering. Contrinex inductive sensors provide the customer with a cost-effective fit-and- forget solution to a challenging problem.
CUSTOMER SOLUTION Inductive sensors from the Contrinex ‘Basic’ range are rugged, reliable and accommodate the required extremes of temperature; with an M8-sized sensor being ideal for this application. A V2A/AISI 303 stainless-steel body and vacuum-encapsulated electronics, make it particularly suitable for the mechanically demanding environment, and it is rated for operation at temperatures between -25ºC (-13ºF) and 70ºC (158ºF). A narrow flange is attached to each end of the vehicle’s hydraulic power-steering rack. The sensor is mounted immediately below one end of the rack and detects the position of the flange as it passes over the sensing face. The sensing distance of 2mm eliminates any possibility of accidental collision with the flange.
CUSTOMER VALUES RELIABLE OPERATION DESPITE HIGH-OPERATING PRESSURES EASE OF MOUNTING REDUCED MAINTENANCE COSTS INCREASED EFFICIENCY PRODUCT ADVANTAGES PRACTICALLY UNLIMITED NUMBER OF PRESSURE CYCLES ACROSS THE PRESSURE RANGE 10 TIMES GREATER LONGEVITY THAN THE MARKET STANDARD PEAK PRESSURE UP TO 1000 BAR (14500 PSI) LONG OPERATING DISTANCES DESPITE PRESSURE RESISTANT HOUSING RESISTANCE TO DYNAMIC STRESSES
Manufacturers of mobile concrete pumping trucks trust Contrinex’s High Pressure sensors to monitor the piston position in the hydraulic drive cylinder. These sensors provide exceptional reliability despite the challenges of pressure cycles and high pressure peaks, increasing longevity and efficiency and reducing maintenance costs for these concrete pump. An additional benefit is that these sensors are part of Contrinex’s Extra Distance family and so combine long operating distances despite the pressure resistant housing. CUSTOMER APPLICATION Concrete pumps use a double-piston pump and require two feed cylinders that pump concrete at a working pressure of up to 400 bar (5800 psi). These feed cylinders are driven by pairs of hydraulic cylinder pairs which operate in push-pull opposition. To achieve the maximum possible efficiency, the timing of this push-pull operation must be precisely coordinated. It is therefore essential to monitor the cylinder limit position with sensors that are resistant to high pressure. The dynamic stresses on all components built into the hydraulic system are very high, due to constantly changing pressure cycles during pump operation. Concrete pump failures are extremely costly because they can cause construction problems and stoppages and risk compromising the building being constructed. If the breakdown is due to problems in the hydraulic system, all the hydraulic oil must be drained to correct the fault. Then, after refilling and before start-up, several time-consuming de- aeration cycles must take place before the pump is fully fit for service again. This prolongs the construction stoppage. The customer’s requirements for longevity and resistance to high peak pressures are essential to guarantee the smooth operation of such systems.
CUSTOMER SOLUTION Contrinex High-Pressure sensors (series 500P) withstand the necessary pressure levels (peak pressure up to 1000 bar - 14500 psi) due to a patented process whereby a solid ceramic disk is built into the stainless steel housing. These sensors are fully resistant to dynamic stresses. A patented technology ensures that all electronics, including the ferrite core and coil, are located on the unpressurised side of the housing. This results in an unusually long life under pressure cycle stresses. To monitor cylinder limit positions in the concrete pump, two sensors are installed and connected to the control system. Due to their longevity, which is ten times greater than the market standard, maintenance costs are reduced to a minimum.

OFF-HIGHWAY & RAIL

APPLICATIONS

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Click for Brochure C23PA Photoelectric Click for Brochure 700 Series - Extreme Robust Click for Brochure 700 Series  - 316L/ V4A Washdown Click for Brochure 600 Series -  Standard
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Rugged sensor construction ensures excellent resistance to shock and vibration and a sensing distance of up to 10mm eliminates any risk of accidental collision with moving parts. These devices are corrosion-resistant and impervious to water ingress, mud, ice and salt. Reliability has been excellent. Contrinex inductive sensors deliver a cost-effective solution that satisfies the customer’s requirements for a simple, fit- and-forget system.
The ‘700’ Series ‘Extreme’ sensors are uniquely robust sensors are typically demonstrated by Contrinex as being able to repeatedly being used to hammer in nails. Even when their front face is dented, the sensor continues to operate correctly. Even under the harsh operating conditions of this application, these sensors last several years and downtime attributable to faulty sensors is minimal. Their long service life contributes to a reduction in repair costs.