World-Beam QS30 Reliably Detects Clear Objects

Banner Engineering has introduced the World-Beam QS30 Clear Object Sensor, which provides reliable clear-object detection. The Clear Object Sensor utilises an advanced optical design to allow the sensor to see translucent materials, ensuring dependable detection of clear targets including PET bottles and glass containers. Additionally, the optical design prevents the sensor from being tricked by specular reflections, allowing the sensor to detect optically engineered surfaces such as mirrors, LCD glass with polarising films, and semiconductor wafers.

Dennis Smith, technical marketing engineer at Banner, said: 'The optical design of the Clear Object Sensor controls how the emitted light strikes the reflector and it prevents false light signals from reaching the photodetector. 'The stable and controlled optical path allows the sensor's microcontroller to detect small changes in the light level, so even clear objects that alter the light level only slightly will activate the sensor.

'It is a very sensitive and highly reliable clear-object detector.' The Clear Object Sensor can be configured using either the push button on the sensor or via a remote input line. The user can select from one of three switching thresholds - light, medium or dark, depending on the target's transparency level - to optimise detection and maximise sensing stability.

The sensor also features an automatic compensation algorithm, which adapts the switching threshold to the sensor's environment in real time. Small changes caused by dust or contamination on the sensor and reflector or small changes caused by ambient temperature shifts are filtered out by the microcontroller. These features ensure long and trouble-free sensor operation. The World-Beam QS30 Clear Object Sensor delivers accurate clear-object detection in a range of applications, including: bottle jam detection, bottle counting and bottle down detection; food processing and packaging machines; plate glass or clear web detection; and semiconductor wafer detection.

The following features of the Clear Object Sensor make it useful in the above applications: reliable detection of clear, translucent, or opaque targets, including reflective surfaces; rugged housing for harsh environments; rated IP67 (NEMA 6), 1200lb/in2 washdown per NEMA PW12; automatic compensation algorithm compensates for dust or contamination on the sensor or reflector and for ambient temperature changes; range of 100mm to two metres, with a fast 0.5 millisecond response rate; easy-to-read bar-graph display for easy configuration and status-monitoring during operation; three selectable thresholds based on type of target being detected; visible red emitter beam for simple alignment; easy configuration via push buttons or remote wire; compact worldwide standard housing; mounting versatility: 30mm threaded barrel or side-mount; bright LED indicators for power and output status - 10 to 30V DC operation.