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8 Most Common Level Sensing Methods

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Level sensors have been a part of manufacturing processes for several decades, in industries as diverse as food and beverage, semiconductors, and pharmaceutical. However, equipment manufacturers and users may be surprised at both the breadth and sophistication of level sensing alternatives currently available.   Measurements and actions that used to require large, mechanical, and expensive devices can now be performed using advanced, highly versatile technologies that are also durable, precise, and easy to implement. What’s more, a variety of level sensing technology options work well with what have traditionally been challenging substances such as sticky fluids (e.g., molasses, glue, ink) and foam (beer, pulp, hydraulic fluid, soap).   Some users may question the need for such technology - or any level sensing device, for that matter - arguing that existing, “tried-and-true” methods are well-suited for the basic nature of most level sensing tasks. But today’s manufact...

WAGO e!DISPLAY Web Panels

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For visualization tasks with CODESYS V2 and V3: WAGO’s attractive e! DISPLAY 7300T HMI Panels help you reinforce the quality of your machinery and equipment with a refined design. HMI panels are the perfect finishing touch for machines or systems, and the look and feel of these panels positively impacts purchase decisions. WAGO offers aesthetically pleasing HMIs that leave a lasting impression shile significantly increasing the value and improving the image of your machine or system: The e! DISPLAY 7300T Web Panel is available in 4.3″, 5.7″, 7.0″ and 10.1″ display sizes. Your benefits with e! DISPLAY Web Panels: High-performance HMI display with a resistive touch screen for Web-based visualization Available in four screen sizes (4.3″, 5.7″, 7.0″ and 10.1″) Modern visualization via CODESYS V2 and e! COCKPIT (based on CODESYS V3) Support new technologies such as HTML5 High-performance solutions when combined with PFC200 and PFC100 Controllers What Makes e! DISP...

WAGO PFC100 Controllers

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A fast CPU, flanked by a large amount of data processing, a runtime system with e! COCKPIT , Linux ® and multiple interfaces, as well as cybersecurity via SSL/TLS encryption, VPN and a firewall: This is what the PFC100 Controller offers! Diverse outputs in a compact housing! With the PFC100 Controller, WAGO offers an excellently equipped controller at a compelling cost-benefit ratio: This PLC combines the best from both the Linux ® and CODESYS worlds into one device. This compact controller (PLC) offers a flexible solution not only for industrial process applications, but also for mechanical engineering applications. Your benefits with WAGO PFC100 Controller includes: Cost-effective configuration via e! COCKPIT Engineering Software Cybersecurity via SSL/TLS encryption, VPN and a firewall Integrated Webserver microSD card Web visualization in HTML5 Linux ® real-time operating system What Makes the PFC100 Controller Successful? Advanced, Economical and Ef...

Electromechanical Relays (EMRs) vs. Solid State Relays Comparison (SSRs)

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Electromechanical Relays (EMR) Pros (Advantages) Lower initial cost compared to solid state relays. Provides complete electrical isolation. Tolerates high current & voltage transients. Insensitive to electromagnetic interference (EMI) / radio frequency interference (RFI). Higher open resistance (air gap). Lower closed resistance. Available with many poles/circuits (up to 8 or more). Many different circuit configurations available. Multiple packaging & feature options. Most typical failure mode is open. Electromechanical Relays (EMR) Cons (Disadvantages) Higher control (coil) power consumption. Contact arcing can cause pitting & eventual open/short failure. Contacts can be affected by corrosion, oxidation or contamination. Contact bounce possible due to shock & vibration. Generates electromagnetic interference (EMI) / radio frequency interference (RFI). Can be orientation sensitive. Can be affected by external magnetic fields. Subject to mechanic...

What is a solid-state relay (SSRs) / solid state contactor (SSCs)?

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A solid-state relay (SSR) or solid-state contactor (SSC) is an electronic component that switches power (AC or DC current) to a load circuit and provides electrical isolation between an application’s control circuit and load circuit. It is a competitive technology to electromechanical relays (EMRs) and other switching technologies such as mercury displacement relays (MDRs). Why use solid state switching technology? Long service life Quiet operation Minimum electrical noise Low power consumption Shock & vibration resistant Ideal for harsh environments High compatibility with control systems Reduced weight Position insensitive Fast switching Magnetic noise immunity Reduce energy cost Solid state relays & solid-state contactors applications Although there are literally thousands of individual uses for solid state relays and solid-state contactors, most can be categorized into the following applications: Heating control application This encompass...

Achieve SIL 3 without external redundancy

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New TÜV-certified QUINT 20+ power supply for applications up to SIL 3 Phoenix Contact’s premium QUINT POWER line now includes a single-device solution that meets functional safety applications up to Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3. The new QUINT 20+ power supply has an integrated decoupling MOSFET and double overvoltage protection circuitry to meet rigorous SIL 3 safety regulations without the need for external redundancy. The QUINT 20+ power supply introduces a single conformally coated device solution with ATEX, IECEx and Class I, Division 2 approvals, which allows the power supply to be mounted within potentially explosive areas (Zone 2). The functional safety approval allows the QUINT 20+ power supply to be used in applications up to SIL 3, according to IEC 61508. The safety function is to limit the output voltage to 30 V DC, and if higher, to switch off within 20 milliseconds. The safe state is no output voltage. Designed with double overvoltage circuitry, the QUINT 20+ power sup...

New 12VDC QUINT AC/DC power supplies

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Phoenix Contact’s premier QUINT POWER family now includes two new AC/DC power supplies with a 12 V DC output voltage. The new devices are available in 2.5 A and 7.5 A options. Both options are UL Listed and Class I, Division 2 approved. The 2.5 A version is also NEC Class 2 rated. Phoenix Contact’s QUINT POWER product family is expanding! The QUINT POWER AC/DC power supply family now include low-wattage options ranging from 30 W – 100 W.  These low-wattage power supplies offer advanced functionality and capabilities such as a powerful dynamic boost and preventative function monitoring. QUINT POWER low wattage features maximum functionality and more     Preventative function monitoring with an adjustable signal output enables LED and remote digital monitoring to detect critical operating states before faults occur     Dynamic power boost of up to 200 percent of the nominal current for up to five seconds offers the option to reliably start inductive...