News
Industrial sensors play an important role when it comes to making products smart and automated. With them, machines can detect, process, analyze, and measure different positions, heights, appearances, lengths, and locations at the production site. The key to the smart industry lies in the collection of data and information, and industrial sensors are the nerve endings of the smart industry. They are used to collect and provide supporting data in building this type of industry, being an essential foundation in certain segments. Learn more about industrial sensors in this article. READ ALSO: • All about the costs of a computer vision solution
• Computer vision system: how is it created?
Speak with one of our specialists and discover how Pix Force can transform your business
What are industrial sensors?
Industrial sensors (also detectors or transducers) are electronic or electrical devices. These sensitive electronics can sense, measure, and detect changes in position, temperature, displacement, electrical current, and various parameters of industrial equipment or location. Many types of sensors, transducers, and detectors are available on the market, including those that detect physical characteristics, such as the presence of a flame, metals, leaks, different liquid levels, gases, or chemical compounds. Some are designed to sense physical properties, and others to detect motion or proximity. Various technologies are used to achieve these goals, including inductive, magneto-resistive, ultrasonic, optical pressure, and capacitive. The uniqueness of industrial sensors lies in the applications and environments in which they are used. They need to perform excellently under extreme conditions, including inaccessible environments with very high or low temperatures, high humidity, vibrations, etc.
What are the types of industrial sensors?
There are several types of industrial sensors, which are suitable for different types of situations, conditions, and environments.
Temperature sensors
In industrial production, temperature is the most frequently measured physical parameter, and various sensors can be used to accomplish this task. A temperature sensor is a device that collects information about the ambient temperature and converts it into specific values that are comprehensible to the user. In this category, digital temperature sensors and temperature and humidity sensors are some of the most commonly used in industrial automation. Temperature sensors can be used in different areas, such as medical, industrial, food, hydroelectric, petrochemical, and metallurgy, among others.
Pressure sensors
The pressure sensor is a device that can sense pressure signals and convert them into a usable electrical output signal, according to certain rules. The pressure sensor is typically composed of a pressure-sensitive element and a signal processing unit, generating the information. Pressure sensors are used to monitor pipelines and detect leaks or abnormal alarms to the central system, in order to remind supervisors that maintenance or repairs are needed. Its application is very common in industrial practice, being present in the automation, water conservation and hydroelectric, transport, aerospace, military, petrochemical, and shipbuilding sectors, among others.
Level sensors
The level sensor is a device used to monitor, maintain, and measure the levels of liquids (sometimes solids as well). When the liquid level is detected, the sensor converts the data into electrical signals. The liquid level sensor is a device used to determine the level of liquid flowing in an open or closed system. Liquid level measurement can be divided into continuous measurement and point level measurement. Continuous is used to accurately measure the liquid level, while point level is used to determine if the level is high or low. Its application occurs in the manufacturing and automobile industries, but it is also found in other areas.
Infrared sensors
An infrared sensor is a device that uses infrared to process data. Infrared, or infrared light, has properties such as reflection, refraction, interference, absorption, and scattering of light. Any substance, as long as it has a temperature above absolute zero, can radiate infrared rays. The infrared sensor is not in direct contact with the measured object during measurement, so there is no friction, in addition to having the advantages of high sensitivity and high response speed. This sensor is typically used for non-contact temperature measurements, gas composition analysis, and non-destructive testing. Its application occurs in the medical, military, space technology, and environmental engineering sectors. Infrared sensors integrated with industrial solutions using the Internet of Things are also used in other industries.
Proximity sensors
The proximity sensor is a device with the ability to perceive the proximity of an object. It uses the sensitive component of the displacement sensor to recognize the proximity of the object and then demonstrates a result with a corresponding signal. The proximity sensor can perform non-contact detection, so it will not damage the object being measured. Because it does not require contact, it has a long lifespan. The proximity sensor is different from other detection methods because it is suitable for use in water and oil environments, and is hardly affected by stains, water, or oil from the detection object. It is mainly used to detect the displacement of objects, being widely present in the aviation sector, aerospace technology, and industrial production. There are also applications in hotels, restaurants, garages, automatic doors, as well as anti-theft systems in museums and places that require security.
Smoke sensors
The smoke sensor can detect a high amount of smoke generated during a fire and emit an alarm signal, making it indispensable in flammable and explosive industrial production environments. When integrated with industrial solutions that use the Internet of Things, even a small gas leak or minor fire can be reported, preventing major disasters. Its application occurs in the monitoring of construction zones, as well as in industrial units where there is a high possibility of fire and gas leaks.
Optical sensors
The optical sensor is based on the optical principle when making measurements. It has many advantages, as it does not make contact with the object to be measured, presents almost no interference, has high-speed transmission, and remote control. This category mainly includes optical sensors and instruments, such as general optical measuring instruments, laser interferometers, gratings, encoders, and optical fiber.
Conclusion
With information gathering becoming increasingly important in Industry 4.0, industrial sensors are the “heart” of the Internet of Things, smart industry, and smart devices. Pix Force can help your company develop smart industrial sensors tailored to your needs. It is worth remembering that the development of the industry is inseparable from the application of sensors and technological innovations, and these two fields are complementary to each other. Get in touch here and find out how Pix Force can help you.
Fabio Caraça
Fábio Caraça is the Chief Growth Officer at Pix Force. He leads Pix Force's transformation into a scalable SaaS operation, combining strategic vision, culture, and high-impact execution.
