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Fiber optic light sensors and light barriers for high-temperature applications
Sensorik Austria specializes in fiber optic sensor systems for the most demanding application conditions – high temperatures, contamination, steam, or large working distances:
The sensor electronics are placed outside the exposed area, and the sensor's light signal is transmitted to the measuring point and back via fiber optics (also called optical fibers or light guides). Thanks to powerful sensors and highly transmissive fiber optics, our fiber optic systems also enable very long working distances (sensing or range)!
Our fiber optic OptGuard-HT – systems consist of a powerful photo sensor from the monoIdent-FO series and a high-transmission fiber optic (plus associated mounting elements).
Note: If you are looking for fiber optic solutions with our previous EFS or FSP push buttons, you have come to the right place. If you are interested in non-fiber optic sensors for presence detection, click here.
Three different working principles can be implemented through different system configurations:
optoGuard-HT/R: Fiber optic Reflex sensor
For fiber optic reflex sensors (light sensors), a MID-FOx sensor is combined with a single-arm, bidirectional fiber optic cable (FO-MI30-R-..). This cable directs the emitted light to the measuring point (transmitting channel) and returns the light reflected from the measuring object (receiving channel) to the sensor. The transmitting and receiving channels are (usually) combined in a single fiber cable.
The fiber optic light sensors (also known as reflex light sensors) from Sensorik Austria are particularly characterized by their high robustness and light output. They enable working distances of up to 2,5 meters with fiber optics!
optoGuard-HT/L: Fiber optic Photocells
For fiber optic light barriers, a MID-FOx sensor is combined with a two-arm fiber optic system (FO-MI30-L-..). One arm directs the emitted light to the measuring point (transmitting channel), while the other arm (receiving channel), whose measuring head is positioned opposite the transmitting head, returns the light to the sensor if the light barrier is not interrupted. If an object is caught between the transmitting and receiving heads, the light barrier is interrupted, and a switching process is triggered.
The fiber optic light barriers from Sensorik Austria are particularly distinguished by their high robustness and light output. They achieve ranges of up to 20 meters!
optoGuard-HT/P: Fiber optic Passive sensors
Passive sensors are special sensors without their own light source that evaluate the radiation from external light sources. In combination with fiber optics, they are particularly suitable for detecting glowing parts.
For fiber optic light sensors, a MID-FOP sensor is combined with a single-arm fiber optic (FO-MI30-R-..). This directs the radiation from the external light source to the sensor, which evaluates it: if the threshold set via a potentiometer is exceeded, the sensor switches.
As with the other variants above, the fiber optics can be designed with a protective sheath made of stainless steel coil or silicone/stainless steel tube, as well as with an end sleeve for radial (90°, type “Z”) or axial light output (type “A”)
monoIdent MID-FOx for fiber coupling
Heavy-duty fiber optics
Functional principles and properties
High-quality sensor technology from Sensorik Austria: light sensors and barriers, etc.
Light sensors or also called reflex sensors, work in Reflection principleThe sensor emits light (usually infrared light), which is reflected as soon as an object enters the light circle. If the intensity of the reflected light exceeds the set threshold, the light sensor triggers a switching operation. The sensors only evaluate the light itself; extraneous light is ignored. Various options are available for monitoring the contamination of the sensor optics – using an alarm signal or an analog intensity signal.
In contrast to light sensors, light barriers work in Transmitted light principle: The transmitter and receiver are placed separately and on either side of the area to be detected.
In the initial state, the light is sent directly from the transmitter to the receiver, forming the eponymous "light barrier." If an object enters the detection zone, the light beam is interrupted and the switching process is triggered. High-performance light barriers from Sensorik Austria are extremely robust and can also be used in demanding applications and extreme environmental conditions. Aligning the light barriers is extremely easy and does not require any optical aids. Even with an offset of several degrees, reliable functionality is still guaranteed.
Passive sensors are another, rarely used, special type of optical sensor: They do not have their own light source, but rather evaluate the radiation from external light sources. In normal operation, the passive sensor detects only low light intensities. Only when an object with high emission (e.g., glowing-hot steel) enters the detection cone, whose light intensity received by the sensor exceeds the set threshold, does the sensor switch.
In conjunction with fiber optics, the high-performance light sensors from Sensorik Austria can also be used under most demanding industrial conditions We also offer special accessories that also operate under extreme loads: air purge for the sensor head, lens optics for an even greater sensing range, or water-cooled heat sinks. Contact us if you are looking for a customized solution. We can deliver a satisfactory result for (almost) every challenge! We are always available to advise you and are happy to help you.
Data sheet optoGuard-HT
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