An ultrasonic sensor is an electronic device that uses ultrasonic sound waves to detect the distance between a target item and converts reflected sounds into electrical signals. Ultrasonic waves move faster than sound waves. The transmitter and the recipient are the two main components of ultrasonic sensors.
These devices are mainly proximity detectors. They’re used in self-parking technologies and anti-collision safety units in automobiles. These sensors are also used in industrial technology and robotic obstacle monitoring devices.
If you think you will need these devices to make work easier and more efficient, then you can contact a reliable company to handle the installation as well as training on usage. If you do not know how to go about this process, you can visit SensComp Sensor Solutions for assistance.
Furthermore, to help you understand how these devices work, this article will explain relevant information. Please read on as we explain more.
How Do Ultrasonic Sensors Work?
These devices work by releasing sound waves that are above the human hearing range. The sensor’s transducer works as a microphone, receiving and transmitting ultrasonic sound. The sensor measures the time between sending out and receiving an ultrasonic pulse to determine the distance to an object.
Types of Ultrasonic Sensors
The following are some common types of these devices:
Drip-Proof
This is only for use in automobiles. The metal container has a closed structure that allows the sensor to be utilized even in wet settings, hence the moniker “drip-proof type.”
These sensors are transmission-reception combined, which means they conduct both transmission and reception with a single sensor. Resonance is inhibited by the interior structure.
High-Frequency
This type has a frequency range of up to 300 kHz. It is only used in applications that use double-feed detection. To achieve broad frequency characteristics, Murata technology is used. In applications that utilize double-feed detection, this allows sensors to face each other over short distances.
Open Structure
The top is open, with a unimorph piezoelectric oscillator and a horn inside, resulting in strong sound pressure and sensitivity. They are capable of both short and long-range distance detection and are only capable of transmission or reception. They can also be used to identify moving objects by detecting fluctuations in the received waveforms using the Doppler Effect. They are only suitable for indoor use due to the open structure.
Typical Application of Ultrasonic Sensors
Here are some of the applications of these devices:
Tank Level
In several industries, these sensors are essential for inventory management and process control.
Distance Measurement
These devices can detect the distance between a variety of objects, independent of their shape, color, or texture. They may also determine if an item is coming or retreating.
Sensors for Production Lines
These devices can be used in the production process to automate process control on the factory floor, and they’re also an essential tool for businesses looking to increase productivity through accurate control and measurement. They can help to speed up production.
Advantages of these Devices
- Color and transparency of objects have no effect on the sensor’s readout because these devices sound off of objects.
- It’s possible to use it in a dark area: Dark settings have no effect on the detecting performance of these devices.
- Low-cost alternative: They come at a good rate and are completely calibrated and ready to use right out of the box.
Common Downsides to the Use of Ultrasonic Sensors
The following are some of the downsides associated with these devices:
Detection Ranges Aren’t As Extensive
The probe’s reach will determine how accurate the tests are. The end result will be skewed data that does not provide a complete picture of an item’s viability if the probe is unable to transmit sound waves to particular portions of the test object. Due to the limited capacity of the X-Y interface, standard scanners have a similar constricted reach.
Long-range ultrasonic testing (LRUT) is your best option if you are dealing with huge infrastructure like pipelines, yet LRUT cannot function in certain ways which include:
- It can’t tell if the corrosion is on the pipe’s surface or inside it.
- It can only offer thickness fluctuations throughout the pipes, not wall thickness measurements.
- It is unable to distinguish between active and passive rusting.
Furthermore, if you do not engage in supplemental examination tactics, LRUT may give you erroneous results. The optimum solution is to start with an LRUT and then phased array ultrasonic testing.
Inflexible Probing
Traditional ultrasonic testing can be so rigorous that it can miss minor defects. Linear defects that run parallel to the beam itself will go undiscovered with ordinary probes. Standard UTs usually have fixed angles that can’t be changed during testing. There’s a potential that some awkwardly set defects will slip the probe’s wave beams if it doesn’t have the capacity to angle beams correctly.
Finding the Best UTS Company
Here are some tips to help you find the best company for your organization:
Ask for Recommendations
You can ask for recommendations from organizations in the same line of business. You can also ask employees to come up with a list of credible companies. From your shortlist, you can determine the best company to work with.
Check Experience
Experience is very important in choosing a UTS company. It is recommended that you go for a company with a track record of delivery. With this, you rest assured that they will meet your needs. A good way to achieve this is to check reviews from existing and old clients.
These are some relevant information about these devices. If you want a video guide on how to successfully connect your unit, you can watch this video.
Conclusion
Technology is fast improving daily individual and industrial operations. The use of ultrasonic sensors simplifies a lot of things which makes it an easy recommendation for industries looking to improve on their performance, accuracy of measurement, and output.
