Industrial Automation Temperature Sensors

Industrial automation temperature sensors can be utilized in a range of industries, including manufacturing, energy and transportation. The main goals are to maximize productivity, quality, and efficiency in operational processes. Automated processes usually consist of assembly and packaging of products using conveyor belts, robotics, materials handling systems, guided vehicles and other tools.

However, the gains in efficiency, quality and productivity can only be realized if the industrial automation processes remain functional. To ensure that happens, sensors are deployed. Temperature sensors play a crucial role by detecting and measuring a variety of parameters important to an industry’s production. They convert physical signals into electric signals and provide real time information to the control system so immediate action can be taken if things go wrong and production loss is minimized.

Sensor functions may include:

1. Control

Monitoring the temperature parameters of the manufacturing process and providing feedback to the control system to enable adjustments to be made. For example, in a temperature control system a sensor can detect the temperature of a room and send this information to a controller which then adjusts the output of a heating or cooling system to maintain the desired level.

2. Efficiency

Optimizing the performance of machines and processes through temperature measurement to help reduce waste, energy consumption and downtime. Automation can perform repetitive tasks at a much faster rate than humans, which can reduce cycle time and increase production output.

3. Safety

Detection of hazardous conditions including extreme temperatures which will then trigger an alarm or shutdown process. It can help reduce the risk of workplace accidents by taking over tasks that can lead to injury.

4. Quality control

Automation using temperature sensors can ensure that products are manufactured to consistent and precise specifications, and analysis of the data collected on production processes can help identify trends that may indicate quality issues. Automation systems can also perform quality inspections that can help detect defects that may not be visible to the naked eye, such as microscopic cracks.

Why temperature sensors?

Temperature sensors measure, monitor and control temperature in processes, materials and equipment. Examples include controlling the temperature of clean rooms and server rooms, monitoring the temperature of equipment and processes such as motors, pumps, chemical reactions and food processing, and maintaining optimal temperature conditions while minimizing energy consumption.

While the selection of temperature sensors will depend on the specific application and requirements, there are some general considerations and specifications to keep in mind. These include the range, accuracy and response time of the sensor to ensure it can meet the demands of the application. The sensor’s output signal has to be compatible with the input requirements of the system’s controller, while its physical size and mounting method also has to be appropriate for the installation location. Many industrial environments are harsh, and so ensuring the sensor can provide accurate and reliable data, even when faced with a broad range of temperatures, humidity, vibration, dirt and dust is essential.

Temperature sensors play a critical role in industrial automation by providing real time data and enabling the automation of processes, thereby optimizing manufacturing and increasing productivity. Contact us at 267-263-0400 to ask questions about our sensor products or request a quote for a specific application.