December 2011 Editor's Picks: Products from Banner Engineering and Eriez

Banner Engineering
Photoelectric sensor detects clear objects
Banner Engineering has added the Q26 Series photoelectric sensor to its line of clear-object detection sensors. The unit’s polarized retro coaxial design enables it to detect clear, translucent, or opaque objects, including mirrorlike surfaces. The design also enables precise leading-edge detection, thus making the detector appropriate in high-speed applications. The sensor operates at short distances and is suitable for pharmaceutical vial-filling operations.

The Q26 has a compact cubic shape intended to allow users to install it quickly in tight locations. The unit includes an LO–DO switch that enables operators to control the output type. A single-turn potentiometer lets users adjust detection sensitivity. The Q26 unit also communicates its operation and connection status, thus allowing the user to ensure reliable sensor performance.

The photoelectric sensor operates with a response speed of 250 µs. The device is also protected against damage from potential miswiring during installation and transient voltage spikes during operation.

Eriez
Metal detector incorporates adjustable sensing head
The E-Z Tec DSP pharmaceutical gravity-fed metal detector from Eriez incorporates an adjustable sensing head. Operators can adjust the infeed end of the product chute to accommodate varying discharge heights on tablet press machines. In addition, users can modify the angle of the metal-detector head to control the product feed rate.

The compact device can detect and remove ferrous, nonferrous, and stainless-steel contaminants through a reject valve that users can adjust to discharge contaminated product on the left or the right. Operators do not need tools to disassemble and clean the chute. The metal-detector system is designed for installation in tight spaces within tablet and encapsulation rooms and includes circuit boards that are easily accessible and removable. Users control the device through a touch-screen interface. Its adjustable support stand incorporates casters and is manufactured from 304 stainless steel.