When dairy farm and factory owners need distance and area sensors, they need only turn to ifm says Mark Jones, ifm’s marketing manager.
“Our innovative range of radar distance and area sensors have literally taken the New Zealand dairy industry by storm over the last few years,” says Jones.
“It began several years ago, when we introduced the new 80 GHz (narrow focus beam) hygienic version LW2720 for beverage tanks. Now, it’s specified by global plant builders.”
This sensor is unique says Jones because of the “unmatched protection rating” from a weatherproof 316SS housing.
“It features easy set up via IO-Link software – even when paddle stirrers are used to mix product,” says Jones, adding that the stainless steel housing is specifically designed for mounting on top of outside tanks.
“This means there are no issues with the elements – 365 days per year.”
However, the big technology step he says comes from “unmatched level monitoring” accuracy of +/-1 mm over 10m.
“Several of the major North Island dairy factories and wineries have already used them, and now specify LW2720 for their liquid storage vessels,” says Jones.
In 2024, Jones explains that another big changed occurred with the global launch of ifm’s 60 GHz, R1D and R2D sensors.
“Like any radar, they are designed to overcome the demanding environmental challenges (rain, fog, wind and sunlight) that are experienced by outdoor sensing systems on farms and dairy factories.
“These smart sensors are a game changer to the industry, with a cost versus performance ratio to match.”
There are two versions, one for 1D distance measurement suitable for outdoor level control, and the other for 2D area monitoring.
“Ultrasonic sensors have a bad habit of failing to operate reliably in windy conditions, due to sound wave diffusion. While optical devices struggle to operate in the elements at any time, especially in rain (water on the lens) and in the case of direct sunlight. With ifm and our range of distance and area sensors, dairy farm owners and dairy factory owners can rest assured they will receive unmatched performance, every time.”
Sponsored content: For more information visit www.ifm.com/nz, email sales.nz@ifm.com or phone 0800 803 444.
