HOW DOES THE TRANSMITTER WORK?

The transmitter works by measuring reflected light in the NIR (Near Infrared) region of the spectrum. Process Sensors Corporation’s Transmitters employ NIR reflection as the fundamental technology.

WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF THE LIGHT?

The light source is a standard quartz halogen lamp. The lamp has an unlimited life and carries a five-year warranty.

HOW IS THE LIGHT CHOPPED?

The light passes through interference filters that have been placed in a rotating wheel. The wheel is turned by a high quality motor assembly. The interference filters are built to PSC specifications, allowing only light at specific wavelengths to pass through the filter wheel assembly. These wavelengths are carefully controlled both for center frequency and band pass.

WHAT ACTUALLY MEASURES THE LIGHT?

The light is measured by a Lead Sulfide detector element. Process Sensors employs a state-of-the-art detector system that allows multiple simultaneous measurements to be made with the use of only one detector. This technique lends significant stability to the measurement over time, especially with changing temperature conditions.

HOW MANY MEASUREMENTS CAN BE MADE AT THE SAME TIME?

Up to three (3) measurements can be made at the same time.

HOW MANY FILTERS ARE USED?

Up to six (6) filters can be used at one time.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU GET A MEASUREMENT?

The Transmitter makes 20 measurements per second.

IS THE TRANSMITTER AFFECTED BY BACKGROUND LIGHTING?

Not at all. However, any NIR device should be shielded from direct sunlight.

HOW CLOSE SHOULD THE PRODUCT BE TO THE SENSOR?

This is not a critical factor. It is a good idea to try to be at 8-10 inches from the product.

IS THE TRANSMITTER AFFECTED BY TEMPERATURE?

All NIR sensors employ standard electronic components that should be protected from heat above 125F. Process Sensors Corporation can supply both water and air-cooling panels that will allow sensors to be operated in elevated temperature conditions.

IS THE TRANSMITTER AFFECTED BY PRODUCT TEMPERATURE?

The measurement is not affected by changes in the product temperature. If the Transmitter is measuring moisture and the product temperature causes the moisture to change, then the Transmitter will see this change in moisture.

IS THE TRANSMITTER EASY TO CALIBRATE?

Most Transmitters can be shipped with the calibration already in memory. Calibration factors for most products and applications are already in the Process Sensors Corporation library.

CAN I CALIBRATE THE TRANSMITTER MYSELF?

Yes, of course. In fact, the Transmitter’s on-board microcomputer contains a calibration routine that makes the calibration procedure user friendly.

HOW OFTEN DOES THE TRANSMITTER NEED TO BE CALIBRATED?

The Transmitter should be calibrated once a year. The Transmitter is very electronically stable. Calibration check standards can be used to confirm that the Transmitter's calibration has not changed. Process Sensors Corporation can supply these standards.

IS THE TRANSMITTER AFFECTED BY DUSTY ENVIRONMENTS?

The Transmitter can be equipped with an air-purge assembly that prevents material from getting onto the sensor’s viewing window. This purge is effective even in the most hostile, dirty environments.