Inline UV sensors: continuous irradiance measurement for UV systems

For adhesive bonding and curing through UV radiation, LED spotlights and gas discharge lamps with liquid light guides, whose high irradiance enables curing and polymerization within seconds, are used. Exact measurements in order to monitor the irradiance and dose are required for the process control. Here, the UV sensor is exposed to the high irradiances and temperatures, which could lead to an impairment of the measurement results. The sensor series XT („eXtrem Temperature“) has been developed for this critical application. The XT sensors are suitable for up to 50.000 mW/cm² and operating temperatures of 150°C. At the same time, the XT sensors are compact and thus flexibly usable where needed. This is possible due to the separation of sensor-head and sensor-electronics. The XT sensor with its excellent cosine correction guides the light through a light guide into the calibrated sensor-electronic, which is integrated in the handpiece.

The PLC.D sensors are ready-to-install UV sensors with digital output. This enables reliable and repeatable irradiance measurements in UV systems. Due to the compact design and the eight spectral ranges, the sensors can be used for a wide range of applications, e.g. in packaging facilities sterilisation surface activation systems UV curing systems ageing tests and many other applications With the integrated 24-bit ADCs, the PLC.D sensors close the gap between industrial manufacturing and high-precision laboratory equipment. Measurements can be carried out in a simple yet safe way. RS-485 and USB are available as optional connections for this purpose. The data evaluation takes place directly in the PLC.D sensors, the measured values are protected against transmission errors by a CRC-16 check sums.

The PLC UV sensors and VIS sensors serve as precision sensors for the measurement of UV irradiances and illuminances in systems with programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Spectral range, measuring range, operating voltage, and output signal can be selected to match the measurement task and the PLC. The integrated electronics generate a signal voltage that is transmitted with the low interference cable to the PLC. The built-in diffusers provide the required cosine correction. The sensors are calibrated with traceability to the PTB (Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt, the German national test authority); after being calibrated, they are shipped with a factory calibration certificate. Excellent long-term stability is achieved through the use of appropriate materials. Of course, a repair and spare parts service is available for many years. Our product range includes eight spectral ranges and three measuring ranges for the sensors.

Our radiometric sensors accurately measure the UV irradiance or illuminance with the RM-12 or RMD radiometer and the UV-MAT dose control. The built-in diffusers ensure the cosine correction that is required for non-vertical irradiation. The sensors are calibrated with traceability to PTB (Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt, the German national test authority); after being calibrated, they are supplied with a factory calibration certificate. Excellent long-term stability is achieved through the use of appropriate materials. Of course, a repair and spare parts service is available for many years. The integrated electronics produce a signal voltage that is transmitted to the radiometer. Various sensors can be used with a radiometer by means of internal electronics.