What is it that actuates the sensor?

Hi, The operators hand or knife actuates the sensor which puts an input into a relay & timer set up & recently upgrading some of them to a Zelio set up ( PLC ) which turns on a solenoid valve. Main issues steam & water actuating sensor which could be over come by positioning but then operator does not have the time to detour to do this.Sensor being damaged. Prox sensors would be ok for knife steriliser but the sensing distance is the issue.They used to have manually operated valves but hygiene,water containment and the amount of water wasted was why they went to sensors. Just trying to find someone who already uses a sensor in this same application that does not put up with these nuisance issues. Cheers

Try having a chat with one of the nice sales engineers at Omron - they've got an office in Auckland - phone number on website (linked above).

Hi, yes trialling one at the moment. A bit pricey though but we will see.

Have you try to use infrared sensor?

Hi, Does this require a reflector or is it a send receive 2 sensor set up ?

Why do the photoelectric sensors need to be replaced?

Hi, The operators hand or knife actuates the sensor which puts an input into a relay & timer set up & recently upgrading some of them to a Zelio set up ( PLC ) which turns on a solenoid valve. Main issues steam & water actuating sensor which could be over come by positioning but then operator does not have the time to detour to do this.Sensor being damaged. Prox sensors would be ok for knife steriliser but the sensing distance is the issue.They used to have manually operated valves but hygiene,water containment and the amount of water wasted was why they went to sensors. Just trying to find someone who already uses a sensor in this same application that does not put up with these nuisance issues. Cheers

hey,

I am a planning and sourcing engineer who works for Trolex a UK based company which make sensors for hazardous environments.There are sensors which are made specially for hazardous environments.So have a look around in the net. You should be able to find some sensor with special housing which suits your needs

Perhaps I am old fashioned, but the old foot switch may do the trick.

Hi, The operators hand or knife actuates the sensor which puts an input into a relay & timer set up & recently upgrading some of them to a Zelio set up ( PLC ) which turns on a solenoid valve. Main issues steam & water actuating sensor which could be over come by positioning but then operator does not have the time to detour to do this.Sensor being damaged. Prox sensors would be ok for knife steriliser but the sensing distance is the issue.They used to have manually operated valves but hygiene,water containment and the amount of water wasted was why they went to sensors. Just trying to find someone who already uses a sensor in this same application that does not put up with these nuisance issues. Cheers