Polymer Optic
A focus element manufactured from high-performance polyether ether ketone allows electromagnetic or acoustic waves to be collimated and transmitted in demanding industrial environments. The inclusion of a PEEK lens protects the sensitive internal transducer while optimizing the directional beam pattern of the sensor. This high-performance thermoplastic provides excellent dimensional stability across a wide range of operating temperatures.
Using this component ensures that the sensor can operate in high-temperature and high-pressure applications where glass or standard plastics would fail.
Material Resistance
Chemical inertness makes this polymer ideal for use in corrosive environments containing acids or organic solvents. An instrument utilizing a PEEK lens resists chemical attack, preventing clouding or degradation of the optical surface. This material durability ensures that the sensor maintains high transmission efficiency over its operational lifespan.
Beam Focus
The precise geometric curvature of the polymer surface determines the width of the transmitted sensor beam. A PEEK lens is engineered with specific focal lengths to maximize the signal return from the target surface while minimizing sidewall reflections in narrow silos. This focal precision improves the signal-to-noise ratio and allows for more reliable measurements in challenging tank geometries.
The resulting narrow beam angle is critical for avoiding structural obstacles within the vessel.
Metrological Integrity
Calibration of the sensor must account for the specific propagation speed of the waves through the polymer material. Changes in the density of the PEEK lens due to extreme temperature variations can introduce minor propagation delays that affect measurement accuracy. To counter this, internal temperature sensors provide real-time compensation data to the measurement processor.
This continuous adjustment maintains the accuracy of the transmitter under shifting environmental conditions.
