Noncontact Sensor Detects Liquid in Clear Tubing

Originally Published MPMN June 2004

HOTLINE

A noncontact fluid sensor from Optek Technology accommodates tubing measuring up to 3.18 mm diam.

A noncontact fluid sensor that detects blood, plasma, and other liquids in transparent tubing has been introduced. Engineered by Optek Technology (Carrollton, TX), the optoelectronic sensor comes in a housing that can hold clear tubing measuring up to 3.18 mm diam. It will enable medical product developers to design in a reliable method of determining the presence or absence of fluid.

The device pairs an infrared light-emitting diode and phototransistor sensor. It works by reacting to the difference in refractive properties between filled and unfilled tubing. The sensor can be optimized to match different tubing diameters or thicknesses, adds product line manager Steve Coble. 

It is also suited for specialized applications such as bubble detection.

To prevent interference, an opaque housing shields the electronic components from ambient lighting.

The infrared input LED has 100-mA forward dc current and up to 2.0-V reverse dc voltage. Power dissipation is rated at 100 mW. The output phototransistor features a 30-V collector-emitter voltage and 5 V in the opposite direction. The collector dc current is 50 mA with 100-mW power dissipation. 

The unit withstands operating temperatures from -40° to 85°C.

Designed for PC board mounting, the OPB350 measures 11.94 ¥ 6.6 ¥ 
11.05 mm. A white dot identifies the anode lead to facilitate positioning.

The sensor is suited for medical equipment in which the presence of liquid must be verified. Products that involve blood or plasma, glucose pumps, and IV fluid dispensers are among the primary applications.

Optek Technologies
1645 Wallace Dr.
Carrollton, TX 75006
tel: 800/341-4747 or 972/323-2200
fax: 972/323-2396
url: www.optekinc.com

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