APG IRU-9400 user manual - Manual (Page 6)

IRU Series
Rev. B1 3/10
6
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Angle
The inclination of the object’s surface in relation to the sensor face will affect
the strength of the reflected sound waves. Surfaces perpendicular to the sensor
will reflect more signal directly back to the sensor. If a surface is more than a
few degrees off perpendicular, enough of the signal will be reflected away from
the sensor that the target will not be detected. Generally speaking, a target angle
greater than 5 degrees off perpendicular will not be detected. The target angle
becomes increasingly critical as the distance to the target increases.
Environmental Conditions
Temperature, humidity, vapors, dust, and pressure can affect the sensor’s
performance. APG ultrasonic sensors are designed to compensate for many of
these conditions. However, if the conditions are extreme, sensor performance
can be degraded enough to require the use of a longer-range sensor than
normal conditions would require. Ultrasonic sensors may not be suitable for
applications with heavy chemical vapors (such as solvents or gasoline), heavy
dust or when significant surface foam is present.