Physik Instrumente’s (PI) piezoelectric components are being used as ultrasonic transducers in air-bubble detectors (ABD), such as Sonotec’s Sonocheck ultrasonic sensors, generating and receiving ultrasonic waves in much the same way as sonar is used. ABDs are used in medical engineering where there is a frequent requirement for products capable of producing an undisturbed flow of liquid, without the presence of pockets of gas. This is essential for applications such as dialysis, transfusion pumps and heart-lung machines, where continuous flow monitoring is necessary, and is achieved with the aid of ultrasonic technology.
The ABD is capable of detecting air bubbles in flexible plastic tubes filled with liquid, irrespective of the color or opacity of the medium. The sensors are mounted on the outside of flexible tubes where they operate under sterile conditions without coming into contact with the medium being transported, eliminating interference with the flow rate and any risk of contamination. PI’s standard, high quality manufacturing produces components of high tolerance, which are ideal for this application.