DPP B2(b)

TOPIC : 3. Types of sensors and basic operation, in

• Production implements (planter, fertilizer, chemical spray, etc

• Harvesting (tractors, collector, stripper, cutter, separator, grader,
SUB-TOPIC : tipper, bulking, etc)
• Packinghouse (conveyance, comunition, temperature & relative
humidity, dehumidifier, cooler, boiler, etc)
At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
1. Identify types of sensors and understand their basic
operations in prime movers, production implements and
machineries, transporting and conveying equipments and
environmental devices and controllers.

LEARNING 2. Appreciate the various sensors available for the

OUTCOME : mechanization machinery components and automation tools,
devices and equipments..
3. Realize the usefulness and appropriateness of those sensors
in production and controlled building operations.
4. Show gratitude for scientific and technological advancements
in sensor design, development and applications.

CONTENT : (Kandungan/nota pembelajaran)

Sensor – a device that measures or detects a real-world condition, such

as motion, pressure, heat or light and converts the condition into a
signal or an analog or digital representation which can be read by an
observer or by an instrument.

A mercury thermometer converts teh measured temperature into

expansión and contraction of e liquid which can be rea don a caliberated
tuve.

A thermocouple converts temperatura to an output voltaje which can be

read by a voltmeter.

For accuracy, all sensors need to be caliberated against known

standards.

A good sensor is sensitive to the measured property, insensitive to any

other property and does not influence the measured property. Ideal
sensors are designed to be linear. The output signal of such a sensor is

52218035.doc Page 1 of 5
 DPP B2(b)

linearly propertional to the value of the measured property.

The sensitivity is defined as the ratio between output signal and

measured property.

Types of sensors:

Sensors are used for detecting and measuring:

i. Temperatures
ii. Relative Humidities
iii. Dimensions and distances
iv. Forces
v. Torques
vi. Pressures
vii.Times and durations
viii. Vibrations
ix. Movements
x. Flows
xi. Speeds and velocities
xii.Volumes
xiii. Viscousities
xiv. pH
xv. Light intensities
xvi. Sunshine hours
xvii. Radiations
xviii. Rainfall intensities
xix. Directions
xx. Images
xxi. Colours and shapes
xxii. Chemical contents
xxiii. Sound

Sensor Components

i. Thermostats
ii. Thermocouple
iii. Thermistors

Machines and equipments involved:

52218035.doc Page 2 of 5
 DPP B2(b)

• tractors – hydraulic controls – pressure, draft, position and sensing control

• road graders and bulldozers – road leveling, grading
• rotorvators- transmission gears, shield
• seeders – metering mechanisms, seed and fertilizer hoppers
• planters – seed and fertilizer hoppers
• fertilizer spreaders – hopper openings and fertilizer hopper
• ditchers and trenches – speed, rotation, dimensions, movements
• sprayers - pressure control, agitator, spray concentration
• soil burner - gas nozzle, nozzle height
• field cleaner – vibration speed, fan speed
• collector – blower and vacuum speed
• stripper – blade, speed, rotation
• silage harvester – cutter speed, blower
• harvester – cutter, motor, cylinder
• ripeness sensor – motor, colour image
• maturity sensor – motor, colour image
• brush cutter – speed, blade, strings
• chain saw - speed
• separator – fan speed, vibrating speed
• grader – fan speed, vibrating speed
• tipper – pressure control
• bulking – capacity, intake
• conveyor – speed, intake
• communiting equipment – speed, intake
• heater – fluid flow
• cooler – fluid flow
• watering machine – spraying capacity, pressure
• extractor – speed
• slicer - speed

52218035.doc Page 3 of 5
 DPP B2(b)

• opener – timing, cutter

• ventilators – fan speed
• moisture meter - probes
• humidifier – fan speed
• dehumidifier – fan speed
• generators - power
• boiler – pressure, water tank
• dryer – fan speed, burners, timers

EXERCISE :

Assignments:

1. Describe the various types of sensors available locally and abroad. ( 25

marks )

2. Elaborate the sensors used in most agricultural machines and industrial

appliances and equipments. ( 25 marks )

3. Identify for any sensors that are available in the classroom. ( 25 marks )

4. Search in the internet and you tubes for the various applications of sensors
( 25 marks )

Short Quizes:

1. A quiz will be given at the end of the course content.

2. Questions are given orally or in written form.

Mini Project:

None

Report Writing – when necessary.

Introduction
Literature Review
Materials and Method
Results and Discussions
Conclusions and Recommendations

52218035.doc Page 4 of 5
 DPP B2(b)

REFERENCE :
1. Butterworth, B., Nix, J. (1997). Farm Mechanization for Profit. Granada Publishing
Limited, London.
2. Culpin, C. (1998). Farm Machinery (14th Edition). Blackwell Scientific Publication,
London.
3. Field, H.L.,Roth, L.O. (1995). An Introduction to Agricultural Engineering: A Problem-
solving Approach. Published by Chapman & Hall, 1995, ISBN 0412069911,
9780412069918.
4. Gould, W.A. (1996). Unit Operations for the Food Industries. CTI Publications, Inc.
Maryland, USA
5. Moore, C.A. (1991). Automation in the Food Industry. Blackie and Son Ltd. London.
6. Saravacos, G.D., Kostaropoulos, A.E. (2002). Handbook of Food Processing
Equipment. Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers. New York, Boston, Dordrecht,
London, Moscow
7. Sidney, W. R. (1998). Measurement and Control in Agriculture. Blackwell Science
Inc., London.
8. Sigrimis, N. (1996). Mathematical and Control Applications in Agriculture and
Horticulture. Granada Publishing Limited, London.

52218035.doc Page 5 of 5