The Role of Photoelectric Systems in the Car Wash

This video is a recent case study done on-location in Wake Forest, North Carolina at American Pride Car Wash. The video stars Anthony Analetto, President of the Parts Division at Sonny's Enterprises and Pantron's own Wayne Finley, Technical Product Manager. Anthony and Wayne discuss the role of Pantron photoelectric systems in the car wash and introduce Sonny's customers to the IP67-rated quick-disconnect style photo eyes and cables.

Conserve Water and Chemicals

By switching to a reliable photoelectric system, car wash owners and operators will see an immediate improvement in the accurate detection of vehicles over using limit switches, inductive loops, and treadle plates. Accurate vehicle detection allows for conservation of water and chemicals.

Provide Customers with a Better Wash and a Cleaner Car

Pantron sensors thrive in harsh environments, including heavy spray, soap suds, mud, and bright sunlight. When photo eyes are capable of working in such extreme conditions like these, the carwash equipment is able to move closer to the vehicle. The result is a closer, more precise wash, and a cleaner car.

Reduce Down-time and Maintenance Costs

All Pantron automatic infrared photoelectric amplifiers and multiplexers are equipped with microprocessor-controlled diagnostic tools. When things do go wrong, the photoelectric system will help the operator quickly and easily diagnose the problem so that it may be corrected. This keeps down-time to a minimum and reduces the need for lenghtly and often costly service calls.

Reduce Cross-Talk and False Signals

Pantron multi-channel infrared amplifiers (multiplexers) are designed to control multiple sets of photo eyes without the possibility of cross talk or false signals between the sets of eyes. Multiplexers are available in 2, 4, and 8 channel versions. The 4 and 8 channel multiplexers may be connected together to provide a synchronized photoelectric system.

Overcome Sunlight

Sunlight poses a difficult problem for most photoelectric sensors in the car wash enviroment. Pantron photo eyes are designed with 60,000 LUX immunity to sunlight. Also, the receiver eye looks for the specific frequency of infrared light that is emitted by the transmitter eye and ignores extraneous light sources.

Detect and Accurately Clean Tires

Pantron photo eyes are powerful enough to see through heavy spray and soap, which makes them the perfect sensing solution for tire washers. By accurately detecting the wheel, the equipment will only spray the amount of chemicals necessary.