INSTRUMENTATION • ELECTRONICS
product (such as chocolate), meaning that additional energy has to be used to ensure the product remains at the correct temperature throughout the process. Tis heat transfer issue also comes into play after a CIP process, where the pipework will be heated by the cleaning procedure and should be returned to normal operating temperature before the manufacturing process can resume. Te time for this to happen can be considerably extended when large heat sinks are included in the pipework.
GO WITH THE FLOW In some cases, plant operators may want to measure liquid flow in both directions, but many flowmeter designs will not permit this, which means that two pieces of equipment are required, adding to installation and maintenance costs. In fact, almost every flowmeter design has some drawbacks. Ultrasonic devices using the Doppler Effect need particulate material or bubbles to reflect the signal, making them ineffective with pure fluids. Conversely, those that use transit time to measure flow can only work with pure fluids. A combination of the two can be employed, but again there are additional cost implications as well as issues with reduced accuracy in low flow conditions.
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY In response to a growing need for a flowmeter that could overcome many of these short-comings, Bürkert has developed a solution that uses surface acoustic wave (SAW) technology. Te innovative design of this flow measurement system means that there is no direct contact of any sensor components with the fluid, making it ideal for hygienic applications. Furthermore, it can be manufactured to the same surface finish as the rest of the pipeline, meaning that, in terms of hygiene, cleaning and flow conditions, there is no difference to any other piece of straight pipe. FloWave measures flow in both
directions, which is not possible with magflow. If a process cannot withstand flow in both directions, there needs to be some sort of signal that warns of flow moving in the wrong direction. Te ability to measure in both directions also means that the flow can be aggregated and the total flow can be calculated.
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ADDITIONAL BENEFITS Flow measurement is just one of the capabilities of this equipment. Significant benefits can be achieved using the density factor and the acoustic transmission factor to determine the exact point when one fluid has been replaced by another, or when pipework has become fouled, for example. During a product changeover within the same process line or as part of the cleaning process, it is common for a time- based control system to be used to ensure that new product has started to flow and all of the initial product has gone. Tis means that a certain amount
of the new product or the cleaning fluid will be wasted before production recommences. A better solution would be to use a flow measurement system that could also determine the density factor of the fluid and provide control signals for the wider manufacturing process. Tis would minimise waste and ensure the cleaning process was complete before any foodstuffs re-entered the pipework.
PRECISION DATA In fact, the accuracy of FloWave is such that it can determine the difference between a standard carbonated soft drink and its sugar-free alternative. Tis can be implemented in many different types of production facilities such as breweries, dairies, drinks manufacturing and confectionery.
Te acoustic transmission factor can be tuned to such a degree that it can flag up when the pipework is becoming fouled up. A build-up of scale or even product, sauces, chocolate, caramel or liquid cheese for example, all have the potential to build-up on the pipe wall and still remain after the CIP process. Understanding the level of debris inside
the pipework enables the plant operator to make an informed decision on the best time to use a mechanical pipe cleaning process. Tis descaling or ‘pigging’ can be performed without removing the FloWave because its internal design is the same as the rest of the process pipework. Ultimately, implementing technology
can have a number of benefits to an existing manufacturing facility, even more so when it is designed to integrate easily and work with the existing process control infrastructure. For the food and beverage sector, improved control systems help to enhance product quality and consistency. Putting in place quality checks and the latest process sensors will go a long way to delivering this end goal.
Mark Lilley is with Bürkert.
www.burkert.co.uk
FloWave measures flow in both directions, which is not possible with magflow
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