TRANSDUCERS, TRANSMITTERS & SENSORS FEATURE PRECISION AND SPEED SAVE RESOURCES
The CombiLyz sensor from Baumer is playing a crucial role in improving the efficiency of CIP processes at a dairy processing facility in Italy
T
he need for effective wash-down and cleaning whilst meeting increasing
demands to save resources and cut costs has always been a tricky challenge, especially where optimum hygiene is essential in food and beverage manufacturing. An example of success in this type of application is where a high speed CombiLyz Conductivity Sensor supplied by BAUMER has made an important contribution at Granarolo, Italy’s largest dairy processing operation. Effective cleaning of a hygienic dairy
processing system usually requires a range of liquids such as; milk, water, lye and acids working within a complex, clean-in- place (CIP) process, where different liquids flow alternately through pipes and tanks.
sensors ability to measure very precisely the electric conductivity of liquids in the system determines which type of medium is flowing and its concentration, and secondly, speed of response. The CombiLyz sensor is faster than comparable sensors providing a precise measured value of conductivity within 15 seconds, compared to around 50 seconds typically achieved by other sensors. This means the control mechanisms can react faster and separate the individual phases by actuating values. Bruno Landuzzi, maintenance manager
at Granarolo, explained: “Our tanks, pipelines and thermal treatment systems are cleaned up to 30 times a day and thanks to the quick temperature compensation of the CombiLyz sensors, we can save more than 100,000 litres of water per year at every measuring point.” The fast temperature compensation
The CombiLyz is available in two versions, the AF14 where the entire sensor is contained in a single housing and the AF15, for applications with limited space
All these liquids have a financial and or environmental cost so must be used sparingly and where applicable, be recycled as much as possible. The two factors crucial to the success of
the CombiLyz conductivity sensor in this challenging CIP fluids handling application were precision and speed. Firstly, the
HEADING INTO SPACE: SENSORS ENTER A NEW DIMENSION
SICK has developed a comprehensive digital solutions portfolio, which it presented at an online press conference on 9th June. The focus is on solutions which customers can use to directly access their sensor data and thereby create individual added value for their business processes. For this purpose, SICK has now developed the SICK IntegrationSpace, where users can find all of the digital services offered by SICK, and which supplements the SICK AppSpace. With its new digital portfolio of sensor applications, SICK is
providing solutions for mastering the coming challenges in digitalisation. “In the last few years, we have worked hard to considerably simplify the use of data acquired by sensors. Many sensor solutions have been created that make it possible to increase the efficiency of system and process operation,” said Christoph Müller, senior vice president product management at SICK AG. The digital offering is based on the application know-how of SICK and makes it easy to vertically
integrate data from the sensor right through to the cloud. This is achieved using flexible data structures, and by providing valuable information and knowledge through digital services and expert advice, thereby enabling users to master their challenges using an Industry 4.0 approach. In the SICK AppSpace eco-system, programmable sensors and edge devices can be configured for new
tasks using SensorApps. Many apps are already available for download via the SICK AppPool. Thanks to a new graphical interface in SICK AppStudio, users can now solve specific sensor applications even without programming skills by configuring and linking pre-defined function blocks in a data flow. The SICK AppSpace excels when fast solutions are required. For example, in response to current events
SICK has been able to connect hardware with new SensorApps for the purposes of slowing the spread of the Covid-19 virus. The PeopleCounter and DistanceGuard apps integrated into 2D and 3D LiDAR sensors from SICK are helping people adhere to the social distancing requirement in public and predefined spaces. The SICK IntegrationSpace platform makes it possible to access the virtual representation of the sensor
and its data using LiveConnect to deliver a standardised – and secure – connection from an edge gateway, like the SIM1012, to SICK Asset Hub or other SICK or third party applications. The LiveConnect web service connects the hardware, a SensorApp, and a cloud instance. This creates a connection between the sensor- oriented shop floor (SICK AppSpace) and the SICK IntegrationSpace cloud environment. “Today, customers come to us with problems which have nothing to do with traditional automation
engineering involving sensor systems, logic and actuators,” explained Müller. “Instead, they want to make business processes much more efficient. Sensors gather data that can help solve this problem.” SICK
www.sick.com
response is primarily due to the design and construction of the CombiLyz sensor which features a one-piece hygienic design measurement probe made of PEEK plastic. This measurement probe contains the inductive sensor elements for measuring electric conductivity and the temperature sensor. The sensor tip has a low thermal mass
and low thermal transition enabling the sensor to react very quickly, even to significant temperature fluctuations. Only sensors with two-part measurement probes where the temperature sensor is located underneath the metal are faster. However, frequent temperature fluctuations tend to wear-off the transition between plastic and metal causing these types of sensors to fail more frequently, rendering them unsuitable for hygienic applications. Another important benefit of the
CombiLyz sensors is the coloured coded touch display which enables easy parameterisation and freely definable conductivity areas that can be allocated to any display colours, such as blue for water and red for acid. This means operators can clearly see from a distance which medium is passing through the pipes at any given moment. Also, the sensor transfers its measured values via a 4/20mA interface with optional HART protocol. The options available are the CombiLyz
AF14 where the entire sensor is contained in a single housing and the AF15, for applications with limited space. This version has the sensor element and display separated and connected via a cable, for more flexible positioning. Both options have an IP69k rated stainless steel housing to ensure suitability for high- pressure steam cleaning.
Baumer
www.baumer.com/de/en/l/Save-resources
PROCESS & CONTROL | JUNE 2020 29
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