Sensors for food and beverages

MTS Systems’ Temposonics R-Series linear-position sensors Level-Plus M-Series transmitters are suitable for incorporation into automation and control applications in the food and beverage industry due to high reliability, accuracy and compatibility with smart sensor networks such as DeviceNet.

With the Temposonics linear position sensors’ response and accuracy in controlling the roll gap for the grain rolling process, operators realise higher machine performance and optimised product flow control. The accuracy also results in higher consistency between changeovers as well as reduced set-up time. (Due to the inherent absolute positioning of magnetostrictive sensors, the need for resetting to a home position or re-calibrating is eliminated for the sensor’s lifetime.)

Temposonics position sensors are non-contact so they provide wear-free measurement for a high level of repeatability and long-term stability. This robustness makes them suitable for food processing applications that require continuous production cycles.

The SSI output of the R-Series sensor product is fast, with an optional data update rate of 250 µs suitable for high-speed positioning applications in processing equipment. A DeviceNet output is available for integration with device-level sensor bus networks to reduce complexity and cost. The smart sensor technology enables lower-cost distributed control with improved diagnostics for better productivity.

Level-Plus transmitters are also suitable for use in bottle filling applications due to the combination of performance and 3-A sanitary rating. One advantage that has allowed Level Plus transmitters to excel in food and beverage applications is the ability to report two liquid levels from the same transmitter and with this feature users are able to measure both the alcohol and water content of a storage tank.