To submit a news item for inclusion, please contact Suzanne Christiansen at suzanne@bellpublishing.com or Maddy Barron at maddy@bellpublishing.com.

• GEA makes improvements towards eco-friendly manufacturing at its sites in India
• Tetra Pak launches solution to eliminate foam from liquid protein mixing
• Baumer offers bubble detecting sensors to optimise pumps
• New vacuum pump from Leybold designed for industrial applications
• $5.87 million in grant funding awarded to dairy processors

The post Roundup: Dairy Processing appeared first on Dairy Industries International.

This ‘smart’ sensor helps to protect pumps from running dry whilst also helping to ensure maximum system performance and optimum use of resources. However, the PAD20 sensor is not only good at protecting pumps as reliable detection of gas bubbles also optimises the energy efficiency of cooling and heating systems in industrial applications. The sensor has the ability to measure air in all types of liquids regardless of whether liquids are pasty or viscous, reliably and fast. Another good example is where the sensor has helped a major dairy manufacturer solve the decades old problem of containers not being fully emptied.

In summary, PAD20 sensors are an effective, robust solution for detecting air and gas bubbles in any liquid or viscous media such as fruit preparations, cooling agents (DC>1.5) and particularly in harsh ambient conditions. Switching outputs are individually adjustable with IO-Link (2) for definition of switching range, or two-stage alarms (early warning) and they provide optional multi-colour process visualisation through 360º of switching state.

The nomination of the Baumer PAD20 ‘Bubble Sensor’ for the 2024 Pump Industry Awards once again recognises the contributions and abilities of sensor specialists Baumer to push the limits of sensor technology. The innovative PAD20 sensor was shortlisted for the international awards in two categories; ‘Product of the Year’ and ‘Environmental contribution of the Year’.

More at: https://www.baumer.com/de/en/pump-industry-award-2024-baumer-bubble-sensor-pad20-named-finalist/n/news-industry-award-nomination.

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To submit a news item for inclusion, please contact Suzanne Christiansen at suzanne@bellpublishing.com or Maddy Barron at maddy@bellpublishing.com.

• Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions highlights MasoSine Certa Sine pumps at Cheese Expo 2024
• Lyras names Andersen as CEO
• Krohne highlights applications of Optiswitch 6500 to food and beverage industries
• Baumer sensor nominated for awards
• Rocol announces it will remove ‘forever chemicals’ from food lubricant product range

The post Roundup: Dairy Processing appeared first on Dairy Industries International.

The PAD20 has been developed as a ‘smart’ sensor which helps to protect pumps from running dry whilst also helping to ensure maximum system performance and optimum use of resources. A key feature of the sensor is its ability to detect even the tiniest gas bubbles in liquids which helps system engineers in preventing downtime due to pump malfunction caused by unwanted gas inclusions.

However, the PAD20 sensor is not only good at protecting pumps as reliable detection of gas bubbles also optimises the energy efficiency of cooling and heating systems in industrial applications. The sensor has the ability to measure air in all types of liquids regardless of whether liquids are pasty or viscous, reliably and fast. Another good example is where the sensor has helped a major dairy manufacturer solve the decades old problem of containers not being fully emptied.

In summary, PAD20 sensors are an effective, robust solution for detecting air and gas bubbles in any liquid or viscous media such as fruit preparations, cooling agents (DC>1.5) and particularly in harsh ambient conditions. Switching outputs are individually adjustable with IO-Link (2) for definition of switching range, or two-stage alarms (early warning) and they provide optional multi-colour process visualisation through 360º of switching state.

More at: https://www.baumer.com/de/en/pump-industry-award-2024-baumer-bubble-sensor-pad20-named-finalist/n/news-industry-award-nomination.

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The key feature of the PLP70 potentiometric level sensor is its low minimum conductivity performance for continuous level measurement applications (greater than 5 microsiemens/cm). Even when working with ‘challenging’ media like distilled water, the sensor delivers extremely accurate and reliable measurement results which helps to optimise system performance, such as precise monitoring of the levels in process tanks and storage vessels.

Andrew Moran, senior product manager at Baumer UK comments, “The PLP70 level sensor is ideally suited for applications which involve a wide variety of media, or frequent media changes. Thanks to its media independent measuring principle, the sensor offers the highest accuracy and repeatability, even in the most demanding applications”. He continued, “With its short response time of less than 100 milliseconds the sensor is especially suited to more dynamic processes which involve rapid level changes in filling systems which ultimately maximises raw material utilisation and saves money.”

Operators will also appreciate the easy monitoring and control of the sensor via the proven Baumer display which includes a background changing colour and effectively provides all the required information at a single glance, even from longer distances. Functions of the touch display include temperature, pressure and conductivity enabling quick and convenient operator intervention directly at the sensor display.

Typical level measurement applications for the PLP70 sensor include; process tanks, cleaning and filter systems, water treatment plants, agricultural machinery, as well as hygienic applications, filling, storage and buffer tanks, filter and cleaning systems.

More at: https://www.baumer.com/gb/en/baumer-level-sensor-plp70-wins-automationsbest-award/n/automation-best-award-2023.

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To submit a news item for inclusion, please contact Suzanne Christiansen at suzanne@bellpublishing.com or Maddy Barron at maddy@bellpublishing.com.

• IDF hosts the IDF Milking Technologies Symposium
• Beehive Cheese announces deepened partnership with Gossner Foods
• Emmi implements Infor CloudSuite Food & Beverage
• New International Cheese and Dairy Expo announced for 2024
• Dairy producer Züger Frischkäse makes optimisations with Baumer
• Biocatalysts Ltd successfully concludes acquisitions

The post Roundup: Dairy Processing appeared first on Dairy Industries International.

The familiar challenges of achieving on-going sustainability, improving processing systems whilst meeting strict legal requirements, were the key factors helping Züger to explore and exploit technical advances. A particular focus was how could they optimise their CIP (Cleaning-In-Place) processes and this has resulted in them achieving considerable savings in water and cleaning media, thanks in part to sensor specialist Baumer.

Baumer’s extensive range of sensors, encoders and measuring instruments includes the CombiLyz conductivity sensor, a sensor which is designed to provide industry-leading precision, combined with impressive speed. Züger uses the CombiLyz sensor for the phase separation of food materials, water and cleaning agents, during the critical stage of CIP (Cleaning-in-Place). Thanks to the short reaction time of the temperature compensation, the CIP control system receives an exact measured value from the sensor – in just 15 seconds. This ensures that the control system can react quickly to the individual phases by actuating values quickly and precisely, something which is critical in helping to avoid the serious consequences of a faulty, or delayed measuring signal. For example, in worst cases the CIP tank can become flooded and the system goes down.

The Benefits

Urs Koster, divisional manager for technical maintenance at Züger comments, “Whilst our priority was to avoid the consequences of a faulty or delayed measuring signal, we also wanted to optimise efficiency, which is why the quick and reliable reaction of the CombiLyz sensor is so important”. He confirmed, “The success of the optimisation of our CIP procedures is significant, now we consume up to 30% less in cleaning agents, up to 50% less disinfectant and up to 100,000 litres less water per day”.

The design of the CombiLyz features a lid made of PEEK plastic as part of a one-piece hygienic design and an important factor is its ability to provide fast temperature compensation, as well as housing the inductive sensor elements for measuring the electric conductivity and the temperature sensor. The sensor tip has a low thermal mass and low thermal transition resistance, enabling the sensor to react very quickly, even at significant temperature fluctuations. Whilst sensors with two-part lids, where the temperature sensor is located underneath metal are a little faster, the frequent temperature fluctuations in these types of CIP applications put additional thermal strain on the transition between plastic and metal. The result is frequent cracks can occur, causing sensor failure and therefore unsafe for use of food processing applications.

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These 2D profile sensors are ideal for manufacturing applications wherever OK/NOK inspections or positioning tasks are possible via the evaluation of height information. They enable measuring ranges of up to 500mm with a field view of up to 300mm, ensuring design ‘freedom’ for numerous applications. A comprehensive set or integrated tools can be parameterised directly via an intuitive web interface to ensure complete processing of the profile data directly in the smart sensor.

Without the need for any external steps, the sensor can transmit the X/Z position value to the controller – with a precision of up to 5µm. This standard of performance means that the OX sensor enables more cost-efficient sensing solutions in quality control, web edge control and robot positioning. Another advantage is the live visualisation of the measurement tasks in the web interface, where settings in the sensor can be directly checked, adjusted and optimised.

The new OX sensors are compact and lightweight and can be simply connected with a single cable thanks to PoE (Power-over-Ethernet). They are ideally suited to height checks of assembly parts, control and positioning tasks in robotics, such as position checks of feeder parts for pick-and-place applications, or gap checks in automotive manufacturing.

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The new IF250 complements the existing Baumer portfolio of high-performance inductive sensors in an ultra-compact design, from cylindrical sub-miniature sensors (3mm diameter) up to M30 designs with maximum 24mm switching distance. The combination of metal sleeves and a mounting kit ensure easy pipe attachment along with a secure and robust sensor mounting.

An important benefit of the flat design is maximised safety reserves because it allows for long-distant safety installation towards the object and is therefore optimally protected – even in critical sensing applications. Whilst ideally suited to new space restricted applications it can also be retro-fitted into existing systems where initially sensors had not been possible.

The IF250 is available as a proximity switch with industry standard PNP or NPN output, or as a measuring variant with IO-Link interface. Digital transmission eliminates the need for shielded cables and a high-resolution A/D converter card – without affecting the sensors ability to provide precise distance measurements. Furthermore, the IO-Link interface ensures the benefits of easy parameterisation, comprehensive diagnostic data, such as histograms, temperature or switching cycles, which are additional benefits.

More at:  Baumer presents the flattest inductive sensor ever with 12 mm switching distance | Baumer international.

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To submit a news item for inclusion, please contact Suzanne Christiansen at suzanne@bellpublishing.com or Maddy Barron at maddy@bellpublishing.com.

• BSI launches new standard for avoiding food contamination
• Industry united under Dairy Roadmap to tackle sustainability
• Baumer launches new ultra-compact sensor
• Kerry opens Southern Europe Innovation Centre in Barcelona

The post Roundup: Dairy Processing appeared first on Dairy Industries International.

Due to continued requests from customers for increasingly smaller components to fit into tight production lines these sensors feature a housing measuring just 60mm, with the potential for reducing the display size even further down to 32mm x 25mm. IO-Link is also a standard feature.

Despite their compact design the sensors deliver high temperature stability up to 140ºC allowing them to be specified for permanent use, even in CIP (Cleaning-in-Place) and SIP (Sterilisation-in-Place) systems. Their robustness and durability is largely due to an innovative one-piece sensor tip design which means optimum resistance to strong and or frequent temperature fluctuations, compared to other sensors which typically feature a two-piece tip.

Experience shows that many sensors have lower temperature limits (typically 100ºC) and lower resistance to chemicals. This is why PAC50 sensors have a sensor tip made entirely of high-performance plastic polymer or ketone (PEEK) which offers much better resistance to chemicals and higher temperatures. Another important feature is the all stainless steel sensor housing with all parts laser welded ensuring optimum resistance to all ambient conditions outside the pipe.

PAC50 in its H version complies with EHEDG (European Hygienic Equipment Design Group) hygiene standards as required for many food, beverage and pharmaceutical applications. They are also 3-A certified and all media contacting parts are FDA certified.

Like other Baumer sensors, IO-Link is a standard feature allowing the collection of secondary data, such as temperature for process monitoring and communication to control devices. This means users can quickly and easily parameterise the sensor prior to and during operation – even when the sensor is integrated via an analogue interface. Furthermore, to optimise flexibility the dual channel feature allows users to operate the PAC50 via analogue or digital channel, or even both in parallel.

Please follow this link to find out more: https://www.baumer.com/gb/en/new-level-sensor-to-detect-even-process-water/n/level-measurement-baumer-plp70.

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Sensing and instrumentation specialist Baumer develops sensors together with customers to meet their specific requirements, a good example of which is the company’s flow and temperature sensors for filter monitoring applications in the dairy industry. Today, many foods such as yogurts, milk drinks and quark are enriched with additional protein and these protein-rich foods are claimed to have nutritional benefits to support the build-up of muscle. This is why sportsmen and women frequently use additional protein powders and shakes, the production of which can be optimised if filtration processes are monitored using the right sensors.

A good example of this is at Homann, part of the Müller Group, manufacturers’ of a wide range of dairy products including yogurts, milk drinks, mayonnaise and salad dressings. Baumer has helped Homann in achieving its goal of maximising process optimisation in their production processes, thanks to the features and benefits of its monitoring sensors.

The basis for proteins that can be used for food fortification is provided mostly by whey or skimmed milk and these need to be filtered step-by-step in order to increase protein concentrations. The objective is to obtain a concentration with as high a protein content as possible which is then dried and further processed.

This process is very energy intensive and its effectiveness largely depends on the condition of the filter. Calorimetric flow sensors can facilitate the monitoring of the condition of the filter which helps to optimise the quality and cost-efficiency of protein extraction.

One sensor for flow rate and temperature

Cross flow filtration technology is usually the preferred option for filter units used in the dairy industry, typically to increase the protein content in milk or whey where the media, the so called ‘feeds’, are pumped through filters until the remaining concentrate reaches the desired dry mass.

An indicator of the effectiveness of the filtration pumps (and therefore the filtration process) is usually a combination of temperature and pressure measurement. The pressure differential of the measured values before and after filtration means conclusions can be drawn about the effectiveness of the filter, such as clogging. However, wouldn’t a better and more direct option be, to measure the flow rate of the medium to know for sure how the filtration process is working? For example, if the flow rate is too low, the filter clogs up faster and needs to be cleaned or replaced. When module batteries are connected in parallel, shifts and variations in flow patterns are a problem. If the flow rate is too high, the permissible pressure loss per module is exceeded and the modules telescope.

At the same time, temperature is an important factor to consider when filtering. For example, when temperature is selected at approximately 122ºF this favours filtration without denaturation of the thermo-sensitive whey proteins which means that process temperatures must also be monitored.

Thermal flow sensors, such as Baumer FlexFlow sensors, are an effective, viable and cost-effective solution for filter monitoring, as they measure not only the temperature, but also the flow rate. Since these sensors benefit from having no moving mechanical parts, they are virtually maintenance-free and allow for reliable monitoring of the cross-flow filters for many years. The Baumer FlexFlow family of flow and temperature sensors represents one of the most extensive ranges of process sensors. Based on the calorimetric measurement principle, these sensors can monitor both flow velocity as well as media temperature.

They have IO-Link and, depending on settings and connections, either two switching outputs, or one switching and one analog output (4-20 mA/ 0-10 V). The PF20H and PF20S versions are suitable for hygienic and industrial applications.

The combination of two measuring functions in one sensor reduces the number of measuring points in closed systems and minimizes costs of installation, service and storage. Thanks to their symmetrical, centered design, the sensors can be optimally installed in the process independent of their installation position and orientation to guarantee precise measurements and process safety.

Several sensors can be simultaneously configured via IO-Link which simplifies switching point adjustment for different process stages during set-up or batch changeover and also saves time. Diagnostic data polling and evaluation is possible at all times, increasing system uptime.

FlexFlow sensors have a robust, stainless steel housing with integrated electronics and evaluation unit which eliminates the need for complex wiring and control cabinet assembly. Additional user interfaces, are therefore not required which simplifies operation and allows for efficient process management. All models are temperature resistant to 150°C and thus CIP (Clean-in-Place) and SIP (Steam-in-Place) capable.

Conductivity measurement in CIP processes

Just about every cycle in dairy products processing requires CIP and this reproducible process must precisely define detergent dosing, regardless of pressure and or temperature variations. At Homanns’ CIP installations in Bottrop, dosing needed to be improved and Baumer’s new CombiLyz conductivity sensor was the solution. Thanks to fast response time it ensures precise measured results at a maximum deviation of < 1%. The measuring connection of the inductive sensing element provides a 6.6 mm wide channel which will tolerate fabric or solid-containing media and this has helped Homann to optimize detergent dosing and reduce raw material costs.

According to Frank Piatkowski, application and process engineer at Homann, “.Baumer’s CleverLevel is the one-sensor solution for different media and since deploying these sensors, we have seen a significant reduction in technical malfunctions”. He confirmed, “Baumer products will be part of our considerations when we invest in new, state-of-the-art CIP installations and we appreciate that these innovative sensing solutions help us achieve our objectives of optimisation, despite the increasing complexities of our processes”.

For more information, visit: www.baumer.com/gb/en/solutions/dairy-industry/a/Dairy

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The new hub is a meeting place where end-users of automated packaging machines or lines can interact with class-leading manufacturers to discuss manufacturing efficiency, configuration flexibility, product safety & quality, traceability, ROI calculation, eco-sustainability and energy saving.

In addition to core packaging technologies and competence, it will also give help to those at every stage of the digital transformation journey – from the very first steps, through implementation and on to expanding and improving existing Industry 4.0 initiatives.

The Smart Packaging Hub initiative is the brainchild of Cama Group and six other Italian companies – Baumer, Opem, Zacmi, Clevertech, Makro Labelling and Tosa – all of which represent the forefront in their technological fields. Together, the companies offer: €400 million of yearly turnover; 1,200 machines deliveries per year; 2,000 collaborators; 90% export pa; 5.4% of turnover pa invested in R&D activities, and a 2.1% of turnover pa invested in training activities.

The companies’ primary aim is to send a strong message of support and collaboration and to put all available technological competences in front of end-users in the food and beverage industry.

Visitors to the Smart Packaging hub will have access to a massive array of capabilities, knowledge and services and will benefit from the “Made in Italy” technological connotation, which implies utmost flexibility in the customisation of automated packaging plants.

In the hub, visitors will discover how to adapt their machines to best match future requirement, not just in terms of components, programming, diagnostics and operations, but also for process virtualisation, advanced robotics, hyperconnectivity and the IIoT. They will also discover how to apply Artificial Intelligence and analytics to collect, process and manage the data generated by machines, in order to optimise energy and manufacturing performance or to discover new service typologies and business models for an ever-evolving market.

Finally, by joining the Smart Packaging Hub, end users will find the best service offer for a global after-sales service, delivered by skilful, multi-language teams in all across the globe.

The platform is now live and to register, visit: smartpackaginghub.com.

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