VEGAPOINT 24 level switches solve the problem of detecting sticky and viscous substances. Easy installation, maximum efficiency. Food and Beverage Industry News reports.
Many food and pharmaceutical products have a distinctive texture: “melt-in-your-mouth” like some processed cheeses, grainy like peeling cream or also tough, sticky, crunchy and soft. Depending on the consistency, the demands on the level measurement technology used in production increase.
After the successful launch of the VEGAPOINT range of level switches in 2020 the uptake by the industry was beyond VEGA’s original expectations but based on feedback there were still applications that required a different design and function. VEGA took this onboard and in consultation with the industry set about developing the new front-flush level switch VEGAPOINT 24 especially for use with very sticky, viscous or abrasive products.
Its focus is on the greatest possible robustness. Even with the strongest buildup, it reliably detects the product level in the application and indicates it with a user programmable coloured illuminated ring that is highly visible. Combine this with the two transistor outputs, that are independently selectable for different functions, and I/O Link industry standard communication and the result is a product that is designed and built to suit the applications within the industry.
Runs perfectly when it lights up
Thanks to its robustness, VEGAPOINT 24 is a real plug-&-play sensor. It can be installed very easily in just a few simple steps. Flexible production systems with frequent and fast product changes benefit from the fact that it detects all media with the help of the default setting without adjustment. And extended functions, such as interface detection or foam blanking, can be configured particularly easily with the interface of BLUETOOTH access and a user-friendly menu.
Only metal in the tank
“This device is specifically designed and manufactured for the beverage, food and pharmaceutical sectors. Here, mixing and conveying are all about efficiency and safety, even with demanding liquids and bulk solids like molasses or nut-nougat cream,” said Volker Allgaier, product manager at VEGA.
Especially the front-flush design of VEGAPOINT 24 ensures universal application possibilities and of course no interference with agitators or mixing mechanisms.
“Even cleaning procedures will work safely and efficiently alongside the flat measuring tip,” Allgaier emphasises.
“And the measuring face of the sensor also copes with sandblasting. This is because there is only metal in the tank.” Compared to plastic, he concludes, extensive tests have shown an extended service life by a factor of four.
Fits like a glove
Users achieve optimum visibility of their processes with the new VEGAPOINT 24. The relationship between durability and low life cycle costs is groundbreaking. The decisive factor, however, is flexibility of use: With its versatile process fittings and adaptors, the level switch fits like a glove – even in already existing systems.
Benefits
The VEGAPOINT 24 has a long list of benefits from its use, including a complete flush process connection, it can be used with mechanical flushing and cleaning systems, and it casts no spray shadow.
Other benefits include bypassing build up with factory setting because no customer setup is required, it works on low dielectric liquid processes with factory settings, and it has individually settable outputs.
The VEGAPOINT 24 can also detect different liquids in a process, for example it can tell the differences between food product and cleaning liquids, mitigating contamination risks.
The sensor is also resistant to abrasion, has hygienic process connections available along with various process connections and all of this within a compact form.
All those benefits come with the low cost VEGAPOINT 24 Level Switch.
Case Study
Getting the right sensor is one thing but what is also important is being able to secure the right back up services.
An example of this is a case study on Vega’s work with Hipex to help with the construction of pilot plants for companies to trial new products under working conditions.
The company had a small batch tank with an agitator, steam and a range of other complications that would affect instrumentation.
Ultimately Vega brought forth the VEGAPULS 64 sensor to meet the specifications that Hipex expected.
“It worked extremely well. It was a very small plant, but the whole system was complex and expensive,” said Hipex mechanical engineer Jay Edward.
“It went off without a hitch. Because it is an R&D device, the Department had people coming in from all over the place trialling products.
“With new operators all the time it had to be accurate, repeatable and reliable. It got a lot of publicity.”
One of the reasons it is critical that the instrument met the specifications is that Hipex is an OEM, which means not only are local companies its competition, but overseas corporations are, too.
A key factor in Hipex continually turning to VEGA for its products is that there is immediate support and comprehensive local knowledge about the complex instrumentation they offer.
This is only one example of how Vega helps the food and beverage industry with regards to instrumentation and sensor technology.