In the food industry, speed, flexibility and hygiene are the decisive factors for efficient, reliable production. VEGA has “designed” these properties into its sensors for level, switching and pressure from the very beginning.
The demands on the quality of food are higher today than ever before. It is a privilege to choose freely from a wide variety of products and trust that they are always the result of safe and hygienically flawless production processes. To make this possible, there is an extensive network of precautionary measures incorporated into production.
Intelligent system design is one of them. It supports the reliability, efficiency and hygiene of manufacturing processes, with the help of high-tech sensors and the reliable measured values they deliver.
Compliant with global standards
Foodstuffs are just as susceptible as pharmaceutical products, and the manufacturing processes are correspondingly complex. The measurement technology used here must have a wide range of special properties to be able to fulfil the high-quality requirements. One such feature is the guarantee of meeting the highest standards.
VEGA sensors are certified according to the current guidelines and norms of the food and pharmaceutical industries and comply with the regulations and standards of the sector, such as FDA, ISPE GAMP, ASME-BPE, EHEDG and 3A. The standards prescribe the use of corrosion resistant materials only. The sensors are also designed so that microorganisms are effectively removed by cleaning and cannot multiply on surfaces or in gaps.
Components and materials that encounter the product must meet the requirements of sterile process engineering. “Hygienic by Design” can be seen even in the smallest components of VEGA level and pressure sensors. Stainless steel or materials of the highest quality are mandatory.
The surfaces that come into contact with the product also have roughness values of less than 0.8 µm and are even available electropolished on request. Seals are dispensed with wherever possible. Where seals are unavoidable, however, they are made of elastomers that are compatible with the product.
Everything but complex
VEGA sensors are quickly and easily integrated into system architecture. They can detect even small level or pressure changes. The measuring ranges of the pressure transmitters with metallic or ceramic measuring cells begin at a few millibars but can extend to pressures of up to 1,000 bar.
Their performance can impact manufacturing costs because accurately measured quantities optimise raw material costs and improve productivity.
The high sensor quality and functionality required for this are the result of decades of experience and continuous development. VEGA is one of the few manufacturers to develop and produce its own special ceramic capacitive measuring cell called CERTEC.
The more flexibly production systems are utilised, the more noticeable the support that qualified sensors can provide, if reciprocal contamination can be ruled out and process cycles are fully traceable.
The available hygienic adapters play an important role in ensuring maximum flexibility when installing. Diffusion tight and extremely robust, the universal adapter system of the sensors offers the right solution for every installation, regardless of whether the tanks are rectangular or cylindrical, free standing or integrated in a system, small or large, with or without agitators or heating coils.
Efficient CIP processes
VEGA sensors are designed for the critical aspects of CIP processes. They ensure that all the required liquid cleaning media pumped through the pipelines of the system are available in sufficient quantities. They can reliably withstand the chemicals used, even when CIP cleaning is carried out at 150°C for up to two hours, or when the SIP process runs with saturated steam at a pressure of one bar.
The hygienic design is free of gaps and dead spaces and prevents leakage, even during steam jet cleaning.
A full hygienic portfolio
The applications of VEGA sensors in food production are many and diverse. Practical examples show how VEGAPULS level radar sensors, VEGAPOINT and VEGASWING level switches, and VEGABAR pressure transmitters are suited to these tasks.
Compact level measurement with VEGAPULS 42
With its versatile hygienic adapters, the VEGAPULS 42 radar level sensor is particularly suitable for processes with strict hygiene demands when it comes to end to end automation with fast level changes.
IO Link is an important communication protocol for measuring tasks in factory automation as it allows process data to be networked with both business and laboratory systems. VEGAPULS 42 with IO Link also enables maintenance free operation resulting from non-contact 80 GHz radar technology.
Its special area of application is in dosing and downstream processes, such as conveyors and filling systems. Its status can be seen quickly using its innovative full colour illuminated ring, which ensures clearer readability from all directions and at a distance.
VEGAPOINT level switch
Incidentally, this illuminated ring is also the trademark of the VEGAPOINT capacitive level switch, used for high accuracy point level detection. Its optional universal fitting for hygienic adapters ensures reduced installation work and a smaller spare parts inventory. With this feature, it meets the requirements of hygienic processes.
VEGABAR pressure sensors
In supply lines carrying heating media, a fast response time is essential. VEGABAR 28 ensures reliable pressure monitoring of gases, vapours and liquids up to 130°C. Its innovative CERTEC ceramic measuring cell offers advantages.
As it is highly chemically resistant, it withstands extreme temperatures and is robust. Solid, abrasive particles in liquids cannot harm it. The optional universal fitting for hygienic adapters also reduces installation effort and supports a leaner spare parts inventory.
VEGAPULS 6X for extremes
In the solvent tank, it is the high measurement accuracy of VEGAPULS 6X that guarantees reliable supply. With tight focusing of the radar beam, this continuous level sensor measures past agitators or other tank internals. Its dynamic range enables measurement of products even with poor reflective properties, such as oils or oil-based products.
Millimetre precise limit level with VEGASWING 6
The VEGASWING 61 vibrating level switch has reliable detection ability and long service life. It is a solution for overflow and dry run protection, proving useful in storage tanks for cleaning agents. It can also be deployed for all liquids. Regardless of its mounting orientation, the instrument detects point levels reliably and with millimetre accuracy.
Monitoring from a distance
Not every hygienic area can be accessed or always viewed. Not every measuring point is easy or pleasant to physically access. The option to adjust and read out VEGA sensors wirelessly through a mobile device allows users to bypass hard to reach places. In combination with the VEGA Tools app, which has also been nominated for an app award, sensor data interrogation using Bluetooth over short distances becomes very convenient in these kinds of areas.
