Biofilm represents a major threat in food production plants, since it is the ideal environment for the survival and growth of pathogenic bacteria. Moreover, biofilm can be up to 1000 times more resistant to sanitation treatments with respect to free-floating bacteria.
In a particular food production plant, when the flavour of the product had to be changed, water was used to pump residual material out of the pipeline and to wash the pipes. The water used for this process was stored in a closed loop, continuously flowed, filtered and treated with UV light. After use, the water was discharged. Once every three weeks, the closed loop was cleaned using chemicals, and the filters were sterilised using steam.
After a period of use, the quality control staff noticed a frequent increase in the bacterial count in water samples taken from the loop. Initially the staff thought that this was due to damage in the filters, and replaced them. This did not solve the problem. They decided to install an Alvim system, in order to check if there was any biofilm growth inside the closed loop. It was then possible to see that, just after the sanitation of the loop, biofilm immediately started to grow again.
This means that some bacteria passed the filters and survived the UV treatment and then re-colonised in the pipelines of the loop. Indeed, it has been widely demonstrated that 0,2 microns filtration and most chemical treatments cannot achieve 100% effectiveness in removing bacteria. At the same time, Alvim showed that the chosen cleaning strategy was not able to completely remove the biofilm growth inside the water loop. Cleaning frequency was increased, and subsequent laboratory analyses on water samples showed that bacterial proliferation was under control. This was confirmed also by the Alvim sensor.
The Alvim biofilm monitoring system represents an innovative solution for keeping track, online and in real-time, of bacterial settlement and growth from its very first phases in industrial water lines, tanks and heat exchangers.
Market opportunity for sensors in humanoid robots
Sensors & Transducers
A new IDTechEx report forecasts the market for sensors in humanoid robots will exceed $6,59 billion by 2037, driven by perception sensors, force/torque sensors, encoders and inertial measurement units across a growing range of commercial robot platforms.
Read more...The wireless route to safer, more efficient mining operations Emerson Automation Solutions
Editor's Choice Sensors & Transducers
Modern wireless level measurement technologies are helping mining operations improve process control, increase safety and reduce installation costs. Emerson’s Rosemount 3408 wireless non-contacting radar level transmitter uses 80 GHz frequency-modulated continuous wave radar with HART communication to reach remote assets where cabling is impractical.
Read more...Telco sensors for harsh environments
Sensors & Transducers
Telco sensors are designed to operate where moisture, particulate contamination and surface fouling would disable conventional sensors, with a range including an adjustable five-metre infrared proximity sensor for harsh industrial environments.
Read more...The data-driven path to sustainable manufacturing ifm - South Africa
Editor's Choice Sensors & Transducers
Smart automation is closing the gap between operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, and the data to do it is already inside the plant. With ifm’s sensing and digitalisation technologies, manufacturers can turn machine intelligence into measurable sustainability gains.
Read more...Expanding visibility in mining operations Emerson Automation Solutions
Editor's Choice Sensors & Transducers
Advances in wireless communications, condition monitoring and sensing technologies are helping mining operators extend measurement into previously under-monitored areas, improving equipment reliability, process performance and water stewardship.
Read more...Fiber-optic amplifiers for precise object detection ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
The OCF fibre-optic amplifier detects even the smallest or most transparent objects in confined spaces, making proven fibre-optic technology easier and more user-friendly than before.
Read more...Distance sensor for confined spaces ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
The O6D100 from ifm has been designed as a powerful all-rounder for typical applications in object detection, distance measurement and positioning.
Read more...Optimise sludge treatment and reduce operational costs Endress+Hauser South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
Endress+Hauser’s inline measuring devices, the Proline Teqwave MW 300 and the Proline Teqwave MW 500, determine the total solids content of wastewater directly through microwave transmission.
Read more...Inclination sensors for motion control ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers Motion Control & Drives
The JBC dynamic inclination sensor from ifm offers accurate angle measurement in the most demanding conditions, filtering out motion disturbances such as vibrations, shocks and vehicle dynamics to deliver reliable inclination values via IO-Link or programmable switch outputs.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version