Editor's Choice


Pressure sensors for hygienic applications

June 2022 Editor's Choice Pressure Measurement & Control

For years, the ifm pressure sensors of the PI series have proven their worth in the food and beverage industry. But even what is successful can be improved upon. Pressure changes can now be visualised via IO-Link in high resolution with approximately 20 000 steps. This is an enormous benefit, especially for hydrostatic level measurement with head pressure. In such applications, the sensor must be designed for a larger measuring range in order to withstand the additional head pressure. With conventional sensors, a larger measuring range reduces the resolution of the pressure detection – this is no longer a problem thanks to the technological advancements of the new PI1xxx range.

What is more, the sensor can detect the medium temperature and transmit it via IO-Link. This means that it is no longer necessary to set up an additional temperature measuring point.

Advantages of the new PI pressure sensor

Ceramic measuring cell

The ceramic-capacitive measuring cell consists of a base body, two capacitor layers, a glass solder and a membrane. The capacitor layers on the base body and membrane are similar to a plate capacitor and form a measurement and reference capacitor. When pressure is applied, the distance between the membrane and the base body changes, and this changes the capacitance between the electrodes. This change in capacitance is evaluated and then processed to output an industry-standard IO-Link signal.

The PI pressure sensor has a high-purity ceramic measuring cell. This offers high resistance and long-term stability, even with frequent pressure peaks or overload. In addition, the ceramic is resistant to abrasive media.

Optimised ventilation

The ventilation has been optimised compared to the previous sensors of the PI series. Moisture thus runs reliably off the Goretex membrane if the sensor is mounted with the display facing upwards or downwards.

Flush measuring cell

The measuring cell, which is flush with the process, gives deposits no chance. Only food-grade and maintenance-free materials come into contact with the medium.

High temperature resistance and measurement

Being permanently resistant to medium temperatures of up to 150°C, the sensor can also measure these and output them cyclically via IO-Link.

IP69K ingress protection

Thanks to protection class IP69K, the sensor not only permanently withstands harsh environments, but also meets all the requirements of the food industry.

Typical applications

The pressure sensors of the new PI1xxx series are ideally suited for applications in the food industry – for example in dairies, breweries and many other applications where liquids are used. Pressure measurements in these applications are carried out in tanks as well as in pipes. The numerous improvements of the sensors offer important advantages to the user.

In most cases, beverages are manufactured in individual, highly automated processes that require reliable sensors. They ensure maximum process reliability so that a high-quality product results. Sensors from ifm electronic comply with the required approvals such as EHEDG or 3-A. In addition, they are resistant to clean-in-place (CIP) and steam-in-place (SIP) cleaning processes.

Added value thanks to IO-Link

32-bit IO-Link resolution

The new PI1xxx models, with their 32-bit resolution and approximately 20  000 steps, offer a detailed display even across wide measuring ranges.

Loss-free data transmission

IO-Link enables loss-free data transmission as conversion losses are obviated thanks to digital communication, and external influences such as magnetic fields have no effect on data transmission. Diagnostic data is also provided via IO-Link.

Transparent processes

The current pressure is output precisely with the highest possible resolution via IO-Link. This makes it easy to keep an eye on your process at all times. In addition, the medium temperature is output cyclically via IO-Link.

Easy setup

The pressure sensor can be configured quickly and easily via IO-Link. This is supported by a simulation function, among other things.


Improved technology

Higher resolution, revised design

The new pressure sensors, which are available in different measuring ranges from vacuum to 100 bar, communicate via IO-Link 1.1 and offer a resolution of about 20 000 steps. This is especially important for applications where differential pressures are measured and thus only a small part of the measuring range can be used. Temperature compensation has also been improved in the new series.

Even seemingly small improvements to the design of a sensor can have a big impact in the application. For example, the vent hole on the new pressure sensor has been offset by 90° and is now located on the side when mounted conventionally. This prevents condensate, for example, from collecting on the membrane of the vent hole and causing soiling or impairing proper functioning. The PI has also been optimised in terms of user-friendliness: the new operating concept, with three pushbuttons, makes the act of setting parameters much more convenient and thus also faster.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Vibration monitoring in three axes
ifm - South Africa Sensors & Transducers
Machine vibrations are important indicators when it comes to assessing the current condition of a machine. ifm’s new and smart IO-Link vibration sensor helps to implement a simple and scalable condition monitoring approach using but a single device.

Read more...
STEMulator – a gift to the youth of the nation
Editor's Choice News
STEMulator is a groundbreaking virtual platform designed to ignite the spark of curiosity in young minds and stimulate their interest in STEM subjects.

Read more...
Innovate, accelerate, dominate
Festo South Africa Editor's Choice Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Festo’s latest innovations, revealed through the Ramp Up Campaign, offer a blueprint for performance excellence, using the anatomy of a race car as an analogy to simplify and powerfully communicate how their technologies address industry challenges.

Read more...
Case History 198: Cascade control overcomes valve problems.
Editor's Choice Flow Measurement & Control
There are many processes where it is undesirable for the load to suddenly change quickly, for example in the paper industry. Examples of level control have involved reasonably fast tuning. An example of a level loop tuned this way and responding to a step change in setpoint is given.

Read more...
Advanced telemetry solutions
Editor's Choice Industrial Wireless
Namibia is one of the driest countries in sub-Saharan Africa, with an average annual rainfall below 250 mm. To address this challenge, the Namibia Water Corporation has employed one of southern Africa’s most powerful and well-proven telemetry solutions, designed and manufactured by SSE/Interlynx-SA.

Read more...
Navigating the future of intralogistics
LAPP Southern Africa Editor's Choice
In the rapidly evolving landscape of global markets, the demand for agility, efficiency and scalability in intralogistics has never been more critical. At LAPP Southern Africa, we stand at the forefront of this transformation, offering cutting-edge connection solutions tailored to the dynamic needs of intralogistics.

Read more...
Easy parameter setting of vision sensors
ifm - South Africa Sensors & Transducers
Contour verification and object inspection are two of the most important functionalities in industrial imaging. With the new O2D5xx series, ifm now offers a solution that perfectly masters both functionalities

Read more...
The new programmable graphic display for all industries
ifm - South Africa SCADA/HMI
The new 11 cm ecomatDisplay from ifm features 16,7 million colours, a high-resolution display with optical bonding and a powerful processor, all packed into a compact, robust housing.

Read more...
Cutting-edge robotics and smart manufacturing solutions
Yaskawa Southern Africa Editor's Choice
Yaskawa Southern Africa made a compelling impact at this year’s Africa Automation and Technology Fair.

Read more...
A cure for measurement headaches in contract manufacturing
VEGA Controls SA Editor's Choice
A contract manufacturing organisation provides support to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in the manufacturing of medications, formulations and substances. VEGA’s measurement solutions offer accuracy and reliability for monitoring levels and pressures during the manufacturing process.

Read more...









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.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved