Sensors From MTS Ease Tank Cleaning Process In Dairy Processing

Cary, NC - MTS Systems Corp., Sensors Division's M-Series sensors are being used by dairy manufacturers to provide accurate level and temperature measurement for clean-in-place tanks. MTS M-Series sensors' accuracy enables manufacturers to quickly clean their system thoroughly and responsibly in compliance with industry regulations on the cleaning of dairy processing equipment.

"The federal regulations on cleaning the equipment and piping used in dairy processing make it necessary that manufacturers have an easy-to-use and reliable monitoring system," said Adrian Totten, level products marketing manager for MTS. "The M-Series offers unprecedented accuracy in level measurement that ensures the proper amount of cleaning solution is used and that the temperature of the piping and tanks remains constant."

Clean-in-Place (CIP) is a cleaning process where the interior surfaces of pipes, tanks, and other equipment are thoroughly washed without having to disassemble the entire system. In the dairy industry, CIP tanks are necessary in order to comply with federal regulations on hygiene and cleanliness in food processing. Modern computer controls have vastly improved the cleaning processes and enable dairy manufacturers to separate various circuits of the CIP system for different types of cleaning solutions.

The cleaning solution is housed in the make-up tank and is pumped through the system using high-velocity pumps. Throughout the process M-Series sensors provide vital diagnostic information on the level of solution in the tank as well as the temperature of the solution. Once the cleaning solution has been dispersed, a rinse tank flushes the system with cool water not exceeding 80oC.

As one of the most accurate and reliable liquid-level sensors in the industry, MTS level sensors have a non-linearity of 0.02% and a repeatability of 0.001%. The sensors are maintenance-free with no recalibration needed and are available in digital and analog formats. The M-Series analog sensor has a gauge order length of 500mm to 2540mm and an output of 4-20mA. The M-Series sensors are available with a variety of outputs, such as DeviceNet, Profibus DP, 4-20mA with HART, and Modbus.

SOURCE: MTS Systems Corporation