Pressure measurement processes are significant in the manufacturing industry. The accuracy of pressure measurement ensures consistent quality in production. However, the food processing industry is different due to sticky fluids, hygiene requirements, and bakery operations.
Hygiene is crucial in such industries. Standard pressure sensors fail to perform in these conditions and present several challenges. Specialized sensor systems, such as flush diaphragm pressure sensors, are critical in such applications. Today, we will understand why these flush diaphragm pressure sensors are used and how they work.
What is a Flush Diaphragm Pressure Sensor?
A flush diaphragm pressure sensor is a special sensor with a seamless sensing system, with the diaphragm flush-mounted to the process connection.
Compared to standard pressure sensors, it doesn’t have recesses or dead cavities where product accumulation might occur. The sensor system sits well with the processing equipment and ensures hygiene and quality.
The Importance of Hygienic Design in Food Processing
Food processing industries must strictly follow rules and regulations. They need proper food hygiene mechanisms.
The common foods include:
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Chocolate
- Syrups
- Sauces
- Fruit concentrates
- Dough mixtures
Inefficient standard pressure sensors can accumulate these products during pressure measurements, leading to hygiene issues. Therefore, a hygienic pressure sensor design works for:
- Food safety
- Product quality
- Conformidade regulatória
- Reduced cleaning costs
- Longer production runs
Flush-mount pressure sensors are the ideal solution due to their hygienic design and ability to support productivity while ensuring compliance.
Reasons Why Flush Diaphragm Pressure Sensors are Useful for Food Industry
There are several reasons to use flush diaphragm pressure sensors in the food industry. Here are a few reasons.
Eliminate Dead Space
Dead space is a serious issue for food manufacturers and processing sections. Traditional pressures have dead space and recessed areas. During pressure measurements, the food or particles can become trapped in the dead space and harden over time.
They grow bacterial buildup and cause contamination. Thanks to flush diaphragm pressure sensors, which avoid this dead space and sit at the same level as the processing systems. It leads to:
- Better hygiene system as there is no accumulation of products and issues.
- Zero contamination risk from pressure sensors.
- Better food quality and processing systems.
Good for Viscous Fluids
The Food Industry has several types of liquids. A few of them are very sticky and viscous, causing a buildup in the recessed areas of the traditional sensors. Flush diaphragm pressure sensors also provide a solution for the following types of sticky fluids: sticky and viscous.
- Honey
- Peanut butter
- Ketchup
- Chocolate
- Yogurt
- Cream
- Jam
- Syrups
It doesn’t let them accumulate and clog the system. As a result, you can get the following benefits.
- Accurate pressure measurements, as no factor can affect them.
- Better production quality due to minimal contamination risk.
- No blockage of the recessed areas and extended lifespan of the pressure sensors.
CIP and SIP process support
There are two cleaning processes in the modern food industry.
- CIP (clean-in-place) is a process in which water or detergent cleans equipment, including the disassembly of components.
- SIP (sterilization-in-place) is a process that uses high heat to sterilize food equipment.
Flush Diaphragm Pressure Sensors withstand both processes without damage and deliver flawless performance in the food industry.
It offers the following benefits for the food industry.
- Easy integration into the sanitary system and equipment cleaning.
- Faster cleaning cycles decrease time consumption and improve hygiene performance.
Compliance with Food Regulations
The food industry has stricter rules and regulations. If they don’t follow the rules, they can’t be permitted to sell products in the market.
Here are a few authorities and regulations regarding the food processing industry.
- FDA requirements
- 3-A Sanitary Standards
- EHEDG guidelines
- Hygienic design principles
- Food safety management systems
Flush Diaphragm Pressure Sensors comply with all applicable rules and regulations. Here are a few features.
- Food-grade materials
- Smooth surface finishes
- Sanitary process connections
- Corrosion-resistant construction
- Cleanable designs
During audits and inspections, you can easily get approval for your food products from the authorities.
Measurement Accuracy
Pressure measurement is the most critical process in the food processing industry. A minor mistake can disrupt the entire process and compromise hygiene.
Traditional pressure sensors are under stress due to product buildup and contamination. They fail to provide rate-pressure readings, which can lead to failure.
On the other hand, flush diaphragm sensors reduce these issues and provide direct pressure measurements. This leads to accurate measurements and efficient results.
Accurate pressure monitoring helps in the following processes.
- Pasteurization systems
- Filtration processes
- Fermentation operations
- Filling equipment
- Mixing systems
Corrosion Resistance
Food industries utilize highly corrosive chemicals to maintain hygiene and remove contamination.
An overview of a few aggressive chemicals is:
- Caustic cleaners
- Acid cleaners
- Disinfectants
- Sanitizers
Traditional pressure sensors made of standard materials are prone to corrosion and may degrade slowly. But flush diaphragm pressure sensors have advanced construction and better compliance.
They are typically manufactured from the materials:
- 316L stainless steel
- Special sanitary alloys
- Food-grade elastomers
This construction keeps corrosion at bay and provides long-term reliability and accurate pressure measurements.
Reduced Maintenance
Standard pressure sensors require regular cleaning and inspection over time to ensure longevity. On the other hand, flush diaphragm pressure sensors require less maintenance due to hygienic designs and reduced contamination.
They offer the following benefits:
- Fewer product accumulations and fewer inspection cases.
- Fewer blockages and easy functionality of the pressure sensors.
- Easier inspections because of clean and efficient components.
- Reduced cleaning effort
- Longer operating intervals
Conclusão
Flush Diaphragm Pressure Sensors have become an integral component of the food processing industry. Their hygienic design and crevice-free construction prevent product buildup and provide a safe environment for food production. However, when choosing a flush diaphragm pressure sensor, consider how it operates and whether it suits your applications.
If you are looking for top-notch flush diaphragm pressure sensors, look no further. Sendo-sensor offers one of the top flush diaphragm pressure sensors that maintain hygiene, ensure longevity, and are available at affordable prices. Check out our other solutions right away!