Sensors are essential components of automation systems. For many years, food manufacturers have relied on their fast reaction times and precise measurement results to help them optimize their processes and save time, energy, and media. However, as networking and digitalization advance, measurement technology’s responsibilities also change. These days, measuring process parameters “only” isn’t sufficient.
The demands for sensor accuracy and dependability increase with the complexity of the automation scenario. The configuration and connection of measurement technology are facing additional difficulties due to the volume of data. This is where traditional sensors that give the control system binary signals have various limitations. Sensor systems, which combine signal processing and preparation into a single enclosure along with measurement parameter recording, are gradually replacing them.
When it comes to successfully expanding process safety and efficiency in the production of food and beverages, the top suppliers of cutting-edge and practically-oriented sensor systems will once again set the benchmark at Anuga FoodTec, which takes place from March 19–22, 2024. On the Cologne fair grounds, high-performance sensors that can execute a variety of system communication tasks, including machine-to-machine and machine-to-cloud communication, will be on display.
Measurement technology suppliers, such as Baumer, Endress+Hauser, ifm, Siemens, Vega, Optel, and Beckhoff, will demonstrate at Anuga FoodTec how smart sensors can help food producers stay competitive in the era of Industry 4.0. All of these trends are characterised by the fact that digitalization is occurring against a practical backdrop rather than being pushed for its own sake. Key concepts for smart processes include wireless data transfer possibilities, sensor diagnostics, and self-explanatory operating principles. Artificial intelligence and deep learning algorithms are vital here as well as high resolution measurement equipment. The potential for self-monitoring and reconfiguration increases with the amount of intelligence incorporated into the sensor through advanced signal processing.
Multisensor systems at the Cologne exhibition halls mirror this evolution. They enable the recording of additional substance qualities that are also important for quality using conventional methods used to measure flow and filling level. Solutions based on surface acoustic wave (SAW) modulation are examples of this. The sensors operate under completely sanitary conditions—that is, without any fixed or movable components—using this measuring concept. The absence of dead spots facilitates easy cleaning. One unique characteristic of SAW sensors is their ability to assess circumstances that are changing quickly as well as those that are static. They can record additional values such as mass, density, and Brix in addition to flow, density, and temperature. By using the density factor, gas bubbles and particles in liquids can also be identified. For instance, the technology enables the identification of the original extract during the brewing process. As a result, quality control is now done instantly and in real time rather than at random in the lab—a capability that beverage makers did not have before.
Anuga FoodTec is the leading international supplier fair for the food and beverage industry. Organised by Koelnmesse, the trade fair takes place from 19 to 22 March 2024 in Cologne and places the emphasis on the key theme of Responsibility. The professional and industry sponsor is the DLG, the German Agricultural Society.
Find out more at: https://www.anugafoodtec.com