Density – the key to product consistency

Citation

(2001), "Density – the key to product consistency", Sensor Review, Vol. 21 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2001.08721dad.007

Density – the key to product consistency

Density – the key to product consistencyKeywords: Sensor

Improved productivity and minimised product wastage, that lead to cost reduction, are achievable by close control of both process parameters and final product quality. Continuous, accurate, density measurement of process ingredients or final product output is often the key to accurate process and product control.

Thermo Measurement's Sarasota FD930 hygienic liquid density meter allows laboratory accurate density measurements to be made at process pressures and temperatures. The continuous nature of the measurement allows "real-time" correction of process errors to be undertaken without any need for samples to be taken to the laboratory (see Plate 6).

The FD930 is designed for the measurement of homogeneous liquids, creams, slurries and coagulates within the dairy, food/beverage and pharmaceutical industries using proven transducer technology. The ability to infer density-related variables such as specific gravity, per cent concentration, per cent solids, Brix, Baume, has led to an extensive range of varied applications such as product identification, product blending, recipe management, fermentation, milk product manufacture, confectionery coating and more.

Plate 6 The Thermo Measurement Sarasota FD930 hygienic liquid density meter

The FD930 is compact and lightweight, which allows for easy installation into existing pipelines. It remains insensitive to plant/pipeline vibration which ensures negligible distortion to readings. Of a stainless steel, straight through design with 3As authorisation, the FD930 is suitable for all hygienic applications including those where "clean in place" procedures are required.

The output from the density meter may be taken to a remote density converter or flow computer. Alternatively, the signal may be conditioned by headmounted electronics to give an analogue 4-20mA or HART™ output that can be interrogated by any HART system. With performance to an accuracy of 0.0001g/cc, opportunities for maximum process efficiency are available to the end user.

For more information contact: Mrs Sue Fielder, Publicity Manager, Thermo Measurement Ltd, King's Worth, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 7QA, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1962 625000; Fax: +44 (0)1962 885530; E-mail: sfielder@thermomeasurement.com