Reliable automation technology for the food industry

MAXIMUM PROCESS reliability and constant product quality are maxims in the food industry - whether in the manufacture of beverages, sweets and dairy or in meat processing. Even slightest impurities cause great damage, such as product recall of entire production lots or expensive downtimes.

ifm’s specially developed food application product range comprises innovative position sensors, process sensors, control systems and connection technology, promises the manufacturer. The sensors are made of high- quality foodgrade materials. They have a hygienic housing design and are distinguished by high ingress and temperature resistance and protection against high- pressure cleaning with aggressive agents. Mating connection technology with protection rating IP 68 / IP 69K as well as stainless steel mounting accessories is especially designed for the food industry complete the product range. All units and systems comply with the required standards and directives.

Industries include milk processing, beverages, sweets, meat processing and cane sugar processing.

As an illustration, confectionary sensors are available for the whole process – mixer, pre-refiner, refiner, conche, tank, moulding system, cooling tunnel, packaging machine, cartoner, palletiser, and tempering system.

A good example is the pressure measurement on the tempering system, where the pressure is continuously detected via type PI hygienic pressure sensors.

FLUSH AND HYGIENIC

The full-metal PI pressure sensor is available with Aseptoflex Vario connection as well as with conical G1 process connection. It is also possible to use it for flush installation when using an adapter. It can also be used for hygienic applications. This makes it easier to exchange units in existing installations.

LOSS-FREE DIGITAL TRANSMISSION

Via IO- Link, digital, reliable and loss-free transmission of the parameters is ensured. The signal transfer from the sensor to the controller is possible without any problem.

For the transfer of an analogue signal to the PLC several conversions from analogue to digital and vice versa are necessary. Another interference is the electromagnetic radiation, e.g. from engines or converters.

The advantage of IO-Link is that only one conversion is necessary. The analogue signal from the element detecting the measurand (e.g. PT100, pressure measuring cell) is converted into a digital signal. Then signal processing and transfer from the sensor to the controller via the IO-Link master are digital. This avoids losses due to conversion.

AUTOMATIC PARAMETER TRANSFER FOR DEVICE REPLACEMENT

Another big advantage is the easy removal of failures by replacing devices during operation. This is possible without any additional parameter setting since the parameter behaviour in the PLC and the IO-Link master is consistent.

IO-LINK MASTERS

With the IO-Link AS-i module you combine the advantages of the AS-i wiring system with the standardised IO-Link communication. Using the simple AS-i connection technology you establish the data connection and energy supply for IO-Link devices – sensors and actuators. The sensor settings are saved in the AS-i module and can be transferred to a new sensor, if necessary. Furthermore IO-Link masters are available for the connection to PROFINET, EtherCat, Ethernet/IP or PROFIBUS.