Pressure Transmitters for Food Processing

The production and processing of food and beverages is governed by a strict network of laws, regulations, codes of conduct and guidance. The purpose of these rules and guidelines is to minimize the possible risk to consumers of potentially harmful products due to the presence of foreign matter or bacteria. The use of pressure gauges is an essential part of safe food production.

Pipes, filters and tanks in the food, dairy, beverage and process industries require pressure and level measurement. Pressure gauges must be accurate, immune to vibration, able to withstand the temperatures and stresses of the cleaning process, and have specialized wetted parts. Applications include balance tanks, silos, storage tanks, mixing processes, flavor systems, pasteurization, emulsification, fillers and homogenization.

Most electrical pressure transmitters use a flexible diaphragm as the pressure transmitting element. By using suitable process connections, it is possible to produce cavity-free and easy-to-clean flush-mounted pressure transmitters. CIP (cleaning in place) cleaning is used to clean the interior surfaces of pipes and tanks in liquid and semi-liquid food and beverage processing equipment. This type of cleaning is usually done in large tanks, jugs or piping systems with smooth surfaces.

The “wetted part” of a pressure transmitter is the diaphragm in contact with the medium being measured and must be able to withstand the forces and temperatures generated during CIP cleaning and sterilization. Regular cleaning and a gap-free design reduce the risk of contamination, but the surfaces of wetted parts must also have smooth contours and clean welds, free of nooks and crannies where media can collect and rot. Usually components are made of stainless steel to prevent media from sticking.

The PT124B-217 Flush Mount Diaphragm Pressure Transmitter is designed to meet the requirements of most industrial food and beverage applications. Constructed of stainless steel, this series of pressure transmitters is durable and provides excellent stability and accuracy over a long service life. Flush membranes are suitable for CIP and seals are available in a variety of styles for direct mounting into the process or remote mounting via stainless steel capillary.