New 'active' sensor has many food sector uses, claims ITW

ITW Active Touch, a division of Illinois Tool Works (ITW), said that it has developed its new patented ActiveSense liquid sensors for the detection and measurement of fluids in vessels.

ITW representative, Steve Engelking, told FoodProductionDaily.com that the ‘active’ sensors can be mounted on the outside of the holding tank or used as a probe inside the liquid to monitor multiple levels or prevent tank overflow in an operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.

The sensors, can also measure the absence as well as the presence of liquid, claims Engelking.

Plants need accurate measures for determining the amount of liquids that are in cooking vats or holding tanks during processing. Monitoring levels of substances is important not only for filling, but also for mixing ingredients.

Measurement of stocks and supplies also allows food processors to control order levels, preventing shortages and surpluses, the manufacturer said.

Customisation ​

Engelking explained that the devices incorporate microprocessor technology and programmable functions to suit a range of uses in the food processing industry.

“Food manufacturers can discuss their gauge requirements with ​ITW​ engineers who will then tailor the sensor to the specific processing plant application,”​ he added.

The devices are highly sensitive, and are capable of detecting the difference between liquids such as oil and water by using an acoustic dampening effect, according to Engelking.

Durability ​

Engelking said the sensors come in stainless steel, aluminium or ceramic and do not contain any moving parts, thus resulting in less wear and tear.

He said that the devices, based on a technology employing ultrasonic frequencies and resonant cavities, are durable and robust as well as resistant to temperature and environment, and, as such, offer advantages over conventional liquid sensors, which he claims can be unpredictable, resulting in false indications and high susceptibility to corrosive fluids.

“The unique nature of the technology enables the sensors to be immune to contamination, scale or resistive build-up,” ​claims Engelking.

Cost effective​

He said the units retail at a low cost and enable real-time feedback and function monitoring in that they are always ‘active’ and thus sending, receiving, and interpreting the electrical signals once every microsecond.

"They offer high reliability in that they are integrated with intelligence to report diagnostic information or adapt to the surrounding environment to ensure uninterrupted operation,”​ said Engelking.

He added that the ActiveSense sensors can detect their own abnormal operation or predict an imminent failure and notify the user.

ITW Active Touch is headquartered in Illinois and manufactures switches, sensor, and electronic control solutions.