Project Background
A dairy plant producing liquid milk and yogurt uses a CIP (Clean-in-Place) system to clean storage tanks, pipes, and filling equipment. Real-time monitoring of acid/alkali and water flow is required to ensure proper velocity and contact time. Previously, mechanical flowmeters were used, which were prone to clogging, had dead zones, and could not be cleaned in place.
Customer Challenges
1. Hygiene certification: All wetted instruments must be 3A and EHEDG certified, with surface roughness ≤0.4μm and no dead spaces.
2. Corrosion resistance: Cleaning fluids contain acids and bases (pH 2-12) at temperatures up to 90°C, requiring corrosion and high-temperature resistance.
3. Installation space: CIP piping is compact; sensors need short length and quick-clamp connections.
4. Signal output: 4-20mA and pulse outputs for PLC integration.
Solution
Jiangsu SIENCUN Instrument Co., Ltd. recommended the LDE-S sanitary electromagnetic flowmeter with the following features:
- Lining: PTFE, resistant to acids, bases, and high temperatures.
- Electrodes: 316L stainless steel, polished.
- Connection: Clamp (per DIN 32676) for easy disassembly and cleaning.
- Protection: IP67 for wet environments.
- Output: 4-20mA + pulse, with HART protocol.
Each meter was wet-calibrated before shipment, accuracy ±0.5%.
Implementation
1. Site survey: Engineers verified pipe sizes (DN25-DN80) and installation locations, ensuring upstream/downstream straight pipe runs of 5D/2D.
2. Installation: Replaced old meters using existing clamp connections, no welding required; 20 units installed within 2 days.
3. Commissioning: Parameters set via HART communicator, signals validated with PLC.
4. Training: Operators trained on meter use and routine maintenance.
Results
1. Accuracy improved from ±2% to ±0.5%, stabilizing CIP solution ratios.
2. Hygiene compliance: All meters passed 3A/EHEDG audit.
3. Reduced maintenance: No moving parts, no clogging; annual maintenance cost down ~20%.
4. Cleaning efficiency: Optimized flow reduced single CIP cycle time by 15%, water savings ~10%.
Customer feedback: LDE-S meters operate reliably; other production lines will be retrofitted.