Inductive conductivity in hygienic applications

Sensors for inductive conductivity measurement provide central measured values ​​for controlling the CIP process:

  • Constant concentration control of the cleaning media in the supply tanks
  • Monitoring of the concentration during the cleaning phases
  • As part of the phase separation to recover the chemicals used

Technologies Details

Inductive conductivity measurement
An alternating current flowing in the primary coil (transmitter) generates an alternating magnetic field which induces a current in the medium. The current flow in the medium in turn generates a magnetic field which induces a voltage and thus a current flow in the secondary coil (receiver) of the sensor. The measured current in the secondary coil is a measure of the conductivity of the medium.

Since the conductivity of liquids is largely dependent on the temperature, the temperature of the medium is continuously recorded via an additional temperature sensor in the sensor tip (NTC). The temperature influence is compensated by the temperature coefficient (TK value) set in the electronics.





inductive conductivity sensor

The inline analysis of media based on their conductivity values enables automated, high-precision operation in many applications.


Here are examples of typical applications:


Product differentiation:

the distinction of liquids within one second ensures the correct processing, storage or filling of products, such as:


Phase separation:

the continuous media analysis enables real-time inline CIP stage control.


Process control:

by continuously measuring the conductivity value, a deviation of the actual value from the specified target value can be detected with very high accuracy and immediately signaled.


CIP media concentration control:

For an optimal and reproducible cleaning result, each cleaning agent must be adjusted to the specified value by re-dosing with concentrate and fresh water. This is ensured by the highly precise conductivity measurement with the ILM-4 in a separate process line. ILM-4 in einer separaten Prozesslinie sichergestellt.

In a variety of production processes and in CIP-Anlagen CIP skids in dairies, breweries, the beverage industry, wine production, juice production and other food companies, integrated conductivity probes can measure liquids according to qualitative criteria in-line, in real-time and fully automatically. Ideal applications are: