The recent squeeze on their profit margins through higher input costs and a slow down in demand growth for their products has pushed the food and drink sectors to improve the efficiency of their processing operations. Plants are investing in more automation and IT applications in a bid to have a tighter control of their production processes.
The SLF-500 liquid flow meter, developed by Flow Technology, uses an ultrasonic measuring system and is capable of accurately measuring flow by clamping onto metal, plastic and even lined pipes without altering piping systems.
The ability to clamp on to existing lines is a great help for processors who want to upgrade their measurement capabilities but are wary of using meters with moving parts that require processing line overhauls and high-maintenance.
The solid-state technology employed in the SLF-500 is will also increase the meter's durability and life span, said the company.
The SLF-500 employs digital signal processing techniques for accuracy and repeatability of plus or minus .2per cent. This advanced ultrasonic flow measuring device has no pressure drop and provides fast speed-of-response, said the Flow Technology.
The same unit can be used on line sizes from 1 to 12 inches (2.5 - 30.5cm) without recalibration, and covers a wide range of flow rates.
The SLF-500 was originally designed to measure corrosive chemicals in the process industry, DI water and chemicals in the semiconductor market and fluids in the sanitary industry, but the system can be adapted to a number of food processing sectors.
US-based Flow Technology is a leading producer of precision flow measurement instruments, systems and calibrators to manufacturers and processors around the world.