Electricity and Control August 2020

SENSORS + SWITCHES : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

Pressure sensors and level switches for hygienic processes

The particular challenges faced by the food and phar- maceutical industries result from the wide diversity of processes. Success depends on the consistency and continuity of the production processes – whether it be mixing, filling, evaporation – as well as cleaning in place (CIP) and sterilisation in place (SIP). This makes it all the more important for operators to be able to rely fully on the measurement technology deployed on their plant. Level and pressure sensors from VEGA have, over many dec- ades, gained a reputation for their reliability and longevi- ty. Robust, versatile and easy to use, even under extreme conditions or strict regulations, they provide important impulses for greater plant safety and efficiency. Measuring level and pressure VEGA has introduced two new compact instrument series to its measurement technology portfolio. These comprise pressure sensors and level switches for hygienic processes. The product families: the VEGABAR pressure sensor/switch and VEGAPOINT level switch, demonstrate that automation can be simple and highly efficient at the same time, without compromising on reliability, hygiene or accuracy. The new measuring instruments are tailored to standard applications with no compromise on quality. The universal hygienic adapter system provides the flexibility needed to keep installation effort and parts inventory costs low. Process fittings can be selected as needed and adapted to suit local requirements. 360° switching status display The all-round switching status display provides for all switching states to be easily seen from any direction. The colour of the illuminated ring, which can be selected from over 256 different colours, remains clearly visible even in daylight. At a glance, the user can see if the

The universal hygienic adapter system of the new instruments simplifies installation and reduces spare parts inventory.

measuring process is running, if the sensor is switching, or if there is a possible sensor management requirement.

Universal communication via IO-Link A lot of sensor intelligence is built into the new compact series: the standard IO-Link protocol ensures universal and, at the same time, particularly simple communica- tion. It means the instruments have a standardised com- munication platform that enables seamless data transfer and simple integration into the control system. Wireless transmission of measured values Both the new VEGABAR and VEGAPOINT instrument se- ries can communicate easily via smartphone or tablet. This is especially useful in environments such as clean rooms, where physical access typically entails quite a cumbersome procedure, and means setup and opera- tion become considerably easier. VEGABAR pressure switches/sensors and VEGAPOINT level switches represent an important milestone for VEGA. With them, the company offers users an entire range of level and pressure measurement technology from a sin- gle source, and specifically hygienically optimised instru- ments. They are designed to be easy to install and provide an application-based combination of reliability, flexibility and accuracy for food and pharmaceutical processes. For more information contact VEGA Controls SA. Tel: 27 (0)11 795 3249, email: info.za@vega.com Visit: www.vega.com tor of various symptoms, such as unbalance, damaged bearings, or crashes that may lead to machine failure or irreparable damage. The detected raw data is trans- ferred for further evaluation to an external device, such as the VSE diagnostic electronics from ifm. The sensor can be used universally, in line with the IEPE standard. It offers a wide measuring range for differ- ent applications and is available with robust housings to IP67, IP68 or IP69K ingress protection standards. For more information contact ifm electronic za. Tel: +27 (0)12 450 0400, email: info.za@ifm.com Visit: www.ifm.com

The new VEGABAR compact pressure sensors with switching function and VEGAPOINT capacitive level switches are tailored to standard applications.

For efficient vibration diagnostics

The VSM101 acceleration sensor from ifm electronic can detect changes

in vibration on the x, y and z axes. This spatial perception simpli- fies machine condition monitoring where forces and unbalances do not affect only one axis of motion, as is the case with motors and moving parts of the installation. The acceleration signal plays an important role in machine and plant condition monitoring. It is an indica-

The VSM101 sensor detects acceleration in three dimensions, an important measure in machine condition monitoring.

24 Electricity + Control AUGUST 2020