Food and Beverage Industry
The food and beverage sector is one of the largest and most important industries in the world today. In addition to production, manufacturers must also handle the storage and distribution of consumer packaged goods (CPG), fresh and frozen perishables, dairy products, juices and soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages.
F&B applications pose challenges that most other industries do not face. Process temperatures can range from sub-freezing to extreme heat. Storage and distribution facilities rely on refrigeration and HVAC systems to keep temperature, airflow, and humidity within certain ranges. All equipment, including measuring instruments, must meet strict standards for hygiene and cleanability.
Food and Beverage Process Instrumentation
By monitoring F&B processes, measuring instrumentation helps ensure quality and safety. Temperature sensors and switches:
- Control cooking, baking, and frying processes.
- Maintain appropriate temperatures for brewing and cooling.
- Regulate pasteurization of dairy products and freezing processes for frozen goods.
- Ensure that items do not spoil during storage and distribution.
In beverage production, level indicators and float switches are found in fermentation vats, bottling tanks, and filling machines. Pressure instruments – sensors, switches, transmitters – monitor and control the myriad pumps, filters, and hydraulic power packs used for F&B processing, packing, and lifting. Force sensors, such as load cells, improve the accuracy of filling and packaging.
Sanitary Instruments for Food and Beverage Processing
Any industry that manufactures products intended for human consumption is required to follow stringent mandates and standards. Noncompliance can result in fines and unplanned downtime from regulatory bodies. If consumers’ health and safety are endangered, then the cost is even higher.
Measuring instruments help ensure the highest levels of safety and compliance. That means the instruments themselves, especially components in direct contact with the product, must also be hygienic; otherwise, they risk contaminating the product.
That’s why the sensors, gauges, and other instrumentation used in the F&B industry must incorporate hygienic design. These aspects include:
- Corrosion-resistant materials that can withstand the chemicals and high temperatures used in CIP (clean in place) and SIP (sanitize in place) processes.
- No dead spaces or cavities where bacteria can settle and grow.
- Diaphragm seals to isolate the pressure sensor from the product.
- All-welded construction to avoid elastomers that can degrade with time and permit leaks.
- Redundancies and continuous monitoring to avoid contamination and safety issues
WIKA’s Measuring Solutions for Hygienic Applications
WIKA offers a comprehensive portfolio of pressure, temperature, and level sanitary instrumentation that complies with regulations and standards from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group (EHEDG), 3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc. (3-A SSI), and ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU.
Also paramount is how the hygienic instrument is mounted. WIKA offers a wide range of regulatory-compliant sanitary fittings:
- Clamp and tri-clamp DIN 32676, ISO 2852, ASME BPE
- Aseptic connections DIN 11864
- Milk thread connections DIN 11851
- NEUMO bolt-down process connections
- VARIVENT® flush flange connections
In addition, WIKA has an extensive program for proof of conformity within the scope of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), an internationally recognized method for identifying and managing food safety risks. Our calibration equipment and calibration services assist with instrument testing and quality management.
WIKA USA is your trusted partner for accurate, reliable, and hygienic measurement solutions. Click on the Products tab for a list of our sanitary F&B process instrumentation, and contact us for more information and expert advice.
WIKA has worked with licensing and EPC companies for more than 30 years on major projects all over the world. We partner with you from the planning stages through to completion, and we provide post-project support. In addition to supplying high-quality process measurement instruments for temperature, pressure, level and flow applications, we can also work with you to develop solutions that meet your exact requirements.
WIKA also offers on-site expertise and technical support services to help ensure the success of your project. For more information, contact us at 1-888-945-2872 or [email protected].
WIKA USA, part of your food and beverage business
Our success and reputation are built on three factors: a wide and innovative product range, comprehensive services, and a global presence with employees committed to your success. Make WIKA USA part of your food and beverage business.
