Flow Measurement & Control


Setting a standard for milk production

February 2008 Flow Measurement & Control

GEA Westfalia Food Tec, a global leader in the design and manufacture of separation systems, has chosen to use Krohne's OPTIFLUX 6000 electromagnetic flowmeters in its STANDOMAT automatic milk standardising unit. Milk standardisation ensures that different milk products - such as full fat, skimmed and semi-skimmed have the right level of fat concentration. The flowmeters are used to ensure that the fat concentration is controlled to within 0,025%.

The flowmeters fitted at the inlet to the centrifuge are used to control the output from the feed pump
The flowmeters fitted at the inlet to the centrifuge are used to control the output from the feed pump

The system uses a centrifuge to separate the raw milk into standardised milk and cream, which are then drawn off. Flowmeters installed on the inlet feed to the centrifuge measure the flow of raw milk into the separator, the output signal is used to control the feed-pump thus regulating the flow into the separator.

The fat content of the milk exiting the centrifuge is measured using a density meter. A signal from this device is fed to a PLC (programmable logic controller) together with an output from the flowmeter. If the fat content is too low then the outlet pressure is reduced in order to achieve the required fat content. Conversely, if the fat content is too high, no cream is added, and the raw milk feed is increased at the input.

Measurement accuracy and reliability were key factors in Westfalia's decision to install the OPTIFLUX. The instrument, which has been designed for hygienic and aseptic applications, is capable of delivering a measurement accuracy of ±0,2% for fluids, well within the required tolerance. High reliability levels were required since processing takes place 24 hours per day and any unscheduled downtime for repair is costly.

Manufactured from stainless steel and suitable for SIP (sterilisation in process) and CIP (cleaning in progress), OPTIFLUX is FDA approved and certified to EHEDG 3A. The unit is available with a broad range of connectors and in diameters up to DIN 150.

For more information contact Mahendra Rajcoomar, Krohne South Africa, +27 (0)11 314 1391, [email protected], www.krohne.com



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