Biofilm represents a major threat in food production plants, since it is the ideal environment for the survival and growth of pathogenic bacteria. Moreover, biofilm can be up to 1000 times more resistant to sanitation treatments with respect to free-floating bacteria.
In a particular food production plant, when the flavour of the product had to be changed, water was used to pump residual material out of the pipeline and to wash the pipes. The water used for this process was stored in a closed loop, continuously flowed, filtered and treated with UV light. After use, the water was discharged. Once every three weeks, the closed loop was cleaned using chemicals, and the filters were sterilised using steam.
After a period of use, the quality control staff noticed a frequent increase in the bacterial count in water samples taken from the loop. Initially the staff thought that this was due to damage in the filters, and replaced them. This did not solve the problem. They decided to install an Alvim system, in order to check if there was any biofilm growth inside the closed loop. It was then possible to see that, just after the sanitation of the loop, biofilm immediately started to grow again.
This means that some bacteria passed the filters and survived the UV treatment and then re-colonised in the pipelines of the loop. Indeed, it has been widely demonstrated that 0,2 microns filtration and most chemical treatments cannot achieve 100% effectiveness in removing bacteria. At the same time, Alvim showed that the chosen cleaning strategy was not able to completely remove the biofilm growth inside the water loop. Cleaning frequency was increased, and subsequent laboratory analyses on water samples showed that bacterial proliferation was under control. This was confirmed also by the Alvim sensor.
The Alvim biofilm monitoring system represents an innovative solution for keeping track, online and in real-time, of bacterial settlement and growth from its very first phases in industrial water lines, tanks and heat exchangers.
Distance sensor for confined spaces ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
The O6D100 from ifm has been designed as a powerful all-rounder for typical applications in object detection, distance measurement and positioning.
Read more...Long-range laser distance measuring sensor Vepac Electronics
Sensors & Transducers
The MS-100A is a long-range laser distance measuring sensor with a range of 150 to 1000 mm. This sensor excels in applications requiring extended measurement capabilities, such as quality control and logistics.
Read more...Listening for damage to wind turbines
Sensors & Transducers
The Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits, working in concert with the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems, has developed a solution that can be used to identify cracks and breakage inside wind turbine blades remotely at an early stage.
Read more...Verification using Heartbeat Technology is a breeze Endress+Hauser South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
Heartbeat Technology reflects Endress+Hauser’s long-term commitment to enhancing measurement reliability and efficiency across a growing product portfolio.
Read more...Enhancing efficiency and reliability in the energy sector VEGA Controls SA
Sensors & Transducers
VEGA offers practical, reliable solutions through specialised measuring instruments and deep industry know-how, all tailored to help energy companies keep costs under control while meeting strict regulatory standards.
Read more...Condition monitoring for hydroelectric plants ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
The energy company Compagnia Valdostana delle Acque generates electricity in the region’s 32 hydroelectric power plants with a total capacity of over 900 MW. Vibration sensors from ifm monitor the maintenance requirements of the turbines and power generators at all times.
Read more...Precision sensing for water treatment ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
ifm electronic has introduced two next-generation sensors designed for South Africa’s bulk and wastewater sector, engineered to withstand harsh environments and deliver long-term reliability.
Read more...The next generation of inductive scanning encoder solutions ATI Systems
Editor's Choice Sensors & Transducers
With the launch of the ECI 1122 and EQI 1134 rotary encoders, positioning specialist, HEIDENHAIN has introduced a new benchmark in inductive scanning technology that raises the bar for motion control and precision automation.
Read more...Telco sensors for blocked/empty chute detection
Sensors & Transducers
Telco sensors overcome the problems of contaminated environments through powerful high-performance infrared sensors that ensure penetration of harsh pollution and guarantee reliable detectio
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version