Sensors & Transducers


Hygienic biofilm monitoring sensor

February 2018 Sensors & Transducers

Bacteria settles among any structure (pipelines, tanks, machinery) in contact with water in a very short time, if appropriate preventative measurements are not applied. The term biofilm refers to the layer of micro-organisms (bacteria, diatoms, fungi, etc) that grows on any surface in contact with water or other liquids. It has been demonstrated that biofilm can grow even in extreme conditions, causing damage that can range from Legionella contamination to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC).

The ALVIM real-time online Biofilm Monitoring System is able to detect bacterial settlement during its first phase (down to 1% of surface covered by micro-organisms such as Legionella pneumophila) and, based on these data, manually or automatically adjust and optimise cleaning and biocide treatments to keep biofilm growth under control.

Important advantages of the ALVIM technology include:

• Discriminates between biofilm and other kinds of deposits or fouling (e.g. calcium carbonate, etc.); this is extremely important, since these two different kinds of fouling requires different treatments.

• Has a very high sensitivity, i.e. detects the biofilm initial colonisation phase as soon as the first bacterial spots appear on a surface.

• Early-warning detection of bacterial biofilm growth by measuring the natural electrochemical activity of bacterial biofilm, indicating its real presence and extent at any given moment.

• Optimisation of cleaning treatments.

• Easy to install and operate.

• Virtually maintenance-free probe.

• Real-time, continuous biofilm monitoring.

With hygienic connection to the process, a flat surface in contact with the liquid and high resistance to chemical treatments, this sensor is designed for applications where hygiene is critical.

For more information contact Instek Control, +27 (0)12 998 6326, info@instek.co.za, www.instek.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Market opportunity for sensors in humanoid robots
Sensors & Transducers
A new IDTechEx report forecasts the market for sensors in humanoid robots will exceed $6,59 billion by 2037, driven by perception sensors, force/torque sensors, encoders and inertial measurement units across a growing range of commercial robot platforms.

Read more...
The wireless route to safer, more efficient mining operations
Emerson Automation Solutions Editor's Choice Sensors & Transducers
Modern wireless level measurement technologies are helping mining operations improve process control, increase safety and reduce installation costs. Emerson’s Rosemount 3408 wireless non-contacting radar level transmitter uses 80 GHz frequency-modulated continuous wave radar with HART communication to reach remote assets where cabling is impractical.

Read more...
Telco sensors for harsh environments
Sensors & Transducers
Telco sensors are designed to operate where moisture, particulate contamination and surface fouling would disable conventional sensors, with a range including an adjustable five-metre infrared proximity sensor for harsh industrial environments.

Read more...
The data-driven path to sustainable manufacturing
ifm - South Africa Editor's Choice Sensors & Transducers
Smart automation is closing the gap between operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, and the data to do it is already inside the plant. With ifm’s sensing and digitalisation technologies, manufacturers can turn machine intelligence into measurable sustainability gains.

Read more...
Expanding visibility in mining operations
Emerson Automation Solutions Editor's Choice Sensors & Transducers
Advances in wireless communications, condition monitoring and sensing technologies are helping mining operators extend measurement into previously under-monitored areas, improving equipment reliability, process performance and water stewardship.

Read more...
Fiber-optic amplifiers for precise object detection
ifm - South Africa Sensors & Transducers
The OCF fibre-optic amplifier detects even the smallest or most transparent objects in confined spaces, making proven fibre-optic technology easier and more user-friendly than before.

Read more...
The next era of measurement and instrumentation
Sensors & Transducers
Smart sensors and non-contact radar are reshaping industrial measurement, feeding connected platforms that predict failures before they happen.

Read more...
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...
Optimise sludge treatment and reduce operational costs
Endress+Hauser South Africa Sensors & Transducers
Endress+Hauser’s inline measuring devices, the Proline Teqwave MW 300 and the Proline Teqwave MW 500, determine the total solids content of wastewater directly through microwave transmission.

Read more...
Inclination sensors for motion control
ifm - South Africa Sensors & Transducers Motion Control & Drives
The JBC dynamic inclination sensor from ifm offers accurate angle measurement in the most demanding conditions, filtering out motion disturbances such as vibrations, shocks and vehicle dynamics to deliver reliable inclination values via IO-Link or programmable switch outputs.

Read more...









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.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved