Flow Measurement & Control


Hygienic flow measurement for the food industry

September 2025 Flow Measurement & Control

With the SMF magnetic-inductive flow meter, ifm offers a solution for the hygienic flow measurement of media with variable flow rates through a pipe, such as beer, milk or fruit juice.

The installed measurement technology easily copes with changing media such as beer, milk, yoghurt or fruit juices. However, significant challenges are posed by cleaning processes involving the use of chemicals, rapid temperature changes and hot steam. Cleaning requires a minimum temperature of 121°C throughout the process, and the technology must also be able to withstand vibration and shock without any problems when meters are installed directly behind a pump in the process. To meet these requirements, the use of magnetic-inductive flow meters has been established for several years. These do not require any mechanical components in the medium and offer a very high level of accuracy for a wide range of different media. Covering the multitude of demands, ifm’s SM Foodmag magnetic-inductive flow meter easily overcomes all challenges and enables hygienic flow measurement in the food industry.

Multiple parameters in one device

The SM Foodmag offers the measurement of several parameters in one device. Flow, total quantity, temperature and conductivity are recorded and presented. It also detects whether the measuring pipe is completely filled. There is one version of the meter with a display and a version without a display. ifm relies on an app-based menu and an innovative capacitive pushbutton concept in the sensor, making parameter-setting much easier and faster. Compared to touch displays, this concept has no weak points, even when exposed to moisture or when operated with gloves. The user is additionally supported by an installation guide, which is optionally available in the menu. An LED ring indicates the device status and any faults or maintenance requirements.

While many flow sensors for the food industry have separate connection cables for power supply and signal transmission, the SM Foodmag is much easier to install with just one connection cable. This reduced wiring complexity also translates into cost savings during installation. In terms of mechanical integration, the manufacturer has taken care to ensure a smooth installation. The SM Foodmag is available in nominal widths from DN15 to DN150. Standardised process connections such as weld-in adapters to EN10357, DIN11851 pipe fittings, SMS 1145 fittings, DIN32676 Series A clamp connections and DIN 11864-2 aseptic flanges ensure the necessary compatibility. ifm also supplies different sealing materials depending on the application and the required approvals. The sensor can communicate via IO-Link, analogue signal 4...20 mA, or pulse signal.

Hygienic measurement as a complete package

Be it soft drinks, beer, water or milk, the SM Foodmag magnetic-inductive meter reliably monitors numerous processes in the food industry, rising confidently to the challenges. It therefore makes an important contribution to ensuring that consumers can buy safe food in the supermarket.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Submersible pump protection
ifm - South Africa Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
With ifm’s remote monitoring solution you can visualise the condition of your submersible pumps and diagnose issues before they become serious problems.

Read more...
Hygienic ultrasonic flow sensor
ifm - South Africa Flow Measurement & Control
The SU Puresonic Hygienic ultrasonic sensor from ifm detects flows of conductive and non-conductive media with high precision.

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...
VEGA pressure instrumentation supports resilient water network management
VEGA Controls SA Pressure Measurement & Control Flow Measurement & Control
As rapid urbanisation and climate pressures strain water networks across Africa, accurate real-time pressure monitoring has become a strategic necessity. VEGA’s pressure instrumentation helps utilities reduce losses, protect infrastructure and meet sustainability targets.

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...
Reducing fluid control and automation complexity in pharma process development
Flow Measurement & Control
Designing and building pharmaceutical processes or skids demands close coordination between mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and automation engineering teams.

Read more...
Flow imaging microscopy for the early detection of harmful algal blooms
Yokogawa South Africa Flow Measurement & Control
Yokogawa’s advanced flow imaging microscopy technology, FlowCam is helping utilities move from reactive treatment to proactive prevention of harmful algal blooms in reservoirs, dams and freshwater sources.

Read more...
Conductivity sensing as a cornerstone of South Africa’s water smart industry
ifm - South Africa Editor's Choice Sensors & Transducers
South Africa’s engineers operate at the intersection of resource constraint and industrial ambition. Few parameters illustrate this balancing act as clearly as water quality. Whether in municipal treatment works, food and beverage plants or mining operations, the ability to measure water quality accurately and continuously has become non-negotiable.

Read more...
Never waste a drop
Flow Measurement & Control
Manufacturers of pumps, valves and related equipment have an important role to play when systems for water are being designed or upgraded and should be included at every stage of a project to ensure that the work is carried out within the equipment’s capabilities.

Read more...
Integrated and upgradable vision system
ifm - South Africa Motion Control & Drives
The O3R platform is the comprehensive solution for centralised, synchronised processing of image and sensor information in autonomous mobile robots such as automated guided vehicles.

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