In the food and beverage industry, and other industries where sanitation is a top priority, clean-in-place (CIP) maintenance is essential for meeting safety and hygiene standards while maintaining process efficiency and maximizing equipment service life. In CIP systems, process equipment is cleaned and or disinfected using mechanical, thermal, or chemical methods without requiring major disassembly. Cleaning agents, which may include acids, alkaline solutions, and/or water, are circulated through equipment, vessels, and piping at pre-calibrated temperatures and pressures to remove dirt, contaminants, and process residue.
To meet sanitary certifications such as 3-A authorization and EHEDG, and to fulfill FDA requirements, it is necessary to verify that the cleaning cycle has been effectively completed. This verification requires measurement of the volumetric flow rate and temperature of the cleaning and rinse agents. In practice, three distinct parameters must be measured: flow, temperature, and conductivity, with conductivity serving as an indicator of cleaning agent concentration.
When these parameters are measured using separate instruments, three individual sensors must be installed, requiring three insertions into the pipework. This approach increases mechanical complexity, installation time, and overall system cost compared to a solution that captures all required measurements through a single insertion point.
Innovative Solutions from
Picomag Magnetic Flow Meter
The Picomag Magnetic Flow Meter is a compact, maintenance-free solution for monitoring water and water-based process liquids. Using electromagnetic measurement with no moving parts, the Picomag Magnetic Flow Meter simultaneously measures flow, temperature, and conductivity, delivering multi-variable insight from a single device.
Designed as an alternative to mechanical flow meters, the Picomag Magnetic Flow Meter installs easily, resists vibration, and requires no routine maintenance. Configuration and diagnostics are handled wirelessly via Bluetooth using the SmartBlue App, simplifying commissioning even in hard-to-reach locations. Built-in IO-Link support enables seamless integration into automation systems and supports future data and Industry 4.0 initiatives.
How it Works
The Picomag Magnetic Flow Meter requires no inlet or outlet straight runs, allowing it to be mounted directly before or after a pipe bend. Its exceptionally small footprint also enables installation in tight spaces, making it well suited for CIP piping layouts.
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Recommended Installation Approach
To take full advantage of these characteristics, the Picomag Magnetic Flow Meter should be installed as follows:
- Locate a straight section of upward-flowing pipe
- Connect the Picomag Magnetic Flow Meter using a welding connector or aseptic process connector
- Configure the parameters required, such as flow range, conductivity, temperature limits, etc
- Use the provided information to optimize processes as needed
Results
This approach enables accurate measurement of cleaning media throughout the CIP cycle, allowing operators to confirm that required flow, temperature, and concentration conditions are achieved and maintained. By providing reliable verification of cycle completion, it supports consistent cleaning performance across operating conditions. The Picomag Magnetic Flow Meter can be operated remotely and continues to deliver stable, repeatable measurements even in harsh environments characterized by vibration, temperature variation, or aggressive cleaning media.
Tips from the Pros
The Picomag Magnetic Flow Meter can be readily integrated with higher-level control systems using the built-in, standard IO-Link communication interface. This enables CIP automation at any desired level, ranging from basic installations to advanced solutions that self-adjust to achieve the fastest possible cleaning cycles or the shortest possible process downtime.
- Wireless configuration and data retrieval for difficult to access installation sites
- Simple and fast navigation through device and diagnostic functions via SmartBlue App
- Available for Android and iOS
- Range up to 10 meters
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