Higher Efficiency of Manufacturing during Food Processing through Contactless Ultrasonic Sensors

Sensor systems are needed in meat-processing factories to enhance productivity and lower breakdowns while washing empty meat bins. The reason is that some bins contain significant portions of meat which, if not figured out, accumulate in the washing machine, resulting in breakdowns and blockages.  Old, contact-based systems required frequent adjustment and regular and time-consuming cleansing and so were unreliable.

Ultrasonic sensors are designed for level- and presence-sensing applications. A diffuse sensor from the Compact range (housing size M30) is highly appropriate for this application. They are metal-bodied, IP65-rated devices and have a working range of 20-130cm; detection is independent of the target’s color, form, material or surface structure. These Compact sensors are equipped with an integral S12 cable connector, providing fast removal if needed.

The variable dimensions and form of meat residue make it hard for an uncompensated sensor to figure out contamination continually and reliably; potentiometer adjustment, supplied by some manufacturers, is insufficient for this application. But some manufacturers design special software for Windows® that compensates completely.