Minebea Intec: Weighing technology outperforms traditional level sensors in food production
Leading weighing technology manufacturer Minebea Intec has highlighted the superiority of gravimetric measurement systems over conventional level monitoring methods in food processing operations.
Traditional level measurement technologies, including radar, ultrasound and capacitive sensors, often struggle with accuracy in real-world production environments. These systems calculate fill levels indirectly, measuring parameters such as surface distance or container pressure rather than actual content mass. This approach becomes unreliable when dealing with foam formation, uneven product distribution, material caking or variable density conditions common in food processing.
PanCake and Inteco load cells
The company’s PanCake and Inteco load cells offer a different approach by measuring actual mass rather than derived values. The technology uses externally mounted sensors that record the weight of entire containers and their contents, eliminating issues caused by product characteristics or environmental factors. In testing at chemical manufacturer Solvay Fluor in Frankfurt, the system achieved measurement deviations of just 1.1 per cent, compared to approximately 2.5 per cent with previous methods.
The gravimetric systems provide particular advantages for food industry applications. The sensors are positioned completely outside containers, eliminating the need for vessel perforation and the associated risks of contamination, corrosion or calibration errors. Load cells designed for hygienic applications are CIP/SIP-capable, cleanroom-compatible and meet EHEDG and FDA requirements.
Designed for retrofitting
The PanCake load cells are designed for retrofitting into existing systems without structural modifications to containers. Minebea Intec reports potential savings of up to 50 per cent on acquisition costs compared to radar or ultrasonic alternatives, with minimal ongoing maintenance requirements due to the absence of wearing parts.
Modern weighing electronics, such as the company’s MiNexx indicators, integrate with existing control systems through analogue interfaces or digital protocols including ProfiNet, Ethernet/IP or Modbus. This connectivity enables real-time data monitoring, traceability and comprehensive process documentation for quality management systems.
The technology maintains stable accuracy across extreme operating conditions, with certifications for potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX, IECEx) and tolerance for significant temperature fluctuations. These capabilities make the systems suitable for handling viscous liquids, bulk materials and aggressive chemicals whilst maintaining hygiene standards critical to food and pharmaceutical production.
For more information, visit: www.minebea-intec.com
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