Product category:
Food and drink manufacturing: processing equipment
News Release from: Siemens Automation and Drives | Subject: Ultrasonic level measurement systems
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 03 August 2006
Reliably measuring levels in meat
processing
Meat and poultry producer, needed a reliable level measurement system and has installed ultrasonic level measurement systems to all tanks containing cleaning chemicals, blood or floor waste.
Ensuring reliable level measurement in meat processing Meat and poultry producer, needed a reliable level measurement system and has installed ultrasonic level measurement systems to all tanks containing cleaning chemicals, blood or floor waste Grampian Country Food Group, a leading UK meat and poultry producer, needed a reliable level measurement system for the continuous monitoring of tank levels at its chicken processing factory in Sandycroft, Wales
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 9 Aug 2000 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
New proximity switch for mechanical handling
Siemens Automation and Drives is extending its family of Opto-BERO 3RG7 proximity switches to include a new optical sensor, which has been specifically designed for the mechanical handling market.
Choosing and Using Soft Starters
Due to the improved operating characteristics they give to the equipment they control, electronic motor soft starters are increasingly widely applied. Peter Costello of Siemens explains
Siemens provided the solution, helping the company to safeguard against spillages.
Grampian Country Food Group is the leading private agri-food business in the UK, producing fresh and frozen meat products for both retail and food service customers.
An important aspect of meat processing is the careful monitoring and handling of by-products such as blood.
Further reading
Legislation reduces bus-based automation costs
The introduction of EN 954-1 and IEC 61508 regulations, which govern machinery safety and electrical controls, open up opportunities for users of networked control systems.
PLC achieves SIL1-3 Safety Standards
The new Simatic S7-400F Fail-safe PLC is the first device of its type in the world to achieve safety integrity across SIL levels 1 to 3 of the IEC 61508 standard, for a single processor.
All such processes must be monitored reliably and accurately in order to maintain a clean, hazard-free environment.
This is of particular importance at Grampian's chicken processing factory at Sandycroft, Flintshire, in Wales, due to the plant's proximity to a residential district.
Indeed, Grampian take environmental issues so seriously that the company has installed ultrasonic level measurement systems to all tanks that contain cleaning chemicals, blood or floor waste.
Each tank is monitored by an Echomax transducer, which is connected to a Siemens HydroRanger 200 controller.
This processes the transducer signal and provides a continuous level reading for the plant operators.
The HydroRanger controllers are programmed to an alarm to warn of high levels, so that operators can take action to prevent spillages.
This is especially crucial for the blood storage tank, so the HydroRanger system can actually shut the plant down if the level becomes too high.
"We are very pleased with the Siemens ultrasonic level systems," said Terry Norwood, plant operator.
"We rely on them to provide reliable, continuous monitoring of tank levels.
It helps us ensure smooth plant operation andprevent spillages.
This protects the environment, and it gives both our staff and local citizens peace of mind." Ultrasonic equipment is non-contacting technology - an ideal solution for measuring level on materials that are thick, viscous or sensitive with regard to hygiene.
Unlike contacting devices, HydroRanger 200 is immune to problems caused by suspended solids, harsh corrosives, grease, or silt in the waste material.
This reduces downtime and makes it an economical, low-maintenance solution.
The HydroRanger 200 ultrasonic level controller offers single or dual point monitoring with six relays to control pumps.
The system provides advanced relay alarming and pump control functions, volume conversion, and digital communications with built-in Modbus RTU via RS-485.
It is compatible with Simatic PDM, allowing for PC configuration and setup, and features Sonic Intelligence advanced echo-processing software for enhanced reliability.
• Siemens Automation and Drives: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Manufacturingtalk email newsletter
• Manufacturingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
