Case Study: Milk Tank Sanitary Level Monitoring

Case Study: Milk Tank Ultrasonic Level Monitoring

Background

Accurate level monitoring in dairy storage tanks is crucial for operational efficiency and product quality. A facility sought a new solution to monitor their 6000 gal horizontal milk storage tanks measuring 8.5 feet (2.5 meters) in height.

Surface foam, condensation, and steam from clean-in-place (CIP) processes created significant challenges for level sensing. Existing ultrasonic sensors frequently lost their signal, leading to unreliable readings.

milk tank level sensor

Solution

The facility installed a new high-power sanitary ultrasonic level sensor from ABM to address these challenges. Key sensor features include:

  • Self-Adjusting Technology: Automatically adapts to changing tank conditions with no user involvement.
  • Self-Cleaning Design: A highly active driver knocks off condensation from the transducer face, improving measurement reliability and eliminating maintenance needs.
  • Hygienic Transducer: Made from 316L stainless steel with a surface finish exceeding No.4 dairy standards.
  • CIP Compatibility: Custom-designed transducer withstands CIP processes for up to 30 minutes at temperatures up to 130°C (266°F) and pressures up to 5 bar (72.5 psi).
  • Sanitary Installation: Simple mounting with a 2″ tri-clamp fitting.
milk tank level sensor

Results

The new ultrasonic sensor was installed and proved effective at reliably tracking milk levels under challenging conditions. The customer is very satisfied with the sensor’s operation, stating:

“The sensor works great; it is a huge improvement over the other brand we installed originally.”

The facility can improve operational efficiency and ensure product quality with confidence in their level reading.

Conclusion

ABM’s sanitary ultrasonic level sensor significantly improved level monitoring in the facility’s milk storage tank. Faced with challenges from surface foam, condensation, and steam, ABM’s self-adjusting technology and self-cleaning design addressed these issues effectively, ensuring consistent and accurate measurements without maintenance needs. A reliable milk tank level sensor has helped to improve operational efficiency in the dairy facility.

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