Food & Beverage Asia October/November 2021

56
PROCESSING AND PACKAGING
focussing allows the measuring signal
to be aimed directly at a favourable spot
on the product surface. Fluctuations
in the product properties, such as
moisture content or degree of ripeness,
do not influencethe measuring result.
VEGAPULS 69 can even be used in
highly segmented silos. Thanks to the
excellent signal bundling, measurement
in a more than 15m-high animal feed
silo with a footprint of 1m 2 is possible.
Despite the cramped conditions,
VEGAPULS 69 detects the level of the
medium reliably. This is mainly due to
its small beam angle. The beam angle
of the emitted radio energy, and thus
the focussing, depends on two factors:
the transmitting frequency and the
effective antenna area. With an antenna
of the same size, considerably better
focussing is achieved with a higher
frequency. The 80-GHz beam bypasses
internals and buildup on the container
walls, making the measurement
more certain and reliable. Due to the
improved focussing, it is also possible to
measure right down into the discharge
funnel, improving silo utilisation.
The non-contact radar level transmitter
VEGAPULS 64, which was developed
for liquids, is also characterised by
extremely tight focussing and a
wide dynamic range. As a result,
it measures very reliably – also at
a frequency of 80GHz – despite
deposits, foam, silo internals and
density fluctuations. This instrument
type is not only hygienic, but also very
accurate as the measurements are
not affected by temperature, pressure,
and density of the liquid. Thanks to
the significantly shorter wavelength
of VEGAPULS 64, the sensor is not
even bothered by tank agitators.
CONCLUSION
The 80-GHz technology and the
wide dynamic range of the installed
measuring instruments convinced
the operators across the board. One
of the most important aspects for
everyone involved in the maize mill
was the non-contact measuring
principle. This meant that the silos
did not have to be emptied to install
the sensors. The operators were also
grateful that, in contrast to sensors
based on the guided microwave
measuring principle, no maintenance
is required. That is understandable
because the workload in the mill
is heavy enough as it is. Since the
installation of the VEGA measuring
instruments two years ago, the
operators of the Italian maize mill have
one less item on their ‘to-do’ list. FBA
Up to 350 tonnes of maize are processed in the mill every day. Purchasers of maize flour
can be found in many different industries
From above: The contactless measurement was a giant plus for
everyone involved with the maize mill. It saved a lot of work, as
the silos did not have to be emptied to install the sensors; Nuova
Genovese has 14 storage silos for maize and maize flour and three
more for maize oil
FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021