'We offer reliable continuity of measurement'

"The process industry is constantly looking for new methods and means to further optimize processes. Better process control goes hand in hand with reliable measurement results. We offer customers a diverse product range of inline and online analysis systems and laboratory equipment. In addition, we offer advice and training to ensure reliable continuity of measurements, processes and applications," says Dirk Vleminckx, application specialist at Elscolab.

Elscolab has been a distributor of analysis, measurement, control and laboratory equipment for more than forty years, serving diverse markets from the food industry, (petro)chemicals, pharmaceuticals and utilities to the biotechnology industry. "We have extensive experience and knowledge in these sectors. This is very important, since the environment in which a measurement takes place co-determines the working method and choice of equipment. For example, hygiene and CIP resistance are important aspects in the food industry," explains Vleminckx. "In order to give customers the right advice, we have an enthusiastic team of experienced application and maintenance specialists. We also organize various meetings and training courses, both in-house and at our customers' premises, while through our website and social media we inform interested parties about the latest developments and innovations. In this way, our customers stay abreast of what's going on."

Unbreakable

Vleminckx discusses about four innovations. "The most groundbreaking is the Mettler Toledo InPro X1. It is the first unbreakable and CIP-resistant inline pH electrode. pH values are usually measured with a glass electrode, but glass is barred in food products since it is fragile and should not be allowed to get into food products. The chances of this happening are minimal but not non-existent. Therefore, alternatives came on the market, such as ISFET and enamel sensors. But these are typically not long-term CIP (Cleaning in Place) resistant. The InPro X1, made of composite, changes this. This pH electrode is both unbreakable and resistant to multiple CIP cycles. This new patented development is groundbreaking for the food sector."

Automatic cleaning

A second system that Vleminckx names is an innovative concept for cleaning and calibration of pH sensors: the Knick cCare. "It is a system for analytical measurements of pH sensors where there is automatic cleaning, without operator intervention while calibration is also automated. This saves the operator a lot of time, while the electrode is always handled correctly and always the same way. As a result, accuracy remains guaranteed while this approach also benefits longevity."

Refractrometry

The inline refractometer Vaisala Polaris is also worth mentioning. "Refractrometry is a well-known analytical technique. Whereas in the past sugar content was mainly determined by refractive light analysis, this measurement is now widely used for a wide variety of dissolved substances. Vaisala's refractometer is virtually maintenance-free since it is not affected by air bubbles or solid particles. It is fully digitized which makes the signal processing excel over older generations. Among other things, it is easy to interface to PLCs, SCADA, and the like via Profinet."

Intelligence

Finally, Vleminckx mentions the ISM Core. "ISM stands for Intelligent Sensor Management. Our supplier Mettler Toledo brought ISM Core to the market, a system to make pH electrodes more intelligent so users can handle them in a smarter way. All measured data is digitized in the sensor itself and converted into a digital signal that is stored in the head of the electrode. The communication to the measuring devices is therefore purely digital, making the transmission virtually interference-free. The electrodes are easy to exchange and connect in the workshop to a PC running ISM Core. This enables a complete and detailed diagnosis. The operator sees at a glance in a clear interface the measured values, history and conditions. In addition, he can also perform calibration and maintenance here in ideal conditions instead of in the production environment. This translates into a longer service life and more accurate measurement results. Based on measured values, calibration data and history, diagnostics and some specific parameters, the ISM also indicates the remaining expected lifetime, thanks to DLI (Dynamic Lifetime Indicator)."