Clamp-on flow measurement in breweries
Non-contact measurement technology for process monitoring
Monitoring existing pipework systems often presents challenges for breweries. Katronic’s clamp-on ultrasonic measurement technology enables precise flow measurement quickly, flexibly and without interrupting production.
Measurement task and requirements
Molson Coors Brewing Company was looking for a reliable, robust and accurate solution to monitor its brewing, cleaning and energy processes. The brewery’s engineers faced the challenge that they were unable to inspect the existing in-line flow meters or measure the flow in pipes without permanently installed flow meters. This proved particularly difficult in the case of the water supply and cleaning feed pipes, as these pipework systems had been in operation for a long time. The same applied to the plant’s wastewater discharge, which had to comply with strict environmental regulations.
Project specifications at a glance
- Industry: Food and drink
- Installation type: Portable
- Medium: Water, beer, corrosive substances,
- Pipe material: Stainless steel
- Pipe diameter: 25 … 250 mm
- Temperature: Up to +130 °C
- Number of measurement channels: 2
Technical solution
The solution was provided by the KATflow 230 portable clamp-on flow meter with two measuring channels. Using this measuring instrument enabled the engineers to compile a complete overview of all critical pipes within the production process without having to interrupt production.
Methodology and Results
Thanks to the flow meter’s quick programming and the straightforward installation of the sensors, several pipes could be checked simultaneously in a very short space of time. The non-invasive measurements eliminated the risk of contaminating the flowing liquids.
The use of the KATflow flow meter was a success and proved very popular with the engineering team. They were “highly satisfied with the device’s wide range of capabilities, its user-friendliness and the excellent build quality of both the sensors and the electronic transducer”.
Image credit: Image generated using AI