How can noninvasive flow measurement help pharmaceutical manufacturers?
The manufacture of pharmaceutical products places very high demands on process measurement technology. Non-invasive solutions are becoming increasingly important in this context.
Noninvasive Ultrasonic Flow Measurement for Sterile and High-Purity Processes
Low flow rates, high-purity media, and, moreover, the requirement for a hygienic and sterile environment pose a particular challenge, especially when flow measurements are to be taken in existing piping systems.
As the purity of the medium increases, conductivity generally decreases, which means that electromagnetic flow meters often do not function. Furthermore, the use of conventional flow meters necessitates interrupting manufacturing processes, making it difficult to resume production and restore sterile conditions. Invasive flow meters also provide surfaces where microbiological contaminants and algae can grow. Non-invasive ultrasonic flow measurement, on the other hand, offers a reliable and repeatable method for taking measurements without interrupting the process or compromising the sterility of the pipe.
Non-invasive clamp-on flow meters are clean and versatile, easy to install and operate. The rise of distributed manufacturing enabled by Industry 4.0 and “Internet of Things” (IIoT) technologies, the increased demands for continuous mass production, and the effort to reduce product returns, particularly in the manufacturing of high-value products such as those in the pharmaceutical industry, mean that reliable process measurement technology that can be quickly and easily integrated into existing systems will become essential. Non-invasive ultrasonic flow meters will account for a significant portion of this growth.
