sure that the sensors optimally withstand the cleaning agents , Leuze checks the devices using the ECOLAB test and also CleanProof + and Johnson Diversey procedures . This ensures the long-term resistance of the sensor housing .
Thermal requirements : major differences in temperature
Major differences in temperature exist particularly when food is placed in its primary packaging . For example Owing to the sensitive foodstuffs handled in meat processing , the temperatures often range from 5 to 10 ° C . In contrast , however , cleaning is performed at extremely high temperatures . “ Here , we again play it safe with our sensors and always test the products in several ways : in the climate chamber , by thermal shock testing and also by means of a steam jet test ,” explains Steffen Hundt .
Leak tightness : reliably waterproof
As the sensors are exposed to continuous wet conditions and humidity during cleaning and because highpressure water jets are additionally used , absolute leak tightness is essential . Leuze always tests all sensors using leak testing equipment . The sensors intended for the food industry meet the demands required for IP69K approval : They are tested using a steam jet with an extremely high water pressure of up to 10,000 kPa and a temperature of up to 80 ° C . The distance to the sensor during testing is very close at just ten centimeters . Furthermore , the sensor is exposed to the steam jet from different angles in order to simulate cleaning as realistically as possible .
Leuze meets these requirements by implementing a hygienic product design and using selected FDAcompliant materials . This means that Leuze sensors for the food industry have a stainless steel housing as well as glass-free and scratch-resistant optics covers .
Precise and robust at the same time
The requirements make it clear that suitable sensor systems are needed for hygiene-sensitive production
and packaging processes . Leuze has specially developed the 53C and 55C sensor series for this purpose .
They are characterized by the housing made of high-quality , particularly smooth V4A stainless steel and the glass-free , scratch resistant optics cover . The sensors can thus withstand demanding cleaning and disinfection cycles as well as large temperature fluctuations .
Sensor systems from the expert Anyone wanting to be on the safe side when it comes to sensor systems used in the food industry should opt for a sensor manufacturer with extensive expertise in this area . Steffen Hundt explains : “ Leuze not only understands the challenges in hygiene-sensitive environments , but has for decades worked closely with its customers from the food industry . We implement the Sensor People ’ s comprehensive application knowledge in optimum sensor solutions for every requirement .” The high-tech product range includes a number
of different sensors for the field of automation technology . For example , switching and measuring sensors , identification systems , data transmission and image processing solutions as well as safety components , services and holistic solutions . Another advantage : Leuze covers not only a sub-process , but provides its customers from the food industry with assistance from the first to the last step in the packaging process completely and at all times .
Food-safe in stainless steel Leuze has developed the sensors of the 53C and 55C series especially for hygiene-sensitive production and packaging processes . They can be used very flexibly as through beam photoelectric sensors , retroreflective photoelectric sensors or diffuse sensors . Depending on the model , Leuze solutions reliably detect glass , PET , film or small parts . The fill level of aqueous liquids can also be easily detected . The 53C and 55C sensor series are dustproof and waterproof and meet the requirements of protection classes IP67 , IP68 and IP69K . The housing is consistently designed to prevent bacterial carry-overs and contamination . Smooth contours without fastening holes prevent deposits . A special fastening concept of the 53C series in hygienic design also contributes to this : The sensor and the machine have a gastight connection via the mounting trunnion . Useful : The sensors can be configured , operated and maintained via IO- Link .
www . leuze . co . uk
Materials / product design : hygienic and food-safe
Sensors installed in packaging machines should be made of material that is approved for contact with food . Furthermore , the devices must be designed in such a way that they can be cleaned easily . In addition , no bacteria and no food residue are allowed to accumulate . For this reason , smooth surfaces without gaps and cavities are required .
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