Non-contact differentiation between air, foam and liquid

Foam is a critical process factor in many branches of industry. In laboratory environments in particular, it can severely disrupt the stability and efficiency of processes. The problem is particularly evident in fully automated laboratory workstations or bioreactors: these systems are not only highly complex and cost-intensive, but are also tightly packed with a large number of sensors and components, especially in the lid area. Additional installations at this point considerably exacerbate the space problem. Added to this are the high hygiene requirements. As the process media must not come into contact with foreign substances, contactless sensor solutions have a clear advantage over conventional solutions that are directly immersed in the medium. At the same time, cleaning in the event of foaming is time-consuming and associated with expensive downtimes.

EBE 's QCRC sensors provide continuous real-time information on the current media status and thus reliably safeguard processes. The technology is based on the simultaneous detection of capacitive and conductive parameters. This interaction enables stable differentiation between air, foam and liquid, even if the ambient conditions fluctuate or the process control is particularly demanding. This allows any foam formation to be monitored. However, the sensor also detects whether a container is filled with liquid, foam, powdery media or even air. This opens up new possibilities for manufacturers to increase safety and efficiency in the production process.

The entire measuring structure is housed in the sensor module itself. With dimensions of just 30 mm × 30 mm, the technology can also be integrated into very confined installation spaces. Measured values are available immediately after installation via a standardized I²C interface, which enables fast commissioning and easy integration into existing systems. EBE provides an evaluation kit for research and development, which contains all components for direct commissioning. This allows the sensors to be integrated into existing test environments within a short space of time. Manufacturers can thus gain experience at an early stage and validate the suitability of the technology for their specific processes.