Gas and Chemical Sensors / Detectors
CO2 Sensor targets beverage industry.
Press Release Summary:
Utilizing infrared energy and attenuated total reflectance, CrystalVision(TM) CO2 Sensor measures CO2 concentrations in carbonated beverages such as beer, soda, and carbonated water. Unit operates 24/7 and can withstand clean-in-place cycles. Sensor monitors only true CO2, and is not affected by pressure spikes or extraneous gases, such as dissolved oxygen or nitrogen. It installs into standard Varinline® access port and connects to wall-mounted control display.
Original Press Release:
Thermo Introduces CrystalVision CO2 Sensor for Beverage Industry
Minneapolis, MN - August 15, 2006 - Thermo Electron Corporation, an industry leading producer of analytical and process instrumentation, today introduced its new CrystalVision(TM) CO2 sensor, which is designed to precisely measure CO2 concentrations in carbonated beverages such as beer, soda and carbonated water. Until now, the beverage industry has relied on temperature-pressure methods for CO2 concentration measurement. In some cases beverage producers are using manual sampling which can induce variances due to sampling methods, and rely on calculations which do not take into account density differences or extraneous gases which affect the temperature -pressure method result. Thermo's CrystalVision CO2 sensor revolutionizes CO2 measurement for beverages by using infrared energy and attenuated total reflectance (ATR). This application of new technology ensures accurate, real-time measurement.
The CrystalVision CO2 sensor is a cost-effective solution that is easy to deploy and integrate into the beverage production process, specifically beer brewing. The sensor operates 24x7 and can withstand Clean in Place (CIP) cycles, providing continuous data which can be used to increase throughput. Because the sensor is not "blinded" by CIP, it can monitor the CIP cycle, resulting in increased profits through natural resource savings and reduced waste. Using the latest infrared technology, the sensor monitors only "True CO2," and is not affected by pressure spikes or extraneous gases, such as dissolved oxygen or nitrogen. The CrystalVision CO2 sensor is completely solid state; and aside from periodic calibration, it is virtually maintenance free. This allows beverage manufacturers to operate the sensor continuously without the high replacement costs typical in conventional sensors, such as diaphragms, filters or membranes.
"People are becoming more aware of the role Thermo Electron plays in ensuring the quality and safety of the foods and beverages they consume. The CrystalVision CO2 sensor adds to our legacy, perfecting a previously cumbersome measurement process and ensuring quality," said Gerry Broski, market manager for Thermo Electron. "The CrystalVision CO2 sensor demonstrates our commitment to bringing high-precision lab processes to the production line to improve quality and reduce production costs. CrystalVision has been tested at several leading breweries and has been proven to match or outperform the accuracy of the conventional methods in use."
The sensor installs into a standard Varinline® access port and connects to a wall-mounted control display, eliminating the line space typically required for sensor installations. The CrystalVision sensor's small footprint and easy-to-deploy design allow the sensor to be used in various parts of the process stream where control is needed, but could not otherwise be accomplished due to space limitations.
Key features and benefits of the CrystalVision CO2 sensor include:
o Easy installation, setup and operation
o Low cost of ownership - no moving parts or consumables
o Three levels of integration: Stand-alone operation; integrated into a data management system through Ethernet; or as a node in a process control system through a PLC or DCS
o True CO2 measurement - not pressure or temperature dependent
For more information on the CrystalVision CO2 sensor, please call (800) 227-8891, (763) 783-2500 (in the U.S.) or visit www.thermo.com/crystalvision.
