FAQs

Which industries use BevSense products?

BevSense inline instruments are used for ingredient measurement and process control in the beer, soft drink, spirits, pharmaceutical, food, bioethanol and industrial manufacturing industries. Any industry that requires real-time measurement of dissolved CO2, Alcohol, Gravity, Sugars/Brix, or Organic Acids (TA) is a potential user of our sensors.

What is the technology behind VS Series Sensors?

All BevSense products are solid state, mid-infrared spectrometers that provide concentration readings of dissolved ingredients in fluids. VS Series Sensors use Beer-Lambert’s Law and Attenuated Total Reflection Spectroscopy to directly measure the molecules of interest. MID-Infrared (MIR) is preferred over NEAR-IR (NIR) and mechanical methods because of the ability of MIR to separate molecules. This method provides a direct, real-time measurement; ingredient concentrations are not extrapolated using calculations.

What is an inline sensor?

An inline sensor is a device that operates in-situ (directly inside of a pipe or tank), meaning that liquid fluid passes over the measurement crystal versus being drawn into an offline chamber or slip-stream pipe. In-situ sensors are the most precise, reliable and sanitary sensors on the market.

What are the benefits of direct infrared measurement?

Infrared measurement has proven to be more accurate and reliable when compared to mechanical measurement methods (density/sound or velocity/pressure). BevSense instruments only measure the specific ingredients of interest; they are not affected by the physical characteristics of a fluid. For example, when measuring CO2 it is important to note that traditional temperature/pressure instruments infer CO2 content by adding estimates of other gases, using a specific gravity constant, and relying on variable temperature and pressure. By contrast, a direct molecule measurement (via infrared) is more precise and will not be affected by pressure or temperature fluctuation. BevSense products only measure the specific molecules of interest and are blind to potential interference such as solids, density changes, viscosity or pressure spikes.

Are VS Sensors affected by density, color, turbidity or pressure?

No. Because the sensors are infrared instruments, the density or specific gravity of a liquid has no effect on the concentration measurement. VS Series Sensors use IR filters that cut specifically to allow them to see only the ingredient of interest. This is significantly different from temperature-pressure, mass-flow or density instruments that often have to correct their readings and are, by nature, indirect methods.

Can the VS-3000 Sensor Systems see my CIP cycle?

Using VS Series Sensors, CIP cycles can be measured and tracked by the temperature and concentration changes in the CIP fluid. These changes occur instantaneously upon initiation of the CIP cycle; therefore, VS Series Sensors can report immediately a liquid’s transition from production conditions to CIP conditions.

What sort of maintenance do VS Sensors require?

VS Sensor Systems require no routine maintenance. Because our sensors are based on solid-state technology, they contain no moving parts. Standard CIP cleaning cycles ensure a clean crystal, and routine reference measurement checks on a weekly basis are all that is necessary.

What are the components of a VS Sensor System?

A standard VS-3000 or VS-1000 Sensor System includes the Sensor Head, the VS-300 or VS-200 Sensor Management Station, Dashboard Software and Sensor Cable. The system is sold and shipped as a package with one price. Appropriate Fieldbus connectors and wiring guides are shipped standard.

What types of networks are supported?

VS-3000 systems support Allen-Bradley EtherNet/IP or Siemens Profibus-DP. All VS-3000 systems are designed to be integrated into plant ethernet/control networks for Remote Access/Maintenance.

How long will it take to install a sensor?

Assuming that the correct fitting and power are already in place, it takes less than 30 minutes to install a system. A 10mm wrench, power cable, Varivent fitting, and a place to mount the VS-300 or VS-200 Sensor Management Station are all that is required.

How do VS Sensor System economics compare to the competition?

BevSense Products have significant economic advantages over traditional temperature/pressure or density measurement devices. Acquisition costs are lower, and maintenance and support costs are significantly less. BevSense products are proven to reduce false production alarms and unnecessary downtime. MTF > 50,000 hours.

What type of support can I expect from BevSense Technologies?

BevSense offers on-site field commission services and support contracts. During typical commissioning, BevSense provides four days of on-site calibration support, programming support and training.