Technology
BevSense infrared ATR probes are highly selective and highly accurate inline sensors. Multi-parameter ATR Sensors are a step ahead of alternative methods. BevSense products do not extrapolate concentrations using pressure, density or sound velocity. The optical ATR method is not affected by solids, variable pressure, viscosity, turbidity or dark-colored fluids. Therefore, BevSense provides quality control personnel with the highest level of accuracy.
We are experts at developing process control applications which were previously impossible.
VS-3000 ATR Optical Sensors
The VS-3000 sensor probes are compact, industrial-grade, mid-infrared spectrometers.
VS-3000 sensors measure the contents of liquids directly and with great precision. A common physics package accommodates various narrow-band-pass interference filters for each detector element and isolates the specific infrared wavelengths for the component being measured. Key components of the sensor are a highly accurate thermistor that measures temperature and an optical element that creates infrared absorption by means of ATR or Trans-ATR™.
The latest generation of BevSense products measure up to nine process variables using only one infrared probe/process connection.
Infrared Spectroscopy
Infrared spectroscopy works because chemical bonds have specific frequencies which vibrate at corresponding energy levels. The resonant frequencies are determined by the shape of the molecular potential energy surfaces, the masses of the atoms, and eventually by the associated vibronic coupling. In order to measure a sample, infrared light is passed through the sample, and the amount of energy absorbed by the substances chemical bonds is recorded. Over the years, detailed absorption tables of bonds in organic molecules have been developed and are used to identify and measure samples very precisely. BevSense products use the Beer-Lambert Law, which is central to molecular spectroscopy. Beer-Lambert allows for the determination of the Molar Absorptivity, a characteristic that indicates how much light of a particular wavelength is absorbed by a sample.
Today, infrared spectroscopy is widely used in laboratories and for quality control. Most of these instruments are extremely expensive. One of BevSense core company goals is to provide inline infrared instruments affordable for large-scale deployment in process control applications.
Solid State Means No Mechanical Maintenance
VS-3000 Sensor Systems are solid state devices which contain no moving parts. Therefore, there are no recurring maintenance or ancillary hardware expenses. The instrument is designed to operate 24 x 7. The mean time to failure is over 50,000 hours.
Components
Infrared ATR Sensor Probe
The VS Series Sensors combine infrared spectrometer technology with state-of-the-art networking and software in a compact form factor. VS Series Sensors are designed to be implemented inline for real-time measurement. All form factors are configured optimally for high-temperature environments.
Sensor Form Factors – available in 316L Stainless or HASTELLOY C2000
— Varivet® / Sudmo® compatible – standard
— Swagelok® compatible (probes) – option
— Ingold® compatible (upon request)
— ATEX® configured (upon request)
Sensor Management Station
The Sensor Management Station (SMS) is the control and communication hub unit for VS-3000 probes. The SMS communicates via Allen-Bradley EtherNet/IP® or ProfibusDP®/ProfitNET®.
SMS Form Factors – Click for Specs
— VS-300 SMS – Nema 4X, IP66 enclosure – standard
— VS-200 SMS – Mounts on 35mm DIN rail in NEMA4X cabinet
VS-3000 Dashboard Software
The VS-3000E Dashboard is a Windows-based application that supports all the functions of VS-3000E sensors. The software is intuitive and easy to use. The Dashboard is designed so that QA/QC professionals can display and access sensor data anywhere on a company network. VS-3000E Dashboard Software runs on an embedded Windows platform housed in the Sensor Management Station.