Measuring liquid chocolate with latest generation of level meters

An industrial bakery uses liquid chocolate to produce chocolate croissants. This is stored at 45°C in a 4.74m high tapered tank, in which the chocolate is removed from the tank wall with a rotary scraper.

To supply non-stop chocolate, the level in the tank has to be continuously monitored. The viscous and sticky liquid tends to stick, especially around the measuring probe. Apart from hygiene issues, increasing maintenance costs and the moving product surface, this can lead to inaccurate measurements. The customer was looking for an automated solution for inventory management and to reduce manual labour.

KROHNE offered the solution with the OPTIWAVE 3500 C. The 80 GHz FMCW radar level transmitter was developed for the food industry and equipped with a flush-mounted DN25 PEEK lens antenna. The instrument measures continuously and accurately up to the process connection. The lens antenna does not protrude into the tank, preventing attachment. This minimises maintenance costs and production losses.

Despite the small diameter of the flush-mounted antenna, the use of an 80 GHz radar enables optimal measurement.

Highlights OPTIWAVE 3500 C

• 2-wire 80 GHz contact-free FMCW radar level transmitter for liquids with hygienic requirements

• Flush-mounted PEEK lens antenna (does not protrude into the tank)

• Small dead zone and directional angle (8° with DN40/ 1 ½ " lens)

• Measuring distance up to 50 metres

• Suitable for CIP and SIP

• Extensive choice of hygienic process connections: clamps, SMS, DIN 11864-1, VARIVENT®         

  ±2 mm; 0.08" accuracy

• Process conditions up to +150°C and 25 bar

• Empty tank spectrum function, eliminates false reflections