Exner EXspect Turbidity Sensors Enhance Dairy Plant Efficiency Through Optimized CIP Operations
TL;DR
South Fork Instruments' EXspect turbidity sensors give dairy plants a competitive edge by reducing product loss and cutting water/chemical costs, with ROI often achieved in under a year.
EXspect sensors use 316L stainless steel and sapphire optics to provide reproducible turbidity measurements with sub-second response times and better than 1% reproducibility accuracy.
These sensors help dairy plants conserve water and chemicals while ensuring food safety compliance, contributing to more sustainable and environmentally responsible food processing operations.
EXspect turbidity sensors can detect transitions from milk to water with sub-second precision using sapphire optics that withstand sterilization at 140°C for two hours.
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South Fork Instruments announced the availability of Exner's EXspect turbidity sensors, specifically engineered to optimize cleaning-in-place operations in dairy processing facilities. The sensors provide reproducible turbidity measurement that directly addresses inefficiencies in traditional dairy plant cleaning methods.
Traditional approaches using timers and sight glasses often leave dairy processors uncertain about when milk has been completely flushed out or when rinse water reaches sufficient cleanliness levels. According to John Daly, Technical Director at South Fork Instruments, "With EXspect sensors, processors can make those transitions based on accurate, real-time turbidity values. That translates into measurable savings in product recovery and effluent charges, often paying back the investment in well under a year."
The EXspect sensors' ability to detect product-to-water and water-to-detergent transitions in sub-second response times represents a significant advancement for dairy operations. This technology enables plants to precisely determine when cleaning cycles can advance or conclude, reducing unnecessary water and chemical usage while minimizing product loss during changeover processes.
Constructed from 316L stainless steel with sapphire optics, the sensors are designed to withstand repeated cleaning and sterilization cycles common in dairy environments. The equipment maintains performance through sterilization-in-place cycles at temperatures up to 140°C for 120 minutes, ensuring durability under demanding hygienic conditions. Additional information about the sensor specifications is available at https://www.southforkinstruments.com/products/exner-exspect-turbidity-sensors.
The sensors' measurement range covers up to 300,000 NTU (approximately 75,000 EBC), accommodating everything from rinse water monitoring through cream processing applications. This broad capability allows dairy plants to implement the technology across multiple stages of their operations. The sensors achieve reproducibility better than 1% of full scale, providing consistent measurement accuracy critical for process optimization.
Certification to 3A Sanitary Standards and EHEDG guidelines ensures the sensors meet rigorous hygiene requirements essential for dairy processing. Available with Tri-Clamp and other hygienic connection options, the sensors integrate seamlessly into existing dairy plant infrastructure without compromising sanitary conditions. Technical documentation regarding the certification standards can be referenced at https://www.3-a.org/standards.
For dairy processors facing increasing pressure to improve sustainability while maintaining profitability, the EXspect sensors offer a practical solution that addresses both operational efficiency and environmental concerns. The technology's impact extends beyond immediate cost savings to include reduced water consumption and lower chemical usage, contributing to more sustainable dairy processing practices industry-wide.
South Fork Instruments provides application expertise and integration services to support dairy processors in implementing the turbidity sensor technology throughout the Americas. The company's distribution of these sensors represents a significant step toward modernizing dairy plant operations through advanced measurement and control solutions.
Curated from 24-7 Press Release
