Baumer PAC50 process sensors set new standards in conductivity measurement
Baumer PAC50 process sensor.
Image: Baumer.
Baumer’s PAC50 has been updated to measure conductivity in smaller sized production facilities calling for “compact, yet robust” process sensors.
According to Baumer, the ultra-compact sensors set new standards and are based on the proven performance and durability of their ‘bigger brother’ the Baumer AF14/5 conductivity sensor.
Due to continued requests from customers for increasingly smaller components to fit into tight production lines these sensors feature a housing measuring just 60mm, with the potential for reducing the display size even further down to 32mm x 25mm. IO-Link is also a standard feature.
Despite their compact design the sensors deliver high temperature stability up to 140ºC allowing them to be specified for permanent use, even in cleaning-in-place (CIP) and sterilisation-in-place (SIP) systems. Their robustness and durability is largely due to an innovative one-piece sensor tip design, which means optimum resistance to strong and or frequent temperature fluctuations, compared to other sensors which typically feature a two-piece tip.
To address the lower temperature limits (typically 100ºC) and lower resistance to chemicals on many sensors, the PAC50 sensors have a sensor tip made entirely of high-performance plastic polymer or ketone (PEEK) which, Baumer says, offers much better resistance to chemicals and higher temperatures. Another important feature is the all stainless steel sensor housing with all parts laser welded ensuring optimum resistance to all ambient conditions outside the pipe.
PAC50 in its H version complies with EHEDG (European Hygienic Equipment Design Group) hygiene standards as required for many food and beverage applications. They are also 3-A certified and all media contacting parts are FDA certified.
Like other Baumer sensors, IO-Link is a standard feature allowing the collection of secondary data, such as temperature for process monitoring and communication to control devices. This means users can quickly and easily parameterise the sensor prior to and during operation – even when the sensor is integrated via an analogue interface. Furthermore, to optimise flexibility the dual channel feature allows users to operate the PAC50 via analogue or digital channel, or even both in parallel.
