Miniaturised Flow Meters for Beer

Discover the miniaturised flow meters with NSF approval from DDM Sensors, designed for use in beer production and other processes within the beverage industry.

Compact Measurement Technology for Modern Brewing Processes

Precise flow measurement in the tightest of installation spaces represents a central challenge in modern brewing processes. High-precision, miniaturised flow meters from DDM Sensors provide a reliable data basis, with a focus on increasing process reliability, efficiency, and quality assurance.

They are ideal for engineers and designers in brewing and beverage technology who require precise measurement systems for their plants.

Technical Specifications at a Glance

The technical specifications of the flow meters cover various measurement principles, including pelton wheel flow meters and ultrasonic flow meters.

Specification	VCT Series	FLT Series	Beverage Meter	800 / 900 / 1000 Series	FT2 (Hall / Optical)
Flow Range [L/min]	0.05 to 350	0.06 to 1,200	0.6 to 10	0.05 to 30	0.02 to 160
Nominal Sizes	ID 6.8–27.4 mm; AN8–AN12	⅜” to 2” (Ermeto/AN thread)	⅜” Push-on	8/12 mm hose, ¼”–½” BSP	¼” to 1” BSP; 8/13 mm hose
Accuracy	±0.1% (with Flow Computer)	±0.1% (with Flow Computer)	1.0% FSD	1.0% to 2.0% FSD	1.0% FSD to ±0.75% M.V.
Materials	Stainless Steel, Ceramic	Stainless Steel, Ceramic	PVDF, Viton, Sapphire	PVDF / 316 St. Steel, Sapphire, Viton	PPS, Sapphire, Viton, Brass/St. Steel/PVC/PVDF
Max. Pressure	25 bar	500 bar	10 bar	10 bar (40 bar option for 1000)	15 bar
Max. Temperature	150 °C	150 °C	70 °C	125 °C (Option)	80 °C to 125 °C
Protection Class	IP67	IP67	IP65	IP65	IP65

Technical Specifications: Ultrasonic Flow Meters

Specification	Process Atrato	Atrato (Standard)	Metraflow
Flow Range [L/min]	0.002 to 15	0.002 to 20	0.02 to 5
Available Sizes	¼” BSP-F or ¼” NPT-F	½” BSP/NPT, ⅜” John Guest	⅛” or ¼” PFA tube ends
Accuracy	±1.0% M.V. (at 2–100% range)	±1.0% M.V.	±0.5% FSD (±1% M.V. isothermal)
Wetted Materials	316 Stainless Steel, PEEK, Elastomers (e.g., Viton)	PEEK, 316 Stainless Steel or Borosilicate Glass, Elastomers	PFA tube
Max. Operating Pressure	20 bar	30 bar (with St. Steel conn.)	27.7 bar (at 25 °C, ⅛” tube)
Max. Media Temp.	65 °C	110 °C (with remote electronics)	60 °C
Protection Class	IP65	IP54	N/A

Robust Design for Demanding Brewery Processes

The design of the flow meters is engineered for demanding process conditions in breweries. The meters are designed both for reliable flow measurement under difficult conditions and for meeting the highest hygienic requirements.

Reliable Measurement with CO₂ Content and Variable Viscosity

Intelligent signal processing enables the compensation of gas bubbles and serves to prevent measurement errors caused by CO₂ inclusions. The sensors ensure consistent performance across different types of beer with varying viscosities, from Pilsner to Stout.

Constructed for the Highest Hygienic Requirements

All wetted materials are compliant with common food standards such as FDA and NSF. The high surface quality with a low R_a value prevents the adhesion of microorganisms and deposits.

Due to their resistance to cleaning agents such as alkalis and acids, full CIP (Cleaning in Place) capability is provided, with temperature resistance allowing for cleaning with hot liquids.

Integration and Installation in the Brewing Process

The integration of flow meters into existing or new brewing process plants is designed for simplicity and flexibility to ensure smooth implementation.

Maximum Flexibility through Miniaturisation

The miniaturised design with compact dimensions (e.g., 60 x 28 x 20 mm for the 900 series) and low weight facilitates installation in cramped plant concepts. Various standardised process connections are available for process-technical connection.

Simple and Secure Installation

The sensors can be installed in various mounting positions and require minimal to no straight inlet and outlet runs, which considerably simplifies planning and assembly. The low pressure drop of the components ensures that the overall efficiency of the hydraulic system is maintained.

Performance Data and Connectivity

The flow meters cover various measuring ranges and offer high scalability for different volumes. For data transmission to the process control system, various signal outputs are available, including analog, pulse-based, and digital interfaces.

Application Areas in the Brewery

The sensors are suitable for a wide range of applications throughout the entire brewing process:

• Dosing of water and wort

• Monitoring of fermentation and storage processes

• Control during filtration

• Quantity measurement during bottling or kegging

• Monitoring flow rates of CIP media during plant cleaning

Development of Custom Solutions for Breweries

Customer-specific adaptations of the flow meters are offered for specific requirements. These modifications can affect the process connections, the housing design, or the electronics. Furthermore, there is the possibility of joint development of tailor-made sensors for OEM applications.

Supply Chain and Availability

Standard flow meters are usually available directly from stock, enabling fast delivery. For custom models, project-specific delivery times are communicated. A secure supply chain and manufacturing in Germany guarantee high product availability and quality.

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