Automatic pH measurement in hygienic applications

The new generation of the well established Topcal S measuring, cleaning and calibration system from Endress+Hauser makes fully automatic pH measurement possible even in hygienic process environments in the food and pharmaceutical industry and delivers very accurate and reliable measured values.

Besides installations in the chemical industry, the first new Topcal S systems have been field-tested in breweries like Oettinger, one of the biggest breweries in Germany. 

Oettinger installed eight Topcal S systems in its filling station. With the accurate pH measured value the brewery is able to differentiate very fast the different kind of beers and mixed beverages. Why did Oettinger choose the automatic pH measurement with Topcal S? Thanks to the high carbon dioxide concentration the pH value reacts faster than the regular conductivity measurement. In addition, the company saves a lot of product and cleaning agent by means of the automatic cleaning and calibration. The measurement includes the glassless Tophit pH sensor from Endress+Hauser, which is retracted automatically for each CIP cleaning cycle.

The sensor is cleaned in the assembly and steam sterilized automatically before each run in the process. The complete process is controlled via Profibus installation for the pH and temperature values as well as the alarm and warning functions of the Topcal system to ensure a reliable and accurate measurement.

The dependable, fully automatic pH measuring system consists of the preinstalled transmitter, control unit, retractable assembly and pH electrode components, as well as cleaning and buffer solutions. The three independent double-membrane pumps increase the unit's performance particularly for heavy-duty as well as hygienic applications. The membrane pumps haven proven their performance in applications with aggressive CIP cleaning agents and under hot steam sterilization conditions.

Another feature of the new system is its user-friendly software: All programs of the CPC310 can be edited and adapted to the needs of the customer. A further advantage is reflected in the significant reduction in the use of cleaning agents and buffers as these are conducted through individual pipes to the new rinsing block. In this way, all media are present front end, directly at the retractable assembly. The additional activation of two external valves for steam sterilization or for using a spray flange at the assembly, for example, is now available as standard. Furthermore, the multi-hoses are easily connected to the retractable assembly. Thanks to the fully automatic cleaning and calibration during the ongoing process without electrode removal, the new Topcal S also means less maintenance is required.