Reliable automation technology for the pharmaceutical industry
Maximum process reliability and constant product quality are maxims in the pharmaceutical industry. Even slightest impurities cause great damage, such as product recall of entire production lots or expensive downtimes.
ifm's specially developed product range comprises innovative position sensors, process sensors, condition monitoring, control systems and connection technology. The sensors are made of high-quality materials suitable for this industry. They have a hygienic housing design and are distinguished by high ingress and temperature resistance and protection against high-pressure cleaning with aggressive agents. Mating connection technology with protection rating IP 68 / IP 69K as well as stainless steel mounting accessories to complete the product range.
Here are a few application examples that you might find interesting:
Fans & Air Handling Units
Fans & AHUs are used to regulate and circulate air as part of a heating, ventilating or air-conditioning system. If there is a major failure with these it can lead to long periods of unplanned downtime in other areas of the facility which can be very expensive. The ability to predict potential failures on this equipment allows maintenance tasks to be carried out at a suitable time, long before breakdown occurs. Monitoring for changes in vibration levels can indicate that defects are starting to occur. It can also save energy costs because more energy is required to operate a fan with a mechanical issue.
Common defects that can be detected are;
- Unbalance
- Misalignment
- Looseness
- Belt defects
- Bearings
- Rubbing
CIP installation
Cleaning in Place (CIP) refers to cleaning in process systems e.g. in the pharmaceutical industry. ifm electronic offers a wide range of special process sensors which are resistant to CIP cleaning. The cleaning process is divided into several process steps:
- Rinsing with warm water
- Alkaline cleaning
- Intermediate rinsing with water
- Acid cleaning
- Disinfection
- Final rinsing
Flow Wrapping Machine
Modern sensors for packaging machines are quick, reliable and precise – from simple position monitoring to optical quality control. Many innovative solutions are required to manufacture products with constantly high quality.
