food flow metering

1. INSTRUMENTATION AND
PROCESS CONTROL IN
FOOD INDUSTRY (FE 301)
TOPIC:Food Flow Metering
Name: Rajveer Saikia
Roll No. FEB21028
Semester: 5th
Department:Food Engineering and Technology

2. Food Flow Metering
• Food flow metering refers to the precise
measurement of the flow of liquids or gases within
the food processing industry. It plays a critical role
in monitoring and controlling the movement of
various ingredients and products during the
production and packaging processes. The primary
goal is to ensure accuracy, consistency, and quality
in food production, while also meeting regulatory
standards and optimizing operational efficiency.

3. Types of Flow Meters
• Turbine flow meters
• Coriolis flow meters
• Magnetic flow meters
• Ultrasonic flow meters

4. Turbine Flow Meters
Principle:
Turbine flow meters operate on the principle of a rotating turbine in the flow
stream. The number of rotations of the turbine is directly proportional to the
flow rate.
Applications:
Commonly used in the food industry to measure the flow of low-viscosity
liquids, such as water, juices, and milk.
Pros:
Accurate measurements, suitable for clean liquids.
Cons:
May not be ideal for viscous or opaque liquids.

5. Coriolis Flow Meters
Principle:
Coriolis flow meters measure flow by the deflection of a vibrating tube as a fluid passes
through it. The degree of deflection is proportional to the mass flow rate.
Applications:
Widely used for accurate measurement of a broad range of liquids and gases, including those
with high viscosity or entrained solids.
Pros:
Exceptional accuracy and versatility, minimal pressure drop.
Cons:
Generally more expensive than other types.

6. Magnetic Flow Meters
Principle:
Magnetic flow meters use Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction to measure the flow
rate. They require a conductive fluid, and a magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the
flow direction.
Applications:
Suited for measuring the flow of conductive liquids, including many beverages and slurries.
Pros:
Highly accurate, low maintenance, suitable for corrosive liquids.
Cons:
Not suitable for non-conductive fluids.

7. Ultrasonic Flow Meters
Principle:
Ultrasonic flow meters use ultrasonic waves to measure flow. Transit-time and Doppler
methods are commonly employed.
Applications:
Suitable for a wide range of liquids, including clean and dirty fluids. Used in dairy
processing, brewing, and more.
Pros:
Non-intrusive, suitable for various liquids, low maintenance.
Cons:
Installation considerations, accuracy affected by bubbles or contaminants.

8. Advantages of Food Flow Metering
Enhanced product quality.
Reduced waste and cost control.
Regulatory compliance.
Optimized production efficiency.
Real-time process control.

9. Advantages (continued)
Batch and inventory management.
Contamination prevention.
Quality assurance and traceability.
Data-driven process optimization.
Energy efficiency and reduced downtime

10. Installation and Maintenance
Installing and maintaining food flow meters properly is
essential to ensure accurate measurements and reliable
performance.
Proper installation and regular maintenance are crucial
for the accuracy and longevity of food flow meters.
Following manufacturer guidelines and maintaining
detailed records can help ensure consistent performance
and compliance with industry standards.

11. Applications in the Food Industry
Ingredient Dispensing: Precise measurement for
consistent taste.
Beverage Production: Control flow for taste and
carbonation.
Dairy Processing: Ensuring quality in pasteurization and
separation.
Bakery and Dough Processing: Consistent dough quality.

12. Applications (continued)
Filling and Packaging: Accurate filling to reduce waste.
Blending and Mixing: Maintaining ingredient proportions.
Confectionery Production: Ensuring consistent
ingredients.
Food Pasteurization: Meeting food safety requirements.

13. Common Challenges
Viscosity Variations: Different viscosities affect accuracy.
Temperature Fluctuations: Extremes impact flow meter
performance.
Sanitation and Hygiene: Maintain food safety and
cleanliness.
Non-Newtonian Fluids: Specialized meters for non-
Newtonian substances.