Identification of pipe bends

Challenge

In food production, typically pipelines are installed with numerous pipe bends, which require precise assembly and tight connections. Incorrect assembly or worn seals can lead to leaks, production downtime or hygiene problems. Reliable and automated control of the pipe bend position and early detection of wear are crucial to ensure production safety and plant availability.  

Solution

TURCK's inductive washdown sensors with IO-Link offer reliable detection of the pipe bend position. A switching flag attached to the pipe bend enables the sensor to check the correct position. Thanks to the high switching distance and the option of setting two switching points, the sensor can not only check that the assembly is correct, but also indicate seal wear at an early stage.  

Additional diagnostic data, such as switching distance, temperature or operating hours, can be read out via IO-Link. This information enables predictive maintenance and helps to avoid unexpected downtime.  

The robust washdown sensors are specially designed for hygienic applications and feature a stainless steel housing with a liquid crystal polymer front cap. They are resistant to aggressive cleaning agents and can withstand temperatures from -40 to +100 °C.