The use of installed measurement technology in the food industry may pose a number of challenges such as the use of chemicals in the cleaning process, rapid temperature changes and hot steam cleaning that requires a minimum temperature of 121 °C. In addition,  the technology must be able to withstand vibration and shock when meters are installed directly behind a pump.

The SM Foodmag magnetic-inductive flow meter from ifm is designed to overcome these challenges, enabling accurate and hygienic flow measurement of media with variable flow rates, such as beer, milk or fruit juice. Magnetic-inductive flow meters offer a high level of accuracy for a wide range of different media without the need for mechanical components to be positioned inside the medium.

The device is designed to enable the measurement of several parameters in one device, namely flow, total quantity, temperature, conductivity and output. It also detects whether the measuring pipe is completely filled. Two versions are available - a meter with a display and one without a display. An app-based menu and a capacitive pushbutton concept in the sensor, helps make parameter setting easier and faster compared to touch displays, and can be operated when exposed to moisture or with the use of gloves. There is an installation guide available on the menu and an LED ring indicates the device status as well as any faults or maintenance requirements.

The SM Foodmag is designed to be easier and cheaper to install with the use of only one connection cable. The device is available in nominal widths from DN15 to DN150 and DN40 to DN100 versions. Standardised process connections, such as weld-in adapters to EN10357, DIN11851 pipe fittings, SMS 1145 fittings, DIN32676 series A clamp connections and DIN 11864-2 aseptic flanges, ensure compatibility. ifm also supplies various sealing materials depending on the application and the required approvals. The sensor can communicate by means of IO-link, analogue signal or pulse signal.