- Flow sensors
- Products- innovations
- SM Foodmag
Hygienic flow meter for the food industry
In the food and beverage industry, strict hygiene standards and harsh operating conditions are essential to ensure product quality and consumer safety. The sensors used must be able to withstand a wide range of media, high temperatures and temperature fluctuations as well as frequent cleaning cycles, in order to ensure smooth operation and reliable processes.
Discover the new SM Foodmag flow meter that has been specially developed for the food industry.
One sensor, 4 process values
The sensor detects the current flow rate, total volume and flow direction, as well as the presence of the medium (often referred to as empty pipe detection). In addition, conductivity and temperature are transmitted to the controller and IT level via IO-Link, which increases transparency in the system. Secondary measured variables are usually used to recognise trends and make comparisons.
Robust and resistant
The fully welded, compact stainless steel housing, an M12 connection for power supply and outputs and temperature resistance up to 150 °C make the sensor a reliable long-term solution. The sensor offers no surface for cleaning agents to attack and impresses with long-lasting durability.
A direct comparison between SM Foodmag and conventional hygienic flow sensors (MID) can be found here.
Customised configuration, adapted to your requirements
The standard installation dimensions of the measuring pipe and a flexible choice of seals and process adapters make integration into your plant easy, also into existing ones. Configure your solution with the ifm Solution Builder configurator.
Fully graphic 3.5" display incl. 360° status LED
Up to four process values can be viewed simultaneously on the fully graphic 3.5" display, creating maximum transparency. The operating instructions, data sheet and factory certificate can also be called up quickly via a QR code on the device. The status of the sensor can be displayed via the programmable 360° LED. Alternatively, the LED can be controlled via the controller to visualise the system status.
Installation guide for quick set-up
The installation guide and app-based menu structure make it possible to get started in no time. Additional settings, information on process values or historical data can also be called up quickly and easily.
See for yourself how easy it is to use with our click dummy. Use the slider at the bottom to simulate process value changes.
The click dummy may differ from the original and does not reflect all functionalities.
Comprehensive internal and external tests ensure that the SM Foodmag can withstand the extreme conditions of everyday production in the food industry over the long term.
Conventional flow meters
Connection concept
- Electrical wiring requires two cables: power supply and outputs.
- Terminal chambers offer little space for wiring and therefore make installation more difficult.
- Laying cables on clamped connections increases the probability of errors and set-up time.
- If the cable glands are not sealed properly, there is a risk that moisture ingress will cause electronic failure.
Mechanical design
- The devices currently on the market have large, bulky electronic housings. Installation in confined spaces or small plants (e.g. skids) is therefore often associated with additional work.
- Due to the high weight of the electronics housing and the design of the display holder, there is a risk of mechanical and electrical damage in installations with strong vibrations.
- Removable covers on the electronics housing provide access to the display, cabling and electronics. However, moisture can penetrate the housing.
Indication
- Single-line or small displays only provide a small amount of process information. Readability can be difficult, depending on the installation location.
- Optical pushbuttons or touchscreens are difficult to operate in wet environments or when wearing gloves.
- Complicated menu structures increase the time required for set-up.
Industrial communication
- The direct Ethernet connection increases the cost of the device and makes the handling of IP addresses more difficult. Each device requires one IP address.
Sensor functions
- No efficient error analysis is possible when using analogue signals because they provide a substitute value of less than 4 mA or greater than 20 mA.
- The voltage applied or the outputs can only be checked with a multimeter when the device is open. Again, moisture ingress may occur.
- Parameter overviews can be downloaded via a web server (generates additional costs) or directly on the device.
ifm SM Foodmag
Connection concept
- Only one cable required: power supply and outputs are combined
- The M12 connection is located on the back of the device and is freely accessible.
- The pre-wired M12 connector prevents wiring errors on the device side.
- The M12 connection in combination with ifm’s own connection cables prevents moisture from entering the electronics housing.
Mechanical design
- Thanks to its compact housing design, the SM Foodmag can also be used in confined spaces.
- The weight-reduced electronics housing increases vibration and shock resistance.
- The electronics are always protected. It is not necessary to open the housing.
Indication
- The generously sized 3.5’ display is easy to read even from a distance and allows simultaneous visualisation of up to four measured values. The 360° LED ring also provides a visual indication of the sensor’s operating status.
- Easy-to-use capacitive pushbuttons that work reliably even in wet environments and when operated with gloves.
- An installation guide and an app-based menu structure increase user-friendliness during programming.
Industrial communication
- IO-Link offers the advantage that 4 to 8 devices can be integrated per IO-Link master and IP handling is drastically reduced. Only one IP address must be used per IO-Link master.
Sensor functions
- In addition to the replacement value, the user also receives an indication via the operating status LED in the error state. The sensor also stores up to 200 results. The last 20 events can be called up via the display. In addition, all saved events can be viewed via moneo.
- The applied voltage and the analogue value (in mA) of the output can be read via the detailed process value view. No manual measurement is required.
- An overview of the set parameters is available in the service menu. You can choose between "show all parameters" or "only adjusted parameters". These overviews can also be downloaded via moneo.
Added value thanks to IO-Link
- Transparent processes
The SM Foodmag is the first of its kind to transmit several measured values such as flow rate, total volume, temperature and conductivity via IO-Link. This allows you to keep a comprehensive overview of your process. - Logging and simulation of process values and events
In addition to the display and logging of process values, up to 20 events can be checked on the device, and up to 200 events can be stored, viewed and downloaded via IO-Link. - Loss-free data transmission with connection technology without shielding
IO-Link enables loss-free data transmission because conversion losses are excluded via digital communication and external influences, such as magnetic fields, have no effect on data transmission. - Flexible remote configuration or directly on the HMI
The sensor can be configured quickly and easily via IO-Link Settings can also be made remotely or during operation via IO-Link.
Device replacement planned? Thanks to the backup and restore function, parameter sets are automatically backed up and restored, which makes replacing devices easier – only the device needs to be replaced.