Application of ultrasonic sensors in the process industry

Continuous process monitoring in gaseous, liquid or molten media is a fundamental requirement for process control. Besides temperature and pressure other process parameters such as level, flow, concentration and conversion are of special interest. More qualified information obtained from new or better sensors can significantly enhance the process quality and thereby product properties. Ultrasonic sensors or sensor systems can contribute to this development. The state of the art of ultrasonic sensors and their advantages and disadvantages will be discussed. Commercial examples will be presented. Among others, applications in the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries are described. Possibilities and limitations of ultrasonic process sensors are discussed.