In chewing gum manufacturing, precise control of temperature, pressure, and tank levels is vital.
When manufacturing chewing gum, the key ingredients used are manufactured utilising chemical reactions that take place in a specialised vessel equipped with a unique agitator. The agitator is typically designed with blades that move in a precise manner to achieve thorough mixing. The vinyl acetate molecules combine to form extended chains, resulting in the creation of the polyvinyl acetate polymer. This process usually necessitates the presence of a catalyst and specific temperature and pressure conditions, ensuring adequate exposure of the reactants to each other and controlling the reaction temperature uniformly.
Maintaining precise control of temperature, pressure, and tank levels is crucial during the polymerisation process. Radar technology stands out as the most effective method for measuring levels in reaction tanks equipped with agitators. At a confectionary manufacturer, the VEGAPULS 6X continuously monitors the level of the reaction mixture within the vessel.
Accurate measurement is essential for adhering to the recipe and ensuring the correct amount of reactants is added to achieve consistent production. It also helps prevent overfilling of the reaction vessel, which can result in spills and safety hazards during production. Proper filling levels can significantly impact the mixing efficiency of the agitator. Thanks to its false signal suppression feature, the VEGAPULS 6X provides accurate level measurement, unaffected by the agitators in the tank.
Additionally, offering non-contact measurements eliminates the risk of contamination or damage to the sensor from the sticky reaction mixture. Precise level measurement ensures consistent product quality and minimises waste. The VEGAPULS 6X offers measurement down to the vessel bottom and accurately measures even in media with a low dielectric constant. The polymerisation reaction is exothermic, typically falling within the temperature range of 60°C to 90°C. The VEGAPULS 6X can operate under the harshest process conditions, from -196°C to 450°C.
The VEGAPULS 6X is designed for effortless setup. All the settings can be customised in advance for specific applications, making the instrument ready for immediate use. The display and adjustment modules are intuitive and easy to comprehend. It also comes with Bluetooth for wireless communication with the VEGA Tools App. This device provides reliable level data, assisting manufacturers in the food and beverage sectors to enhance process control, optimise production efficiency, and maintain the quality and consistency of their products.