Through the consistent further development and application of a wide variety of innovative sensor principles and methods, the work in this focus area provides a supportive R&D contribution for companies that are able to hold their own in the face of increasing competitive pressure and have to meet the high demands on product and process quality.
Dynamic media analysis
When measuring flow rates, indirect methods such as magnetic-inductive sensors for conductive media, Coriolis sensors for determining mass flow and ultrasonic sensors have a significant market share. As a unique selling point, ultrasound in particular enables measurement through the wall of the process vessel from the outside without media contact. This allows temporary measurements or installation without separation of the media flow. In the joint project ExAKT, an innovative method is currently being developed for selected industrial processes that allows simultaneous analysis of the flowing medium and disperse phases.
The focus of interest is on application-specific development work, starting with feasibility studies through to functional prototype production and questions of wave propagation in process vessels and media in critical installations.
Liquid level detection
Also for the determination of filling levels it is sometimes of special interest to realize this without installations in the vessel to be monitored. Ultrasonic sensors offer this general possibility by measuring from the vessel bottom through the vessel wall and liquid against the liquid/gas phase interface. Changes in the material properties or material compositions can be problematic. The development of suitable solution approaches in this problem area is the subject of current work.
Process tomography
Tomographic monitoring or the acquisition of spatially distributed measurement information is required for sustainable and efficient process management in many branches of industry, but has not yet been fully resolved. The associated need for research and development, starting with the utilization of suitable sensor technology and the integration of sensor systems in process plants through to the derivation and further processing of relevant characteristic values for process control, plays a key role.
