Ultrasonic sensors for process industry

Continuous process monitoring in gaseous, liquid or melted media is a fundamental requirement for process control. Beside 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. Applications in the food, chemical, pharmaceutical industry and other are described. Possibilities and limitations of ultrasonic process sensors are discussed.