Valve banks in food and beverage processing
In industrial processes involving liquids, and gases, valves are needed for dosing and control. In food and beverage applications, where ingredients and recipes often change based on the product being made, interconnected valves in a valve bank control the conveyance of materials through pipes to the desired tanks and locations, more efficiently than flow panels.

The overall effectiveness of the valve relies on the seal, position, and time it takes to open and close. The use of ifm solutions can monitor seal wear that may cause the valve to exceed its closed position, detect deposits preventing the valve from fully closing, and assess proper valve operation by monitoring open/close times. 

Monitor quarter-turn valves
Early diagnosis of valve failure and position feedback
Quarter-turn valves are known for their reliability, minimal maintenance needs, and suitability for large sizes. In addition to controlling the flow by turning it on and off, valves can modulate the flow via partial closure. Accurate control of liquid flow is essential in beverage processes, especially when managing the flow of ingredients throughout different production stages. However, the seals within quarter-turn valves may deteriorate over time, resulting in a gradual decrease in the speed of valve opening or closing. Additionally, the accumulation of material can impede the proper functioning of the valve, hindering its ability to close or open efficiently.

Solution
Valve sensors ensure the correct and consistent routing of ingredients and fluids during specific process stages. ifm's MVQ quarter-turn valve sensors continuously monitor the actual position of a quarter-turn valve in increments of 0.1 degrees, detecting blockages and wear on valve seals over time, preventing leakage that can impact beverage quality and prevent unexpected shutdowns in your process. These sensors also measure the valve open/close speed to make sure cycle time and machine performance are at optimal levels during production operations.
This proactive monitoring prevents unexpected shutdowns and leakage that can impact product quality, enhancing overall operational efficiency.

FoodSafety | Discover advanced #valvecontrol solutions with ifm! 
In the food and beverage industry, optimizing valve performance is essential for operational efficiency and product quality. At ifm, we're committed to providing practical solutions for valve monitoring and control.
Our sensors enable you to:
• Detect and address wear and blockages in valves
• Monitor compressed air usage for improved energy efficiency
• Seamlessly integrate IO-Link technology for streamlined control and maintenance
• Detect leaks to prevent waste and contamination
• Achieve precise flow control with real-time feedback