Rheonics Support

What products are involved?
SRV - Inline Viscosity Meter

What is the purpose of this article?
To give an overview of the flush version of the SRV sensor (SRV-X4), uses and installation options for hygienic and sanitary applications.

1. Introduction

SRV is Rheonics sensor for inline viscosity measurement (viscometer). Read more on SRV here.

The flush version of the SRV inline viscometer as shown in Figure 1 and 2, is used to mount the viscometer flush with the inside surface of the process line or tank. The main advantage of this flush sensor is its hygienic design, which means that it is easier to clean and disinfect with standard procedures (e.g. Clean in Place - CIP). This design is also useful for small pipes and process connections smaller (e.g. Tri-Clamp DN 20) than those available with the standard SRV. 

Following the specified hygienic considerations, a flush installation can considerably reduce or eliminate the possibility of plugging, deposits and dead zones that can cause systematic errors in the viscosity readings of the SRV.

Process connections suitable for the SRV flush sensor. 

• DIN 11853-1/2/3 min DN20
• DIN11864-1/2/3 min DN20
• DIN 11851 min DN20
• ISO 2852, DIN 32676, BS 4825 Part 3 in combination with Tri-Clamp seals
• ISO 2853, BS 48525 Part 4 in combination with T-seals
• Varinline® type T and P with EPDM O-Ring in sizes B,F,N,G

All process connections mentioned above can be ordered with an EHEDG certification.

Figure 1: SRV-X4-15T Flush Viscometer

Figure 2: SRV-X4 Flush probe dimensions

2. Rheonics EHEDG certification and installation manual

SRV EHEDG documentation
EHEDG Certificate for SRV	EHEDG Installation guideline

3. Installation considerations

Key recommendations and concepts about the installation of the SRV sensor are detailed in other articles and apply for the Flush sensors. It is important to verify that the sensing area, shown in Figure 3, is always immersed in fluid and any stagnant zones should be avoided. Stagnant zones are defined as any space, inside the sensing area, where fluid transport is insufficient leading to immobile fluid, as well as possible accumulation of solids and deposits, or unwanted material like air.

The installation main considerations are labeled in the next drawing. Flush sensors have the sensing element right after the connection, so dead zones must be avoided at all cost (i.e. long standpipes are clearly ruled out).

Figure 3: SRV-Flush installation principles.

4. Installation examples

Some suitable process connections for the SRV flush sensor are mentioned in section 1. Installation will depend on the type of adapter used. Rheonics offers a collection of accessories for installation with flush sensors. These accessories and some other well-known installation cases are shown below.

4.1 Rheonics adapters

a. HAW Accessories - Weldon adapters for thick and thin wall 

The HAW line of Rheonics weldolets enable the installation of the SRV-X1-12G in tanks and pipes (also suitable for the SRD). This sensor is not configured as flush (X4) but with the HAW accessories a flush installation can be ensured.

These weldolets have two versions, for thin walls (around 1.5mm) and thick walls (max. 10mm), and each one has two further variants for Ø15.1x1.6 mm O-ring seal and metal-metal seal. 

These accessories are suitable for flush hygienic installations.

• Fig a. HAW-12G-OTN: Weldolet with a Ø15.1x1.6 mm O-ring seal for thin walls
• Fig b. HAW-12G-MTN: Weldolet with metal-metal seal for thin walls
• Fig c. HAW-12G-OTK: Weldolet with a Ø15.1x1.6 mm O-ring seal for thick walls
• Fig d. HAW-12G-MTK: Weldolet with metal-metal seal for thick walls

HAW Accessories
Fig a. HAW-12G-OTN	Fig b. HAW-12G-MTN
Fig c. HAW-12G-OTK	Fig d. HAW-12G-MTK

Figure 4: Flush installation example with HAW accessory

b. Flush Tri-Clamp adapter

This Tri-Clamp connection is a common solution for wall or bottom tank installations. It uses a flush weld-on adapter that Rheonics can provide.

Flush SR-sensors need special attention at installation to ensure good performance. It’s short insertion depth is benefitial for small spaces but a good exposure to fluid is needed.

Order codes from third parties in table above are indicated for the Rheonics SRV 1.5” Tri-Clamp as examples for next image. Other flush flanges can be used, varying in length and size if sensor Tri-Clamp size changes.

Figure 5. Flush installation example with standard TC flush flange

Figure 6. Exploded view of assembly example with TC flush flange

c. IFC-V25 - Inline flow cell DN25.

This accessory is useful for installation in DN25 (1”) pipes with the SRV installed perpendicular to the flow. It is based on GEA’s Varinline housing but requires custom plugs provided by Rheonics. 

Figure 7: Flush installation example in DN25 Varinline Housing

Figure 8: Flush installation drawing of SRV in DN25 Varinline Housing

4.2 Other installation options

a. Varinline DN50 or bigger

The SRV can be installed in a Varinline housing equal or bigger than DN50 with standard plugs.

The design of the Varinline housing ensures no dead zones around the sensor, leading to good flow around the sensing element.

Figure 9: Flush installation drawing of SRV in DN50 Varinline Housing

Note

The SRV has a flush, short and long insertion variants. All have a compatible hygienic design and are EHEDG certified. In this article, focus is on the flush version even if an example has been given in Figure 4 with the short variant. The long insertion pobe design has a unique article here. 

Disclaimer

References

[1]: https://rheonics.com/resources/certificates/

[2]: https://www.buerkert.ch/de/produkte/733905?utm_source=DataSheet-BBS07&utm_medium=Text-Link&utm_campaign=Article-Link&utm_content=733905

[3]: https://www.aseptconn.ch/en/aseptic-connections/novaseptic-tank-connections-na-connect/welding-flange-na-connect-sms-3008

[4]: https://www.gea.com/en/products/pumps-valves-flow-components/valves-components-hygienic-liquid-processing/inline-technology/varinline-pocket-free-instruments.jsp