The year 2009 saw the 100th anniversary of an innovation pioneered by the Carlsberg Research Center in Copenhagen, which has been of inestimable importance for every area of science and technology since its introduction. Of course, this refers to measuring the concentration of hydrogen atoms in a solution, otherwise known as pH. When one considers alone the simplification achieved through designating a neutral liquid (distilled water at 22 °C) as having a pH of 7, rather than containing 0.0000001 hydrogen ions per liter, the impact of this system of notation becomes very clear.

Since 1967 Anton Paar GmbH has specialized in providing highly accurate and reliable density meters for research and industry, developed in cooperation with Labor für Messtechnik Dr. H. Stabinger GmbH, Graz. The guideline “Good Density Measurement” sums up experience and insights into measurement practice of over forty years.

Latest innovative technology serving the users is provided by the TurbiGuard and PhaseGuard of Sigrist-Photometer. Depending upon selection these products can be used for interface detection and monitoring of medium to high turbidity in applications for process liquids. The sealless design of the sensor head with sapphire windows allows the use in nearly all process applications from filtration control in breweries to turbidity control in industrial or chemical processes.

In breweries, it is important to either kill off microorganisms (MO) that may pose a threat to drinking and process water, air and product or transform them into a state in which they cannot propagate at all or to a degree that can be tolerated. This contribution describes the disinfectants that can be used and how problem definition and task, water quality and disinfection processes can be reconciled.

This series of contributions will identify the reasons for inadequate yield of bitter substances when using conventional brewing processes. The various mechanisms that come into play, necessary for transferring bitter substances from hops to finished beer, are discussed separately to start with (see part 1 and part 2). This third part deals with possible adsorption of bitter substances as well as evaporation of same. With equipment described in the fourth part, something that can be retrofitted easily, it is possible to considerably reduce consumption of hops in beer brewing, while complying with the German Purity Law. Resulting savings are very considerable.

Mettler Toledo Safeline has made a significant breakthrough in the detection of contaminants in fluids with the launch of the new FluidCheK x-ray inspection system. Developed primarily to meet the needs of manufacturers and packers of beverages and other liquids, this efficient system is equipped with advanced image-scanning software and employs x-ray beams at an angle for total quality control.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. announced the launch of the Thermo Scientific EQuan MAX, an automated high throughput Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) solution for the analysis of contaminants in water and beverages. This innovative system with high resolution and accurate mass (HRAM) boasts new screening and quantitative capabilities that provide enhanced system flexibility and productivity.

This new development was intended to take the place of the successful and internationally established first dTRANS …01 series. With extended functions in the same compact housing, the JUMO dTRANS pH/CR/AS/Ci 02 instrument series now covers all the measurement variables. The mounting dimensions for the panel-mounting instruments are 96 mm x 48 mm x 90 mm (W x H x D) and these instruments are also available in a surface-mounted housing, with IP 67 protection.

GEMÜ has developed new stainless steel ball valves in the nominal sizes DN 8 – 100. The new GEMÜ 740 series has been specially designed for demanding applications in the pharmaceutical and foodstuff industry.

Baumer’s digital pressure switch series TED is now available with several 3A-approved process connections. Therefore, the hygienic measuring instrument is especially suitable for applications in the food and beverage and pharmaceutical industries.

Bürkert Fluid Control Systems has enhanced the technical features and appearance of its digital flow transmitters. The models 8026, 8036 and 8076 now shine in the consistent stainless steel design of the ELEMENT series. New processors, new software, additional features and an innovative operating concept distinguish the next generation of these successful Bürkert transmitters.