Level and Point Level Detection for Hygienic Milk Processes in Ice Cream Manufacturing
Ice cream is one of the most popular foods worldwide. To ensure consistent product quality, everything starts with the safe storage of raw milk. At this stage, reliable level measurement is essential for stable processes, hygienic conditions, and efficient production.
A real-world application shows how continuous level measurement and point level detection can be reliably implemented in ice cream production – even under demanding conditions.
Challenge: Hygienic Processes Under Real Conditions
In an ice cream production plant, raw milk is temporarily stored in an agitated tank before further processing.
The requirements for level measurement technology are clear – and demanding:
- Strict hygiene standards in milk processing
- Regular CIP and SIP cleaning cycles with chemical and thermal stress
- Agitators causing surface movement
- Limited installation space in the outlet pipe
To ensure a stable process, two things are essential:
- Precise continuous level measurement
- Reliable point level detection
NR 8400: Hygienic design, CIP/SIP compatible, easy to clean, and highly reliable
Solution: Combining Radar and Vibration Technology
For this application, we use a combination of radar sensor technology and vibrating level switches.
Application Data at a Glance
- Medium: Raw milk
- Measuring range: up to 5 m (≈ 16.4 ft)
- Process temperature: < 80 °C (≈ 176 °F)
Sensors used:
(continuous level measurement)
(point level detection, compact and extended versions)
Continuous Level Measurement with Radar
The NivoRadar® NR 8400 continuously monitors the level inside the tank and delivers precise measurement values – even with surface movement caused by agitators.
Key benefits:
- High accuracy of ±1 mm (≈ ±0.04 in)
- 80 GHz radar technology – ideal for liquids such as milk
- Stable measurement despite turbulence
- Easy parameterization via UWT LevelApp, PACTware,
or integrated display - Hygienic design with stainless steel (316L), PEEK, and PTFE
- Resistant to CIP/SIP processes (up to 150 °C / 302 °F,
+16 bar / 232 psi)
The result: reliable level monitoring under real process conditions.
Reliable Point Level Detection with Vibrating Sensors
Two Vibranivo® VN 7120 sensors are used for point level detection:
The benefits at a glance:
In the tank (extended version): Monitoring of maximum level to prevent overfilling
In the outlet pipe (compact version): Ensures controlled emptying and protects valves and pumps
Especially in hygienic environments, vibrating level switches offer robust and reliable performance:
- Unaffected by flow, foam, or air bubbles
- Reliable even with product buildup
- Stainless steel design with smooth surface finish for easy cleaning
- Hygienic process connections such as Tri-Clamp or welded fittings
- High protection ratings up to IP69 for demanding cleaning processes
NR 8400 and VN 7120 for precise level measurement and reliable point level detection in the tank and outlet pipe
VN 7: ultrakompakt, robust und leicht zu reinigen
Your Benefits in Ice Cream Production
With the right combination of radar and vibration technology, operators benefit from:
- Process reliability: Prevents overfilling and ensures controlled emptying
- Precision: Accurate measurement even with agitators and changing conditions
- Hygiene: Materials and design meet highest standards (EC 1935/2004, FDA)
- Efficiency: Seamless integration into CIP and SIP processes
- Flexibility: Adaptation to different tank and pipe geometries
- Maintenance-free: No recalibration or adjustment required
Conclusion: Hygienic Safety Meets Reliable Measurement Technology
In ice cream production, processes must do more than just run – they must be reliable, hygienic, and reproducible.
By combining radar and vibration technology, we deliver a solution that ensures precise measurement, reliable point level detection, and easy integration into existing systems.
At the same time, we adapt our solutions to your specific application – from configurable standard sensors to customized designs.
Learn more about the specific requirements for level measurement in hygienic processes – such as EHEDG-compliant design, FDA-approved materials, CIP/SIP cleanability, or Tri-Clamp process connections – in our in-depth blog article Hygiene – EHEDG & FDA-Compliant Sensor Solutions for CIP / SIP Processes
Discover more applications in the food industry
Whether in the processing of fruits, vegetables, nuts, flour, sugar, milk powder, spices or other food industry products – UWT offers reliable sensor solutions for a wide range of processes along the entire food and beverage value chain.
You can find all solutions at a glance in our industry brochure:
