Conductivity measurement is a critical aspect of many industrial processes, especially in sectors like food and pharma. But what happens when space is at a premium? Until now, engineers have had to compromise on sensor capabilities or find alternative solutions for compact installations.

Today we’re looking at the Baumer PAC50 process sensor — a remarkable innovation that addresses these challenges head-on. This isn’t just another incremental improvement; it represents a leap forward in miniaturization without sacrificing performance.

The Little Brother of Proven Technology

The Baumer AFI4/5 conductivity sensors have established themselves as reliable workhorses, particularly for CIP/SIP applications across food and pharma manufacturing. These systems proved that robust conductivity measurement is achievable even under demanding conditions — up to 140°C stability.

Yet the market continued to demand something smaller: a sensor variant with fewer features but dramatically reduced dimensions. This gap prompted Baumer’s engineers to push physical limits during development of their new PAC50 solution.

The result? A compact marvel measuring just 60mm in length, with an even smaller display footprint (32x25mm). As Martin Leupold, Product Manager Process Sensors at Baumer explains: “We were able to cut the display size down to these dimensions while maintaining all essential functionality.”

Robustness Engineering

Compact doesn’t mean compromised. PAC50 actually demonstrates superior durability through several key innovations:

  • One-piece sensor tip construction provides enhanced resistance to thermal cycling compared to traditional two-piece designs
  • Full temperature tolerance up to 140°C (many competitors reach their limit at just 100°C)
  • Complete PEEK (polyetheretherketone) construction for exceptional chemical resistance
  • All-stainless steel housing with laser-welded components creates a robust enclosure

These features meet the rigorous requirements of EHEDG and 3-A sanitary standards, while media-contacting parts are FDA certified.

Intelligent Connectivity Options

PAC50 builds upon Baumer’s established IO-Link technology for seamless integration into modern control systems. This enables:

Secondary data collection (temperature monitoring) Easy sensor parameterization during operation Multiple interface support through its Dual Channel feature — analog, digital or both simultaneously

This flexibility ensures that PAC50 can adapt to existing infrastructure while supporting future expansion requirements.

Configurable Solutions

Recognizing the diverse needs of different applications, Baumer offers:

Three sensor lengths (37mm, 60mm, and 83mm) for matching various pipe configurations Two material options: FDA-certified primary PEEK vs. recycled PEEK granulate (for sustainability-focused customers) Optional display with touch interface and color backlighting for process status visualization

Availability Information

This innovative solution is available starting March 2022 through Baumer’s direct ordering channels at www.baumer.com.

For hands-on demonstrations or further technical details, consider visiting Baumer’s presence at Anuga FoodTec (Hall 7.1, Booths A038/B039).

Last Updated: 2025-09-04 22:45:48