At the Process Expo in Chicago, a panel of experts from the food processing industry recently crowned the PP20H pressure sensor as the winner of the Innovations Showcase Award in the dairy product category. This device emerged as the standout among 17 finalists due to its condensate-resistant silicon measuring cell, exceptional precision across all temperatures, and integration of an IO-Link interface, a cutting-edge technology increasingly demanded by modern automation systems.

According to Baschar Al Hammoud, Product Manager for Pressure Sensors at Baumer, this advanced connectivity is central to the PP20H’s appeal. “An IO-Link interface represents the latest trend in our sector, and we’ve fully embraced it with the PP20H,” he stated. However, true to Baumer’s engineering ethos—known for thoughtful innovation—the company didn’t stop at adding a digital interface. Instead, they enhanced the sensor by including an analog output (4–20 mA) alongside its IO-Link capabilities.

This dual-output design delivers greater flexibility than any other comparable pressure sensor on the market. As Al Hammoud explained: “The combination allows users to access both advanced diagnostics via IO-Link and traditional process control through analog signals—without having to choose between them.”

One of IO-Link’s primary benefits is its ability to streamline sensor parameterization, a task that traditionally required complex wiring and manual configuration. With the standardized communication protocol, users can configure devices quickly during commissioning or even before installation—without additional hardware.

Moreover, IO-Link enables access to valuable process data from directly within the sensor network. For instance, the PP20H transmits details such as the temperature of its silicon measuring cell and internal system components like microchips in the central processing unit (CPU). This capability opens doors for insightful diagnostics:

Example use case: If a sudden spike in temperature is detected inside a container, it could indicate issues with ingredient dosing or component failure. Since elevated temperatures can shorten sensor lifespan, this data supports predictive maintenance, aligning with Industry 4.0 principles.

The PP20H doesn’t just offer basic IO-Link functionality—it enhances operational efficiency through additional features:

  • Parameter learning: A new sensor automatically inherits configuration settings from its predecessor via the master bus, minimizing setup time upon installation.
  • Robustness for Harsh Environments: The PP20H excels in demanding industrial conditions. Its sealed measuring cell prevents contamination during operation—even when exposed to warm or humid air—which is critical in applications like milk processing where temperatures fluctuate dramatically.

But how does the sensor measure atmospheric pressure differences without compromising its integrity? Here, Baumer’s engineers implemented a clever solution: they placed an auxiliary barometric reference sensor at the back of the housing. This component draws ambient pressure through a small opening while protecting the main silicon cell—which remains completely sealed—against process media fluctuations.

This design ensures that the PP20H is suitable for challenging cleaning protocols like CIP (Clean-in-Place) and SIP (Sterilization-in-Place), as well as environments with rapid temperature shifts.

Last Updated: 2025-09-04 23:02:19