Hygienic sensor integration in food processes

In hygienic process environments, accurate measurement is essential for product quality and process reliability. While sensors play a key role, the way they are integrated into the process is just as important. An improper connection can affect cleanability, measurement accuracy and overall process performance. A well-designed process connection ensures consistent operation and supports hygienic conditions.

What is CLEANadapt?

CLEANadapt is a hygienic Process Connection System (by Anderson-Negele) developed for the installation of sensors in tubes and tanks. It is designed as a universal adapter system that allows different types of sensors to be integrated into a wide range of process connections. The system includes weld-in sleeves, T-pieces and adapters for existing connections.

What distinguishes CLEANadapt is its elastomer-free and gap-free design. Instead of using traditional sealing materials, the system relies on a defined mechanical connection between the sensor and the adapter. This ensures a hygienic and durable integration that is specifically suited for demanding food and life science applications.

Info by Anderson-Negele

A sealing principle without elastomers

CLEANadapt uses a defined mechanical sealing principle, where a conical surface of the sensor is pressed against a sealing edge in the adapter. This creates a tight, gap-free connection without the use of gaskets or sealing materials.

Because no additional sealing materials are required, the connection remains stable over time and avoids typical issues such as wear, ageing or contamination caused by degraded seals. The result is a permanent and reliable sealing solution that supports hygienic process conditions.
 

Hygienic design for clean processes

CLEANadapt is developed according to hygienic design principles for the food industry, minimizing dead spaces and ensuring smooth transitions between process and sensor. This reduces the risk of product residue and supports effective cleaning during CIP and SIP procedures.

Depending on the configuration, the system complies with standards such as EHEDG and 3-A. This makes it suitable for applications where hygiene, cleanability and product safety are essential requirements.

Flexible installation

The system is designed for flexible integration in both new and existing installations. Sensors can be mounted in tanks using weld-in sleeves, or in tubes using hygienic T-pieces.

In addition, adapters allow direct installation on existing process connections without major modifications. This flexibility makes CLEANadapt suitable for a wide range of installation situations.

Assortment fittings

One system for multiple sensor types

CLEANadapt is built as a universal system that supports multiple measuring technologies. With a limited number of thread sizes (M12, G½”, G1”), different types of sensors can be integrated into the same process connection concept. This includes sensors for temperature, pressure, level, flow, conductivity and turbidity.

This standardisation simplifies engineering and reduces complexity. It also helps streamline maintenance and spare part management within the process environment.

Supporting efficient process design

By combining hygienic design with a modular setup, CLEANadapt contributes to more efficient process design and operation. The ability to use one system across multiple applications reduces complexity during installation and planning. At the same time, the reliable sealing principle ensures consistent performance without additional maintenance related to sealing components.

In practice, this leads to a more controlled and predictable process environment, where both hygiene and operational efficiency are supported by the same system design.

Conclusion

In hygienic applications, the performance of a measurement system depends on more than the sensor itself. The way it is integrated into the process defines how well it performs over time. CLEANadapt provides a solution that combines hygienic design, reliable sealing and flexible installation in one system. By eliminating gaps and unnecessary sealing materials, it supports cleanability, process stability and consistent measurement results in demanding environments.