The BEER MONITOR is a high-precision inline analyser from Centec, based on the COMBITEC platform, designed for continuous measurement of alcohol content, extract, and original gravity (°Plato) in beer and beer-mixed beverages directly in the process stream. It combines RHOTEC vibrating U-tube density measurement and SONATEC ultrasonic sound velocity measurement to calculate alcohol and extract concentrations via a validated mathematical model, with response time ≤1 s and automatic temperature compensation via Pt1000.
BEER MONITOR, Inline Analyser for Alcohol, Extract and Original Gravity, Centec
The BEER MONITOR is a specialised inline analyser from Centec, built on the COMBITEC platform for continuous, real-time measurement of alcohol, extract, and original gravity directly in the beer production process stream. It combines two complementary measurement technologies: RHOTEC, which determines product density using a vibrating U-tube method, and SONATEC, which measures the speed of sound ultrasonically. Alcohol content and extract are calculated from a mathematical model relating concentration, density, and sound velocity, while original gravity is automatically computed and displayed. Temperature deviations in the measurement signal are compensated automatically by an integrated Pt1000 sensor. The instrument is designed for hygienic food-grade environments, is fully CIP-compatible, and features a compact patented construction with optional local display.
Key Features BEER MONITOR
- Dual-technology measurement: RHOTEC (vibrating U-tube density) + SONATEC (ultrasonic sound velocity) — comprehensive inline product analysis from a single sensor.
- High-accuracy simultaneous measurement: alcohol ±0.02 vol. %, extract ±0.02 wt. %, original gravity ±0.03 °Plato.
- Response time ≤1 s — real-time process feedback for dynamic production environments.
- Automatic original gravity calculation — no manual calculation or offline sampling required.
- Automatic temperature compensation via integrated Pt1000 sensor.
- Hygienic design; fully CIP-compatible; wetted materials 1.4404 / 1.4435 / AISI 316L (Hastelloy and Tantalum available on request).
- Compatible with Varivent inline connection DN40–DN150; other connections available on request.
- Flexible I/O: 10 digital inputs (24 V DC), 2 analogue inputs (4–20 mA), 5 digital outputs (24 V DC), 4 analogue outputs (4–20 mA); Profibus DP optional or standard depending on configuration.
- IP65; 24 V DC; compact patented construction; optional local display.
Applications
The BEER MONITOR is suited to continuous inline monitoring and process control in beer production, beer-mixed beverage manufacturing, and any brewing process requiring high-sensitivity, high-accuracy measurement of alcohol, extract, and original gravity directly in the product flow — including fermentation monitoring, filtration control, blending, and filling line verification.
Installation and Safety Notes
Install inline using Varivent DN40–DN150 connections or alternative connections as specified. Power supply: 24 V DC. The instrument is fully CIP-compatible — no removal required for cleaning cycles. Wetted materials are food-grade stainless steel (1.4404 / 1.4435 / AISI 316L) with Hastelloy and Tantalum available for aggressive media. Maximum working pressure 16 bar; operating temperature −25 to +125 °C. Consult the technical datasheet for full wiring and installation specifications.
Technical Specifications
| Measured parameters | Alcohol, Extract, Original Gravity (°Plato) |
| Measurement method | RHOTEC (vibrating U-tube density) + SONATEC (ultrasonic sound velocity) |
| Alcohol range | 0–12.5 vol. % |
| Alcohol accuracy | ±0.02 vol. % |
| Extract range | 0–10 wt. % |
| Extract accuracy | ±0.02 wt. % |
| Original gravity range | 0–25 °Plato |
| Original gravity accuracy | ±0.03 °Plato |
| Response time | ≤1 s |
| Temperature sensor | Pt1000 (automatic temperature compensation) |
| Working pressure | Up to 16 bar |
| Operating temperature | −25 °C to +125 °C |
| Wetted materials | 1.4404 / 1.4435 / AISI 316L; Hastelloy; Tantalum (others on request) |
| Process connection | Varivent inline DN40–DN150; others on request |
| Digital inputs | 10 × 24 V DC |
| Analogue inputs | 2 × 4–20 mA |
| Digital outputs | 5 × 24 V DC |
| Analogue outputs | 4 × 4–20 mA |
| Profibus DP | Optional / standard depending on configuration |
| Protection rating | IP65 |
| Power supply | 24 V DC |
| Design | Hygienic; CIP-compatible; compact patented construction; optional local display |
| Manufacturer | Centec GmbH |
| Brand | Centec |