COMBITEC, Inline Concentration Analyser for Three-Component Systems, Centec

The COMBITEC is a dual-technology inline concentration analyser from Centec, integrating RHOTEC density measurement and SONATEC sound velocity measurement into a single compact, patented housing. By simultaneously measuring both density and sound velocity in the product stream, the COMBITEC resolves three-component liquid systems where density alone is insufficient to determine concentration uniquely — such as acid/salt/water mixtures, sulphuric acid/oleum, and methanol/formaldehyde systems. Concentration is derived from a polynomial mathematical model developed from Centec's proprietary laboratory database covering a wide range of industrial products. The RHOTEC principle excites a thin U-tube at its resonant frequency using electromagnets — even minimal density changes alter the oscillation signal and are measured with high precision. The SONATEC principle sends an ultrasonic pulse from a piezoelectric transmitter perpendicularly across the product flow to a receiver; sound velocity is calculated from the known transmitter-receiver distance and measured transit time. Temperature compensation is automatic via an integrated Pt1000 sensor. The instrument is fully CIP-compatible and available in transmitter or sensor-only configurations, with or without local display.

Key Features COMBITEC

• Dual-technology measurement: RHOTEC (vibrating U-tube density) + SONATEC (ultrasonic sound velocity) — simultaneous density, sound velocity, and concentration output from a single inline sensor.
• Three-component concentration analysis via polynomial mathematical model — resolves complex liquid systems where density alone is insufficient.
• High-precision density: range 0–3 g/cm³, accuracy ±0.0001 g/cm³, repeatability ±0.0001 g/cm³.
• High-precision sound velocity: range 400–3000 m/s, accuracy ±0.05 m/s, repeatability ±0.01 m/s.
• Response time ≤1 s — real-time process feedback.
• Automatic temperature compensation via integrated Pt1000 sensor.
• Wide operating range: pressure up to 16 bar; temperature −25 to +125 °C.
• Wide material selection: 1.4404 / 1.4435 / AISI 316L, Hastelloy, Tantalum — others on request.
• Hygienic design; fully CIP-compatible; compatible with Varivent inline housings DN40–DN150.
• Transmitter version: 10 digital inputs + 2 analogue inputs (24 V DC / 4–20 mA); 5 digital outputs + 4 analogue outputs; Profibus DP optional. Sensor version (no display): Profibus DP standard.
• IP65; 24 V DC; compact patented design; optional local display. Patent EP 1 439 438 B1.

Applications

The COMBITEC is suited to inline concentration monitoring in industrial processes involving three-component liquid systems — including acid/salt/water mixtures, sulphuric acid/oleum production, methanol/formaldehyde systems, chemical manufacturing, and any process where simultaneous density and sound velocity measurement is required for accurate concentration determination.

Installation and Safety Notes

Install inline using Varivent DN40–DN150 housings or alternative connections as specified. Power: 24 V DC. Fully CIP-compatible. Working pressure max. 16 bar; operating temperature −25 to +125 °C. Select wetted materials appropriate for the specific process medium — Hastelloy or Tantalum for aggressive chemicals. Consult the technical datasheet for full wiring, configuration, and installation specifications.

Technical Specifications