OECHSLE MONITOR, Inline Analyser for °Oechsle Measurement in Wine and Cider Production, Centec

The OECHSLE MONITOR is a specialised inline system from Centec for continuous measurement of °Oechsle — the sugar content indicator of grape must — directly in the production process prior to fermentation in wine and cider manufacturing. It is available in two measurement configurations: the RHOTEC version uses a vibrating U-tube to determine product density with very high precision, while the SONATEC version measures the speed of sound ultrasonically. In both cases, the relationship between concentration and the measured physical parameter is described by a polynomial mathematical model, enabling accurate and reproducible °Oechsle readout directly in the process stream. Temperature drift is compensated automatically by an integrated Pt1000 sensor. The compact patented housing is hygienic, fully CIP-compatible, and connects via standard Varivent inline housings DN40–DN150.

Key Features OECHSLE MONITOR

• Two measurement versions: RHOTEC (vibrating U-tube density, accuracy ±0.03 °Oechsle) or SONATEC (ultrasonic sound velocity, accuracy ±0.07 °Oechsle) — selectable per application.
• °Oechsle range 0–30 °Oechsle; product temperature range −3 to +25 °C for must measurement.
• Response time ≤1 s — real-time inline process feedback without offline sampling.
• Automatic temperature compensation via integrated Pt1000 sensor.
• Hygienic design; fully CIP-compatible; wetted materials 1.4404 / 1.4435 / AISI 316L, Hastelloy, Tantalum (others on request).
• Compatible with Varivent inline housings DN40–DN150; other connections on request.
• Transmitter version I/O: 6 digital inputs (24 V DC); 3 digital outputs (24 V DC); 2 analogue outputs (4–20 mA); 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 OECHSLE MONITOR is suited to inline °Oechsle monitoring in wine and cider production — specifically for determining grape must sugar content prior to fermentation, enabling precise process control, blending decisions, and harvest quality assessment directly in the production flow without offline laboratory analysis.

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; product temperature range for °Oechsle measurement −3 to +25 °C. Consult the technical datasheet for full wiring and installation specifications.

Technical Specifications