RHOTEC ALC-TAX, PTB-Certified Density Sensor for Alcohol Content Measurement, Centec

The RHOTEC ALC-TAX is a PTB-certified inline density sensor from Centec, designed for continuous alcohol content determination in spirits, wine, beer, and other alcohol-containing products directly in the production flow. It is a specialised variant of the RHOTEC density sensor platform, officially recognised and certified by German metrological authorities (PTB — Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt) for use in applications where measurement results must be obtained by a certified instrument for fiscal or official accounting purposes. The vibrating U-tube principle provides exceptional density measurement precision: accuracy ±0.0001 g/cm³ and repeatability ±0.00001 g/cm³. Combined with officially approved flowmeters, the RHOTEC ALC-TAX system satisfies the requirements of both PTB and BfB (Bundesmonopolverwaltung für Branntwein) for legal alcohol accounting. An ATEX explosion-protection option is available for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Key Features RHOTEC ALC-TAX

• PTB type approval — verified accuracy limit 0.0001 g/cm³ for alcohol, water-alcohol mixtures, and water; recognised and certified by German metrological authorities for fiscal and official alcohol accounting.
• Combined with officially approved flowmeters: meets PTB and BfB requirements for legal alcohol quantity determination.
• Outstanding measurement precision: accuracy ±0.0001 g/cm³; repeatability ±0.00001 g/cm³.
• Density range 0–3 g/cm³; response time ≤1 s. Alcohol content derived from density via product-specific polynomial model.
• Officially approved operating range: pressure 0–5 bar; temperature 5–40 °C.
• ATEX explosion protection option: Ex II 2G EEx d IIC T6 — for use in hazardous areas (spirits production).
• 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).
• Process connection 3/8" thread; other connections on request. IP65; 24 V DC.
• 1 × 4–20 mA analogue output (transmitter version); Profibus DP optional (transmitter) or standard (sensor without display).
• Compact patented design; optional local display. Patent EP 1 439 438 B1.

Applications

The RHOTEC ALC-TAX is suited to continuous inline alcohol content measurement in spirits distilleries, wine and cider production, brewing, and any alcohol production or processing facility where certified measurement is required for excise tax accounting, customs control, or official regulatory compliance under PTB and BfB frameworks.

Installation and Safety Notes

Install inline via 3/8" thread connection or alternative connections as specified. Power: 24 V DC. Fully CIP-compatible. Officially approved operating range: 0–5 bar, 5–40 °C. For legally valid alcohol accounting, pair with an officially approved flowmeter as required by PTB and BfB. ATEX option available for hazardous area installation. Consult Centec for system design and compliance documentation.

Technical Specifications