The SONATEC is a high-precision inline sensor from Centec for continuous concentration measurement in two-component liquid mixtures, based on ultrasonic sound velocity measurement. A piezoelectric transmitter generates an ultrasonic pulse that travels perpendicularly across the product flow to a receiver; sound velocity is calculated from the known transmitter-receiver distance and measured transit time, and concentration is derived via a product-specific polynomial model. With accuracy ±0.1 m/s and repeatability ±0.01 m/s, response time ≤1 s, operating range up to 50 bar and −25 to +125 °C, full CIP compatibility, and an optional ATEX version, SONATEC is suited to demanding chemical, pharmaceutical, and food and beverage process environments. It forms the SONATEC measurement module within the COMBITEC dual-technology platform.
The SONATEC is a high-precision inline sound velocity and concentration sensor from Centec, designed for continuous measurement in two-component liquid mixtures. Measurement is based on the ultrasonic transit-time principle: a piezoelectric element generates an ultrasonic pulse in the transmitter, which passes perpendicularly across the product flow to the receiver. Since the distance between transmitter and receiver is known, the speed of sound is calculated precisely from the measured signal transit time. The relationship between concentration and sound velocity is described by a product-specific polynomial model, enabling SONATEC to output both sound velocity and concentration directly. Automatic temperature compensation via an integrated Pt1000 sensor maintains measurement stability across changing product temperatures. The wide operating range (up to 50 bar, −25 to +125 °C), broad material selection including Hastelloy and Tantalum, ATEX explosion-protection option, and full CIP compatibility make SONATEC suitable for demanding chemical, pharmaceutical, and food and beverage applications. SONATEC is the ultrasonic measurement module within Centec's COMBITEC dual-technology platform, which combines RHOTEC and SONATEC for three-component concentration analysis.
Key Features SONATEC
- Ultrasonic transit-time sound velocity measurement — accuracy ±0.1 m/s, repeatability ±0.01 m/s across 0–3000 m/s range.
- Concentration derived via product-specific polynomial model; display in sound velocity and concentration units.
- Response time ≤1 s — real-time inline process feedback.
- Wide operating range: pressure up to 50 bar; temperature −25 to +125 °C.
- Applications: two-component concentration determination, phase detection, mixture ratio monitoring.
- Automatic temperature compensation via integrated Pt1000 sensor.
- ATEX explosion protection option: Ex II 2G EEx d IIC T6.
- Wide material selection: 1.4404 / 1.4435 / AISI 316L, Hastelloy, Tantalum (others on request).
- Hygienic design; fully CIP-compatible. Varivent inline 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 SONATEC is suited to continuous inline concentration monitoring in chemical manufacturing, pharmaceutical processing, food and beverage production, and any two-component liquid system requiring accurate sound-velocity-based concentration determination — including phase detection, mixture ratio control, and CIP concentration monitoring. As a standalone sensor or as the SONATEC module within the COMBITEC platform, it enables both two-component and (combined with RHOTEC) three-component concentration analysis.
Installation and Safety Notes
Install inline via Varivent DN40–DN150 housings or alternative connections as specified. Power: 24 V DC. Fully CIP-compatible. Working pressure max. 50 bar; operating temperature −25 to +125 °C. ATEX option available for hazardous area installation. Select wetted materials appropriate for the specific process medium. Consult Centec for configuration and integration support.
Technical Specifications
| Measured parameters | Sound velocity; Concentration |
| Measurement principle | Ultrasonic transit-time (sound velocity) |
| Typical applications | Two-component concentration measurement; phase detection; mixture ratio monitoring |
| Sound velocity range | 0–3000 m/s |
| Accuracy | ±0.1 m/s |
| Repeatability | ±0.01 m/s |
| Response time | ≤1 s |
| Working pressure | Max. 50 bar |
| Operating temperature | −25 °C to +125 °C |
| Temperature sensor | Pt1000 (automatic temperature compensation) |
| Wetted materials | 1.4404 / 1.4435 / AISI 316L; Hastelloy; Tantalum (others on request) |
| Process connection | Varivent inline DN40–DN150; others on request |
| Digital inputs (transmitter) | 6 × 24 V DC |
| Digital outputs (transmitter) | 3 × 24 V DC |
| Analogue outputs (transmitter) | 2 × 4–20 mA |
| Profibus DP | Optional (transmitter version); Standard (sensor without local display) |
| ATEX option | Ex II 2G EEx d IIC T6 |
| Protection rating | IP65 |
| Power supply | 24 V DC |
| CIP compatibility | Full CIP compatibility |
| Local display | Available depending on configuration |
| Patent | EP 1 439 438 B1 |
| Manufacturer | Centec GmbH |
| Brand | Centec |
