ISS introduces its next-gen MassSense® products, the world’s most advanced line of Coriolis meters

Michigan, USA, January 18, 2017: Integrated Sensing Systems, Inc. (ISS), the industry leader in MEMS fluidic technology, is launching the next-generation MassSense® Liquid and Gas Density Meters (LDM & GDM 6500) and Liquid Flow Meter (LFM 5000). These products are the first in a suite of products that ISS is scheduled to launch in 2017, including high-performance gas flowmeters (GFM 6500).

MassSense productsMassSense® Density Meter (LDM & GDM 6500) is the world’s most sensitive in-line density meter at 6.5 digits of resolution. It is so sensitive that it is capable of measuring Hydrogen concentration in Nitrogen at low pressures. This density meter offers the features of an analytical device at a fraction of its cost and with real-time response, is immune to external vibrations, and is rugged enough for placement on fuel trucks.

MassSense® Liquid Flow Meter (LFM 5000) is the first product of a family of low-flow Coriolis meters based on ISS’ technological breakthroughs to make them viable for different new applications. In particular, LFM overcomes major shortcomings for current low-flow Coriolis meters, including high zero flow instability, vibration sensitivity, high pressure drop, low density resolution, and drift over time. LFM 5000 measurement range is 0-5,000 gr/hr and is immune to external vibrations with fast response for manufacturing automation.

MassSense® Gas Flow Meter (GFM 6500): The next product will be gas flowmeter GFM 6500 with breakthrough performance and stability for gaseous applications. It offers 100-1 turndown ratio at 0.5% reading accuracy with high zero flow stability and fully-compensated drift over time. There will be 3 different sensors covering 0-100 sccm, 0-500 sccm, and 0-1000sccm direct flow. “The optimized MEMS sensors in the GFM 6500 will allow direct Coriolis gas flow measurement with unprecedented stability and resolution, covering multiple ranges” said Nader Najafi, ISS CEO. ISS is also working on corrosion-resistant Coriolis meters for demanding applications.

Rick Smith, Director of Fluidic Product Development at ISS added, “Our MEMS chip-based sensor has significant performance and reliability advantages over the steel tube flow and density sensors.” Similar to what MEMS technology has done for gyroscopes, air bag deployment sensors and inkjet printers, we bring the high-performance capability of MEMS technology to the mass flow world.

Najafi stated that the heart of the MassSense® meters is a patented silicon sensing tube that vibrates at a very high frequency, above 20 kHz, which eliminates the impact of environmental vibrations while offering ultra-accuracy. Silicon sensing tube technology is lighter and stronger than traditional metal sensing technology. Engineered and built by the ISS team in Michigan, the meters represent over 20 years of research and development. Integrated Sensing Systems (ISS) is a proven leader with over 20 years of experience with MEMS vibrating silicon technology.

About Integrated Sensing Systems, Inc. (ISS): ISS is a leader in advanced MEMS technologies for design and manufacturing of medical devices. Founded in 1995, ISS is one of the oldest independent medical MEMS companies in the United States. ISS operates a comprehensive, state-of-the-art MEMS fabrication facility located near Ann Arbor, Michigan. ISS is currently certified for ISO 9001:2008, EN13980:2002 for ATEX (intrinsically safe products), and ISO13485:2003 for Class III medical devices. ISS is a vertically integrated company, dedicated to developing and manufacturing system-level products based on MEMS technology (MEMS Inside), please visit: http://mems-iss.com or metersolutions.com

Source: Integrated Sensing Systems, Inc. (ISS)

Contact:
Rick Smith
Integrated Sensing Systems Inc. (ISS)
391 Airport Industrial Dr., Ypsilanti, MI 48198
Tel: (734) 547-9896 Ext. 109
Fax: (734) 547-9964
Email: [email protected]

Application Notes: Precise Plato Measurement Has Arrived

Quick, accurate, repeatable density measurement; in the brewhouse or in the lab

beer glass assortmentChallenge

Extract Concentration in Wort – The key indicator in beer production

Density can be used to measure the dissolved solids Plato (P°) in the wort extract at the wort kettle. Traditionally this measurement was made using a glass hydrometer.  The extract content in the wort at the start of the fermentation process is an indication of the potential final alcohol content in fermented beer.  This measurement in some countries has a financial implication.  The taxes paid on the beer produced are based on the wort extract and not the final alcohol content of the beer.

The extract, which is the result of sparging water through the grain bed in the Lautering process, contains the dissolved solids (sugars and higher molecular weight soluble fractions) from the grain that eventually through fermentation becomes the beer.   Dividing the original extract by 3 is an indication of the final potential alcohol content of the finished beer.  During the fermentation step the wort sugars are converted into carbon dioxide and alcohol.  Periodic monitoring of the density in the wort during the fermentation process helps the brewer check on the health of the yeast and the extent of fermentation.   Fermentation is stopped when the gravity reaches a certain point.

Viscosity Measurements in a Brewery

In a brewery, viscosity measurement plays an important role in the controlling the quality of the beer.  It indicates the quality of the malt, predicts filtering times and is an indicator of the foam behavior of the finished beer.

Solution 

The MDM150, the mobile density meter from Integrated Sensing Systems, provides beer makers with the option of performing accurate density or Plato measurement in the brewhouse or in the lab.  Only a few milliliters of wort or beer are required for making the measurement.  There is no need for rinsing the density meter when measuring multiple beer samples.   Yeast and dissolved CO2 in the beer will not affect the performance of sensor measurement.   At the heart of the MDM150 is a patented, innovative, MEMS vibrating density sensor that is immune to the effect of gas bubbles in the beer. This assures accurate and consistent measurements that are available in seconds.

The MDM150 calculates sugar concentration based on measured density and temperature. Results can be displayed in the preferred units such as °Plato.  Results are stored in a standard file format that can be exported into applications such as Excel for further analysis.

mdm-beer-density-meterOur MDM150 is a multi-function instrument that can:

  • measure °Plato and specific gravity
  • provides an accurate and repeatable density measurement for determining the alcohol concentration in beer using traditional glass distillation
  • determines residual sugar concentration in beer using the residue from traditional glass distillation
  • measures finished beer density for accurate weight based bottling
  • measures the viscosity for additional insight into beer characteristics

Features

  • Mobile density measurement in the brewhouse or lab
  • Measures liquid density and temperature to calculate sugar content
  • Measures alcohol concentration in distilled spirit production
  • Uses gas bubble resistant MEMS vibrating sensor
  • Calibration checked using pure water
  • Sample injected using inexpensive plastic syringe
  • Tough construction can handle rough handling
  • Economical for beer producers of all sizes

Learn More & Request Quote

 

Brix Measurement White Paper

Brix measurement that is rugged and reliable for wine quality monitoring

Print Version

1      Sugar, the key to wine production

Density can be used to measure the sugar concentration (Brix) in grape juice or other fruit juice (must) prior to crush and throughout the fermentation process. Before grape or fruit harvest, the accuracy of sugar measurement in the juice is important in determining the timing of the harvest for the highest quality wine.   During fermentation of the must, the sugar in the juice is converted into ethanol with carbon dioxide as a waste gas.  Monitoring the density of the juice during this step in the process allows for optimal control of this conversion step for highest quality wines.  Density (Brix) should be measured at least once per day during fermentation.  Monitoring the slope of the Brix conversion slope allows the winemaker to adjust the temperature of the process for optimal wine quality.

2      Options for measuring sugar content

The primary measuring technologies used in measuring brix in the wine industry are the hydrometer and handheld density meters. These options are often subject to break easily if dropped or mishandled in any way due to the glass materials used in their construction. If the glass sensor tube of the handheld meter is broken then no measurements can be taken and a replacement meter will need acquired. Although very affordable, the hydrometer is difficult to read and is subject to the interpretation of each sampling technician. The hydrometer also requires a large volume for the sample and can be impractical for large wineries.

The Mobile Density Meter from Integrated Sensing Systems (ISSYS) provides winemakers with the option of performing density measurements in the cellar or in the lab.   A few milliliters of sample are required for making the density measurement.  There is no need for rinsing the density meter between samples when measuring wine.  Yeast and dissolve CO2 in the wine will not affect the measurement.  At the heart of the Mobile Density Meter is a patented, innovative MEMS vibrating density sensor that is immune to the effect of gas bubbles in the wine. This assures accurate and consistent measurements.  Results are available in seconds.

The meter calculates sugar concentration based on measured density and temperature.  Results can be displayed in the preferred units such as Specific Gravity or °Brix.  Results can be stored in a file format that can be exported into applications such as Excel for further analysis.

The Mobile Density Meter features a small carrying case that houses the liquid density measuring sensor. The meter is connected to USB port on a Windows 7 or 8 devices for power and display. Once a sample is inserted to the sample port the display will provide an immediate reading.

3      Case study: On tank fermentation monitor

The same ISSYS liquid density sensor was used at a hard cider plant. The hard cider maker tested the sensor in an on-tank solution for monitoring Brix during multiple fermentation runs. This simple test was performed using data comparisons for each sample taken from 2 different instruments; the hand held digital density meter (DMA) vs the ISSYS liquid density meter on-tank fermentation monitor.

Brix Measurement Technology

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The results of the test showed that bubbles in cider did not affect the ability of ISSYS sensor to accurately determine BRIX, yeast did not affect ISSYS sensor, and the Brix measurement from both instruments were in line.

 

Application Notes: Plato measurement that is precise & rugged

Quick, accurate, repeatable density measurement; in the brewhouse or in the lab

beer glass assortmentChallenge

Extract Concentration in Wort – The key indicator in beer production

Density can be used to measure the dissolved solids Plato (P°) in the wort extract at the wort kettle. Traditionally this measurement was made using a glass hydrometer.  The extract content in the wort at the start of the fermentation process is an indication of the potential final alcohol content in fermented beer.   This measurement in some countries has a financial implication.  The taxes paid on the beer produced are based on the wort extract and not the final alcohol content of the beer.

The extract, which is the result of sparging water through the grain bed in the Lautering process, contains the dissolved solids (sugars and higher molecular weight soluble fractions) from the grain that eventually through fermentation becomes the beer.   Dividing the original extract by 3 is an indication of the final potential alcohol content of the finished beer.  During the fermentation step the wort sugars are converted into carbon dioxide and alcohol.  Periodic monitoring of the density in the wort during the fermentation process helps the brewer check on the health of the yeast and the extent of fermentation.   Fermentation is stopped when the gravity reaches a certain point.

Viscosity Measurements in a Brewery

In a brewery, viscosity measurement plays an important role in the controlling the quality of the beer.  It indicates the quality of the malt, predicts filtering times and is an indicator of the foam behavior of the finished beer.

Solution 

The MDM100, the mobile density meter from Integrated Sensing Systems provides beer makers with the option of performing accurate density or plato measurement in the brewhouse or in the lab.  Only a few milliliters of wort or beer are required for making the measurement.  There is no need for rinsing the density meter when measuring multiple beer samples.   Yeast and dissolved CO2 in the beer will not affect the performance of sensor measurement.   At the heart of the MDM100 is a patented, innovative, MEMS vibrating density sensor that is immune to the effect of gas bubbles in the beer. This assures accurate and consistent measurements that are available in seconds.

The MDM100 calculates sugar concentration based on measured density and temperature. Results can be displayed in the preferred units such as °Plato.  Results are stored in a standard file format that can be exported into applications such as Excel for further analysis.

Mobile Desity MeterMDM100 is a multifunction instrument that,

  • Plato measurement, specific gravity of the wort
  • provides an accurate density measurement for determining the alcohol concentration in beer using traditional glass distillation
  • determines residual sugar concentration in beer using the residue from traditional glass distillation
  • measures finished beer density for accurate weight based bottling
  • can measure viscosity for additional insight into beer characteristics

 

 

Features

  • Mobile density measurement in the brewhouse or lab
  • Measures liquid density and temperature to calculate sugar content
  • Measures alcohol concentration in distilled spirit production
  • Uses gas bubble resistant MEMS vibrating sensor
  • Calibration checked using pure water
  • Sample injected using inexpensive plastic syringe
  • Tough construction can handle rough handling
  • Economical for beer producers of all sizes

More Information

Download Version

 

Application Notes: Brix measurement that is precise & rugged

Quick, accurate, repeatable density measurement; in the cellar or in the lab

Grapes

Challenge

Sugar – The key to wine production

Density can be used to measure the sugar concentration (Brix) in grape juice or other fruit juice (must) prior to crush and throughout the fermentation process.    Traditionally this measurement was made using a glass hydrometer.   The large volume of sample required and time to make the measurement means a glass hydrometer is not practical for large winery operations.  Before grape or fruit harvest, the accuracy of sugar measurement in the juice is important in determining the timing of the harvest for the highest quality wine.   During fermentation of the must, the sugar in the juice is converted into ethanol with carbon dioxide as a waste gas.  Monitoring the density of the juice during this step in the process allows for optimal control of this conversion step for highest quality wines.  Density (Brix) should be measured at least once per day during fermentation.  Monitoring the slope of the Brix conversion slope allows the winemaker to adjust the temperature of the process for optimal wine quality.

Solution

The MDM100, the mobile density meter from Integrated Sensing Systems provides winemakers with the option of performing density or Brix measurement in the cellar or in the lab.   A few milliliters of sample are required for making the density measurement.  There is no need for rinsing the density meter between samples when measuring wine.  Yeast and dissolve CO2 in the wine will not affect the measurement.  At the heart of the MDM100 is a patented, innovative MEMS vibrating density sensor that is immune to the effect of gas bubbles in the wine. This assures accurate and consistent measurements.  Results are available in seconds.

The MDM100 calculates sugar concentration based on measured density and temperature.  Results can be displayed in the preferred units such as Specific Gravity or °Brix.  Results can be stored in a file format that can be exported into applications such as Excel for further analysis.

MDM100

MDM100 is a multifunction instrument that,

  • provides Brix measurement of fruit must prior to harvest
  • determines the alcohol concentration in wine using traditional glass distillation
  • determines residual sugar concentration in wine using the residue from traditional glass distillation
  • measures finished wine density for accurate weight based bottling
  • provides the correct SO2 concentration in wine
  • can measure viscosity for additional insight into wine characteristics

 

 

 

Features

  • Mobile density measurement in the cellar or lab
  • Measures liquid density and temperature to calculate sugar content
  • Measures alcohol concentration in distilled spirit production
  • Uses gas bubble resistant MEMS vibrating sensor
  • Calibration checked using pure water
  • Sample injected using inexpensive plastic syringe
  • Tough construction can handle rough handling
  • Economical for wine producers of all sizes

More Information

Download Version

 

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