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Beer fermentation tank level measurement has two different targets: liquid volume for production records and the highest foam surface that could reach a vent or other fitting. A radar reading cannot be assigned to both without establishing which reflection it follows during fermentation. Specify the required target before choosing the antenna, mounting position or alarm.
Beer Fermentation Tank Level Measurement Through the Batch
A water-fill test establishes geometry and signal scaling, but it does not reproduce active fermentation. Foam can change in thickness and wetness, condensate can collect on the lens, and cleaning spray can cross the measurement path. Record the process state with the reading so a change of target is not mistaken for a change in beer inventory.
| Stage | Check | Use of data |
|---|---|---|
| Filling | Inlet spray, surface motion and the initial foam layer. | Confirm that the measured surface follows the incoming liquid. |
| Fermenting | Echo behaviour as foam develops under actual vessel pressure. | Use liquid inventory only while the target remains identifiable. |
| Emptying | Low-level echo, cone geometry and remaining heel. | Separate usable product from geometrical vessel capacity. |
| Cleaning | Spray paths, deposits and the transition back to production. | Mark cleaning readings as a separate operating state. |
Review the Process Connection Before Selecting a Radar
The METRAVON MV-RD12 is a liquid radar with a 32 mm PTFE lens and a published 0.1-30 m measuring interval. These facts establish a candidate for a measurement assessment; they do not establish that its standard threaded or flanged connection is acceptable on a hygienic fermenter.
Request the drawing of the complete process-facing assembly. Check the lens, seal, exposed metal, crevices, drainage and cleaning access against the brewery's equipment specification. The quotation must state the allowable pressure at the required temperature, including cleaning conditions. Neither a PTFE lens nor a pressure-resistant product name confirms sanitary construction.
Place the measurement path away from the spray ball, filling stream and internal fittings. A smaller opening is not automatically better: a long recessed nozzle can introduce its own reflection and retain residue. Supply a section drawing showing the antenna reference plane, nozzle bore and highest possible foam position.
Keep Foam Protection Separate From Liquid Accounting
If the operating objective is to protect headspace, evaluate the highest credible foam level and the time needed to stop the relevant process. If the objective is to calculate liquid volume, use the approved vessel table only after confirming a liquid-surface measurement. Applying that table to the foam surface overstates the liquid quantity.
In the PLC or batch system, store the measured value alongside validity and batch phase. Do not silently substitute the last valid liquid level when the echo is lost. A separately assessed protection function may be necessary where foam carryover has consequences that an inventory indication cannot address. See the foam-surface and liquid-surface measurement guide when defining the target.
Questions From Brewery Projects
Q1. Does a stable display prove that the radar sees beer beneath the foam?
No. A stable foam reflection or a held reading can also appear convincing. Compare the echo information and device status with an independent liquid reference at representative fermentation stages. If the target cannot be established, label the inventory result unavailable rather than adjusting an offset until it looks plausible.
Q2. Can a hotter cleaning cycle be covered by choosing MV-RD12G?
The MV-RD12G offers a different high-temperature assembly, but temperature capability alone does not settle hygiene, chemical compatibility or cleaning effectiveness. The exact connection and seal must satisfy the cleaning cycle and brewery requirements. Do not approve a replacement solely from the higher temperature figure.
Q3. What should the acceptance trial include?
Include water commissioning, a representative fermentation, emptying and the return from cleaning. Record reference measurements, echo curves, batch state, local indication and PLC value. Agree beforehand which conditions must produce valid liquid level and which must trigger an unavailable or foam-related indication.
Summary
A useful fermenter measurement distinguishes liquid inventory from foam occupancy and survives the actual batch and cleaning sequence. Send the fermenter section, cleaning cycle, pressure conditions and measurement objective for review. Ask for confirmation of both the supplied process assembly and the proposed field trial before placing an order.
