How to Utilise Surface Acoustic Wave Tech in Manufacturing
How to Utilise Surface Acoustic Waves (SAW) in a Manufacturing Process
As manufacturing processes evolve to demand greater precision, hygiene, and digital integration, Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) technology is proving to be a powerful ally. This innovative flow measurement technique allows for non-invasive, accurate, and hygienic monitoring of liquids — perfect for sectors such as food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and life sciences.
At BM Engineering Supplies, we supply advanced SAW technology solutions such as the Bürkert FLOWave flowmeter, which brings digital-ready flow measurement into hygienic production lines across the UK.
What is Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Technology?
SAW technology uses high-frequency sound waves that travel along the surface of a solid sensor. As these waves interact with the flow of liquid, changes in the wave behaviour provide precise, real-time data — without the sensor ever making contact with the fluid.
Unlike traditional flowmeters that require intrusive measurement, SAW technology is ideal for:
- Hygienic and sterile environments
- Clean-in-Place (CIP) and Sterilise-in-Place (SIP) systems
- Delicate, viscous, or aggressive media
- Flow systems that demand zero contamination risk
Benefits of SAW Flow Measurement in Manufacturing
By integrating SAW devices like Bürkert’s FLOWave into your production line, manufacturers can unlock multiple advantages:
- Non-invasive measurement – no contact with the medium
- Zero pressure drop – efficient, uninterrupted flow
- No moving parts – reduced maintenance and downtime
- Highly accurate – even for complex or variable flow types
- Industry 4.0 ready – with Bürkert’s IO-Link connectivity
How is SAW Used in Different Manufacturing Applications?
1. Food and Beverage
In the food industry, hygiene is everything. SAW flowmeters are perfect for bottling, brewing, pasteurisation, and CIP systems, offering a sanitary and reliable solution with no media contact.
2. Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences
SAW meters are ideal for pharmaceutical processes that require sterile conditions. Their non-invasive design avoids contamination and maintains full process transparency.
3. Brewing and Distilling
For precise monitoring in the brewing process and distilling, SAW devices offer uninterrupted data collection with zero impact on taste, quality, or flow rates.
4. Water and Wastewater
With no internal components or maintenance-heavy parts, SAW meters can monitor treated water flow safely and efficiently in water & wastewater applications.
Why Choose Bürkert FLOWave from BM Engineering?
BM Engineering is proud to be a trusted UK distributor of Bürkert, including the revolutionary FLOWave flowmeter. With our technical knowledge and wide product offering, we help manufacturers seamlessly adopt digital, hygienic flow solutions.
Our in-house team can assist with:
- Product selection and sizing
- Automation integration via IO-Link or Modbus
- Hygienic standards and process validation
👉 Contact us today to learn how SAW technology can elevate your process performance.
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