Industrial sensors for F&B processing

FROM one company built in 1979, Taiwan-based FineTek Co., Ltd has expanded with subsidiaries across the globe, developing industrial sensors and solutions for flow metering, tank gauging systems, automation, and wireless communication for many industries.

For the food and beverage processing sectors, FineTek has been supplying a range of level transmitters, float level switches, and temperature controllers used in different stages of the F&B manufacturing process. The products can be used to achieve process automation and control. For example, in batching systems, its control systems will help manufacturers ensure thorough blending of all dry and wet ingredients, and controllers to measure the level of liquids inside the tank. In raw water treatment, liquid level sensors can monitor and control liquid levels.

FineTek Chief Marketing Officer, Peter Wu sees growing opportunities for its industrial sensors in Asia. Rapid development in the region’s southeast is a boon to automated instrumentation equipment, he said. Rising populations spur demand for food and beverage, one of the biggest markets for the company.

“FineTek already cooperates with several multinational companies such as Cargill, Charoen Pokphand, Wilmar, Cheil Jedang, and Ajinomoto,” Mr. Wu said.

The FineTek team, with Chief Marketing Officer Mr Peter Wu standing fifth from left.

Through a merger and acquisition with Mütec GmbH, FineTek has been able to expand its product lines to include solid measurement instruments, specifically continuous inline moisture measuring system, solid mass flow, and signal transmitters.

Recently, FineTek came out with two new products for the food and beverage market, one is a sanitary electromagnetic flow meter made of stainless steel 316L material and lining pfa. The other is a sanitary intelligent level switch with anti sticky (viscous) feature, two outputs, and intelligent foam/ water detector.

According to Mr. Wu, the biggest challenge in the industrial sensor sector is the adoption of Industrial Revolution 4.0. “The Internet of Things (IoT) is a technology that connects all sensor devices to the internet so they can communicate with each other. FineTek as manufacturer of industrial sensors already develops the technology to support revolution 4.0. One of successful case projects in Taiwan is the combination of the LORA integrated system with FineTek Capacitance Level Transmitter to monitor water flooding level,” shares Mr. Wu.

In Southeast Asia, adoption of automation is progressing, according to Mr Wu. "The food and beverage sector is a very important industry for Southeast Asia. In indonesia for example, the industry is not just a major component in manufacturing, but also a supplier of food and beverages to Indonesia’s population of more than 250 million people. In order to fullfil the demand of growing population, industrial automation is a must aspect.”

As advice to food and beverage manufacturers, Mr. Wu said efficiency, quality, and safety are important, and FineTek’s products can help them achieve accuracy in manufacturing processes.

FineTek is currently present in China, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Germany, Taiwan and the United States. It has two manufacturing and assembly plants in Tu-Cheng Industrial Park and Yilian that provide key components and products for Taiwan and overseas customers. The final assembly factory is located in Shanghai for the customer in China.

FineTek Co., Ltd

T: +886-2-2269-6789

F: +886-2-2268-6682

E: info@fine-tek.com

W: www.fine-tek.com