FMC Biopolymer Reduces Operating Expenses More Than 80% With PERpH-X™ Sensors

FMC makes ingredients for consumer products such as toothpaste, baking mixes, and other food products. The plant makes carrageenan out of seaweed using a sequence of chemical processing steps that starts with soaking the seaweed at 200°F. The processing tanks and lines are regularly subjected to both acid and base clean in place (CIP) solutions. pH measurement in the recirculation line of the modification tank is used to control acid addition and keep the pH in the range of 7.5 to 8. pH values in this range minimize downstream buildup on filters. Unfortunately, conventional pH electrodes were only lasting less than 1 week in this application, so FMC had installed a triple redundant system to make sure the pH reading is continuously available.