The OUSAF12 is an optical absorption sensor designed for inline detection of suspended solids and product interphases. Endress+Hauser identifies its measuring principle as colorimetry, with applications covering color measurement, suspended solids measurement and phase separation.
The sensor measures turbidity or color absorption and can be used to monitor product quality, purity, filtration performance and process changes. The official application list includes quality control and purity monitoring, filter monitoring, condensate monitoring, turbidity in breweries, heat exchanger leakage detection and turbidity in brine.
OUSAF12 is designed for demanding environments, including hazardous areas and hygienic processes. Endress+Hauser specifically lists CIP/SIP suitability and hazardous-area approvals such as ATEX and FM.
Key Features
- NIR/VIS absorption measurement for suspended solids and phase detection
- Colorimetric measuring principle
- Measuring range 0 to 2.5 AU
- Up to 0 to 50 OD, depending on optical path length
- Process temperature 0 to 90 °C continuously
- Maximum 130 °C for 2 hours
- Maximum process pressure 100 bar abs, depending on flow through assembly
- 316L stainless steel sensor housing
- IP65 / NEMA 4 ingress protection
- ATEX II 2G Ex db IIC T5 Gb
- FM Class I, Division 1, Groups B, C, D
- FDA approval listed
- Suitable for CIP and SIP
- Color-independent measurement
- Designed for low-maintenance operation and stable long-term measurement
- Suitable for hazardous-area and hygienic process applications
Suitable Applications
Quality and Purity Monitoring
OUSAF12 can be used to monitor product quality and purity by detecting changes in optical absorption during production.
Filter Monitoring
The sensor can monitor changes associated with filtration performance and help identify process conditions requiring attention.
Condensate Monitoring
OUSAF12 is suitable for condensate monitoring where optical absorption changes can indicate contamination or unwanted product carryover.
Phase Separation
The sensor can detect product interphases, making it useful when different liquid phases need to be distinguished during production or cleaning sequences.
Brewery Turbidity Measurement
Endress+Hauser specifically lists turbidity measurement in breweries as an OUSAF12 application.
Heat Exchanger Leakage Detection
OUSAF12 can be applied to detect leakage-related changes in process streams around heat exchanger systems.
Brine Turbidity
The official application list also includes turbidity measurement in brine.
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Processes
The manufacturer highlights improved product quality monitoring in pharmaceutical and chemical processes, together with fast interphase detection and reduced product loss.
Selection Notes
The most important selection factor is the optical path length. The official measuring range is 0–2.5 AU, while the available optical density range can reach 0–50 OD depending on optical path length. The required optical path should therefore be confirmed according to the medium and required measurement range.
OUSAF12 should be considered when the application requires absorbance-based detection of suspended solids, color or phase changes. It should not simply be described as a conventional turbidity sensor because the official application scope is broader.
For high-pressure applications, confirm the complete flow-through assembly because the official maximum pressure of 100 bar abs depends on the flow-through assembly used.
For hazardous-area installations, confirm the required certification and exact configuration before ordering. The current official specifications list ATEX and FM approvals.
For hygienic processes, confirm the required installation and cleaning arrangement. OUSAF12 is specified for CIP/SIP applications and has FDA approval listed by Endress+Hauser.
FAQ
What is the Endress+Hauser OUSAF12?
The OUSAF12 is a NIR/VIS absorption sensor for inline measurement of suspended solids, color absorption and product interphases.
What does OUSAF12 measure?
The official application information includes color measurement, suspended solids measurement and phase separation. It can also be used for turbidity-related applications such as brewery turbidity and brine turbidity.
What is the measuring range of OUSAF12?
The official range is 0 to 2.5 AU, with 0 to 50 OD depending on optical path length.
What is the process temperature range?
OUSAF12 operates continuously from 0 to 90 °C and can withstand 130 °C for up to 2 hours.
What is the maximum process pressure?
The official specification gives a maximum of 100 bar absolute, with the actual permissible pressure depending on the flow-through assembly.
What material is the sensor housing made of?
The official specification lists 316L stainless steel for the sensor housing.
Can OUSAF12 be used in hazardous areas?
Yes. Endress+Hauser lists ATEX II 2G Ex db IIC T5 Gb and FM Class I, Division 1, Groups B, C, D among the specifications.
Is OUSAF12 suitable for hygienic processes?
Yes. The manufacturer states that OUSAF12 is suitable for CIP and SIP processes and lists FDA approval.
Is OUSAF12 only a turbidity sensor?
No. Its application range is broader. It is an absorption sensor used for suspended solids, color measurement and phase separation, with additional applications including filter, condensate, brewery turbidity, heat exchanger leakage and brine monitoring.
What should be confirmed before ordering OUSAF12?
The optical path length, flow-through assembly, process pressure, process connection, installation environment and hazardous-area requirements should be confirmed according to the application. The optical path length is particularly important because it affects the available OD range.
