Food-Safe Temperature Sensing
Food processing demands temperature sensors that are easy to clean, resistant to washdown chemicals, and constructed from materials that will not contaminate food products. From high-temperature short-time (HTST) pasteurization systems to cold storage monitoring, accurate temperature measurement is the backbone of food safety programs.
Thermometrics manufactures sanitary temperature sensor assemblies with 3-A approved materials, tri-clamp connections, and designs that support Clean-in-Place (CIP) and Sanitation-in-Place (SIP) protocols. Our sensors help food processors maintain HACCP compliance, meet FDA food safety requirements, and optimize process efficiency.
3-A Approved Materials
All product-contact surfaces use 3-A approved 316L stainless steel with appropriate surface finishes. Elastomeric seals are FDA-compliant EPDM or silicone. Our sanitary sensor designs are self-draining to prevent product buildup and microbial harborage.
HACCP & Food Safety
Temperature monitoring is a critical control point (CCP) in HACCP food safety plans. Thermometrics sensors provide the accuracy and reliability needed for continuous CCP monitoring, with NIST-traceable calibration to verify measurement performance during HACCP plan verification activities.
Food Processing Applications
Our sanitary temperature sensors are used throughout food and beverage processing facilities, from raw ingredient receiving through finished product storage and distribution.
Pasteurization (HTST/UHT)
HTST and UHT pasteurizer temperature monitoring for milk, juice, and liquid food products. Dual-element RTDs for indicating and recording/divert functions per PMO requirements. Fast response times under 4 seconds for accurate pasteurization verification.
CIP/SIP Systems
Clean-in-Place and Sanitation-in-Place system temperature monitoring. Sensors designed to withstand repeated exposure to caustic (NaOH), acid (HNO3), and sanitizer solutions at elevated temperatures. Self-draining designs prevent chemical holdup.
Cooking & Processing
Kettle, oven, retort, and continuous cooker temperature monitoring. Immersion, surface-mount, and air temperature configurations. Sensors rated for the high-moisture, high-temperature conditions in cooking environments.
Cold Storage & Freezing
Walk-in cooler, blast freezer, IQF tunnel, and refrigerated warehouse temperature monitoring. Stainless steel construction resists condensation and washdown. Temperature range to -50°C for cryogenic freezing applications.
Mixing & Blending
Tank and vessel temperature monitoring for mixing, blending, and ingredient preparation. Flush-mount designs sit flush with the vessel wall for easy cleaning and prevent product damage from protruding probes.
Fermentation & Brewing
Fermentation tank, bright tank, and process vessel temperature monitoring for breweries, wineries, and fermented food production. Sanitary tri-clamp connections with 4-20mA transmitters for process control integration.
Food Processing Sensor Assemblies
These product families are most commonly specified for food processing applications. All use 3-A approved materials with sanitary connections and NIST-traceable calibration.
Sanitary RTD Sensors
PT100 RTD sensors with tri-clamp connections and 316L SS surfaces for food-contact applications. Available with integral transmitters.
- -50°C to +250°C range
- Fast response: <4 seconds
- 316L SS, 3-A approved
- Tri-clamp: 1.5" to 4"
HTST Thermocouple Assemblies
Dual-element thermocouple assemblies for HTST pasteurizer indicating and recording functions per PMO requirements.
- Dual-element standard
- Type T for dairy PMO
- Fast response time
- Sanitary connections
Sanitary Thermowells
CIP-compatible thermowells with tri-clamp connections for food processing vessel and pipeline installations.
- 316L SS construction
- Self-draining profile
- Tri-clamp connections
- 3-A compliant design
Food Processing Sensor Specifications
| Parameter | RTD Sensors | Thermocouples |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature Range | -50°C to +250°C | -50°C to +400°C |
| Accuracy | Class A per IEC 60751 | ±1°C per ASTM E230 |
| Wetted Materials | 316L SS (3-A approved) | 316L SS (3-A approved) |
| Surface Finish | Ra ≤ 0.8 μm electropolish | Ra ≤ 0.8 μm electropolish |
| Connections | Tri-clamp (1.5"-4"), DIN 11851 | Tri-clamp, compression fitting |
| Washdown Rating | IP69K rated housings | IP69K rated housings |
| Response Time | <4 seconds (in water at 1 m/s) | <4 seconds (in water at 1 m/s) |
| Documentation | COC, NIST cal, 3-A cert | COC, NIST cal, material certs |
PMO Pasteurization Requirements
For Grade "A" dairy pasteurization per the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO), indicating and recording thermometers must meet specific accuracy, response time, and installation requirements. Thermometrics HTST sensor assemblies are designed to meet PMO requirements with dual-element configurations for separate indicating and recording instruments. Contact our engineering team to discuss your specific pasteurizer requirements.
Your Food Processing Sensor Partner
Designed for Food Safety
Food safety is not optional. Our sensors are designed from the ground up to meet the hygiene, cleanability, and traceability requirements of modern food processing facilities.
- 3-A approved 316L stainless steel construction
- Self-draining designs prevent product holdup
- CIP/SIP compatible for automated cleaning
- IP69K washdown rated housings available
- FDA-compliant elastomeric seals
- Electropolished product-contact surfaces
- Fast response times for HTST applications
- NIST-traceable calibration for HACCP verification
Food Safety Documentation
HACCP plans and food safety audits require documented evidence of temperature sensor performance. Every order can include:
- Certificate of Conformance (COC)
- NIST-traceable calibration certificate
- Material certificates for wetted components
- 3-A conformance declaration
- Surface finish measurement report
- FDA material compliance declaration
- Recommended calibration intervals
- HACCP CCP monitoring guidance
Ready to Spec Your
Food Processing Sensor?
Tell us about your food processing application, connection requirements, and food safety specifications. We will recommend the right sanitary sensor configuration for your line.