Titan Enterprises is highlighting the customer testing phase as a crucial milestone in the research and development of its latest product: a low-cost ultrasonic beverage flowmeter tailored specifically for original equipment manufacturers (OEM) in the food manufacturing sector. This innovative solution aims to enhance drinks dispensing systems.
The manufacturer of cutting-edge flow measurement solutions reports that this new ultrasonic beverage flowmeter was developed in response to specific requests from OEMs. Key design requirements included the absence of internal moving parts (to facilitate hygienic cleaning), a compact form factor, food-grade materials, cost efficiency, and seamless integration into existing systems.
“This development project hasn’t been just about making a flowmeter – we’re solving an industry problem,” says Neil Hannay, senior development engineer at Titan Enterprises. Drawing from their proven success with turbine flow devices in drinks dispensing, Titan explored the use of ultrasonic technology for similar applications, which ultimately led to the creation of the ultrasonic beverage meter.
At the core of Titan’s R&D strategy is customer collaboration. The development of the new ultrasonic beverage meter, which is part of the Atrato family of flow measurement devices, exemplifies how real-world testing with OEM partners directly shapes the final product design.
“In laboratory testing, we have to make assumptions by relying on first principles and our expertise in flowmeter technology,” Hannay states. “However, we cannot replicate a customer’s unique processes, making customer testing vital for developing a reliable, user-centric product that incorporates essential features.”
Following initial prototype validation, units are deployed for in-situ testing by the customer. This critical phase often reveals performance nuances that laboratory conditions may overlook. Feedback during field trials is instrumental in identifying areas for improvement, such as fluid compatibility, mechanical resilience under operational stress, and any necessary protective measures to minimize installation faults and failures.
“The iterative loop of feedback between our R&D team and the customer’s application environment is essential,” explains Neil Hannay. “Our objective is to refine both physical performance and system integration, ensuring our flowmeter not only functions effectively but also meets specific operational needs within a competitive price point.” Titan’s collaborative testing model guarantees that customer-driven innovation is rooted in real-world results. This methodology not only expedites the path to market but also fosters the development of highly customized, application-specific flowmeter solutions.
