Endress+Hauser acquires SensAction

Endress+Hauser hat SensAction übernommen. Die LiquidSens-Systeme des Unternehmens bestimmen die Konzentration von Flüssigkeiten in Prozess und Labor mit Hilfe akustischer Oberflächenwellen. / Endress+Hauser has acquired German company SensAction. The company’s LiquidSens systems determine the concentration of liquids in process and laboratory using surface acoustic waves.

Die Vorstände der SensAction AG, Stefan Rothballer (links) und Michael Münch. / The managing directors of SensAction, Stefan Rothballer (left) and Michael Münch.

Die Online-Variante des LiquidSens-Messsytems zum direkten Einbau in Anlagen. / The online version of the LiquidSens measurement system for integration in a plant.

SensAction nutzt die Technologie des akustischen Wellenleiters erstmals auch in einem mobilen Messgerät. / SensAction applies the acoustic waveguide technology for the first time in a mobile instrument.

Endress+Hauser has acquired SensAction AG, a manufacturer of innovative systems for measuring the concentration of liquids. With this move, the Switzerland-based Group intends to strengthen its quality measurement portfolio. SensAction will remain headquartered in Coburg, Germany and keep the current staff of 13 employees.

SensAction will operate as a division of the Endress+Hauser center of competence for flow measurement technology headquartered in Reinach, Switzerland. “This innovative technology is an excellent fit with our modern flow measurement portfolio,” says Dr Bernd-Josef Schäfer, Managing Director of Endress+Hauser Flowtec AG. “It allows us to further expand our range of products for measuring quality parameters.”

Already, Coriolis flow measurement devices from Endress+Hauser can determine not only mass flow, but density as well. Electromagnetic instruments are capable of measuring conductivity parallel to the volume flow. “These physical analysis parameters create direct value-add for the customer,” emphasizes Bernd-Josef Schäfer. Endress+Hauser plans to integrate the SensAction instruments into its own program and open up new markets via the Group’s international sales structures. In addition, plans are in place to eventually combine the technology direct with Endress+Hauser flow instruments.

Innovative technology

The systems from SensAction measure the concentration of liquids with the help of surface acoustic waves, which are high frequency sound waves whose behavior can be compared to seismic waves created by earthquakes. By analyzing the transmission time and amplitude, the acoustic parameters of the liquid, such as sound wave velocity, impedance and density, can be measured in order to quickly and precisely determine the concentration. Because they contain no moving parts, the systems are maintenance-free and do not suffer from wear-and-tear.

Apart from developing and manufacturing concentration measurement systems, SensAction also offers supplementary services, such as software products that rely on a laboratory measurement to provide a high degree of accuracy and user-friendliness for the customers’ applications. The key fields of application for the SensAction instruments include concentration measurements for liquid process media.

The acquisition of SensAction will be effective retroactively from 1 January 2017. Both parties have agreed to not disclose the details of the transaction. Stefan Rothballer and Michael Münch, two of SensAction’s founders, will continue to manage the innovative company’s business.