Case Study: A Sticky Situation: How the Gill 7014 LevelSlick Aids in Dental Packaging
Accurate measurement in Dental Varnish Dispensing
Introduction
In healthcare packaging maintaining a clean and reliable environment are key. The Gill 7104 ‘LevelSlick’ sensor has revolutionized the packaging and dispensing of dental acrylic, particularly for dental varnish, which plays a crucial role in preventing tooth decay. This case study explores the application of the Gill 7104 sensor by a Gill customer who manufactures dental varnish dispensing equipment, highlighting its effectiveness and the subsequent benefits experienced by dental professionals.
Background
The customer in question specializes in manufacturing dental varnish dispensing equipment. Their primary product is a highly concentrated fluoride varnish designed to adhere to tooth enamel, thus preventing decay. As dental varnish is highly viscous, ensuring accurate measurement in the filling reservoir has always been a challenge. The company had struggled for years to find a suitable solution that could provide precise measurements, easy maintenance, and suitable for a healthcare environment.
Viscosity and Measurement
Dental varnish is a thick, sticky liquid that slides slowly down the sensor probe. Traditional sensors often fell short in measuring such viscous substances accurately. Often, over time and use the varnish would build up on the probe, resulting in false readings that were higher than the levels actually were. This also made traditional float sensors a non-option. The slow rate at which the varnish is used necessitated a sensor that could provide precise, real-time measurements to prevent waste and ensure optimal usage.
Maintenance and Decontamination
In a clinical environment, maintaining hygiene standards is critical. The sensor needed to be easily wipeable and capable of rapid decontamination with sanitary wipes between batches, ensuring that cross-contamination was avoided and hygiene was maintained.
Solution: Gill 7104 ‘LevelSlick’ Sensor
The Gill 7104 ‘LevelSlick’ sensor emerged as the perfect solution to these challenges. Its innovative design and advanced technology offered several benefits:
- Precision Measurement: The sensor provides accurate, real-time measurements of the dental varnish, allowing dental professionals to monitor fluid levels precisely.
- Easy Maintenance: The sensor’s smooth surface allows the varnish to slide down slowly but consistently, ensuring accurate readings. It also wipes down very easily and can be rapidly decontaminated with a sanitary wipe.
- Easy Installation: Use of Gill’s GS-Level software made installation and calibration for the varnish fast and easy.
LevelSlick has a robust contacting probe with a non-stick coating capable of continuous level measurement of difficult liquids. Unlike other market solutions, LevelSlick has a non-stick fluoropolymer (PTFE) coating and no holes or moving parts to block or stick.
Implementation and Results
After integrating the Gill 7104 ‘LevelSlick’ sensor into their equipment, the company observed several improvements:
- Enhanced Accuracy: Dentists and dental nurses could now precisely monitor how much fluid was left in the tank, ensuring timely refills and optimal usage.
- Improved Hygiene: The ease of cleaning and rapid decontamination of the sensor helped maintain high hygiene standards, critical in a clinical setting.
- Operational Efficiency: The sensor’s accuracy reduced wastage, making the dispensing process more efficient and cost-effective.
Gill’s 7014 sensor offered a novel solution for monitoring dental varnish. It’s non-stick, solid surface makes it ideal for a wide variety of applications ranging from measuring ground water to use in food and beverage.
Conclusion
The Gill 7104 ‘LevelSlick’ sensor has proven to be a game-changer for the company, addressing their long-standing challenges with precision, efficiency, and ease of maintenance. Its successful integration into dental varnish dispensing equipment underscores the importance of innovative sensor technology in enhancing the quality and efficiency of dental care products.
