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| Viscometers and rheometers for chocolate manufacture The HAAKE Viscotester 550 assists in the measurement of data and different parameters that influence the quality of the chocolate. When used in conjunction with the use of the HAAKE RheoWin software, it is possible to graphically visualise the measured data. With the RheoScope module for the HAAKE MARS Rheometer platform, structural examinations can be performed using optical microscopy at the same time as the rheological measurements. In this way, the melting behaviour of fat samples and crystal formation can be studied. A Universal holder makes it possible to take measurements in original containers, such as jars of chocolate sauce. This eliminates the time-consuming process of pouring out samples and cleaning cups, and also preserves the material structures. Kaye Griffin, Rheology Solutions Pty Ltd Quality control measurement of liquids and packaging On-line systems often provide streamlined data, showing changes in more limited criteria for the product during the process. In this way corrective action can be quickly taken, minimising potential for waste and reprocessing. Laboratory instruments, designed for quick data collection (only a few seconds or minutes) and intuitive understanding of the data can also be useful in this respect where no proven on-line alternative exists. On-line monitoring of shear viscosity is widely accepted for many kinds of materials including for liquid foods, and molten polymer packaging. In-pipe or in-tank probes can closely monitor the shear viscosity of the material in situ, allowing operators and engineers to take appropriate action to maintain the specifications of the food product. These probes can also be mounted at the die end of an extruder to monitor the viscosity of molten polymer before the moulding of packaging. Post-extrusion, the quality of the packaging material can be monitored optically to detect, catalogue and notify when user defined flaws exist in the packaging material (eg fish eyes, pinholes, dark/light spots etc). For filling a liquid food into a package (by pouring, squirting, spraying etc), extensional viscosity often dominates the process. Unfortunately, there is no proven on-line method for monitoring the extensional viscosity of foods as they are dispensed from above into their packaging. However, a novel, simple and quick laboratory technique has been developed for this purpose – measuring the relative impact of the extensional properties of a liquid. In this way the product and the packaging can be monitored on-line right through the process, until the product has safely been deposited in its packaging. Rheology Solutions designed the Marimex ViscoScope Viscometer for this purpose. The system data can be fed to the programmable logic controller (PLC) within the production process and by monitoring viscosity and temperature in-line, any out of specification product is identified and the process can then be adjusted accordingly. This system can be used within pumping, mixing and storage stages for raw materials and finished products to consistently measure and report on viscosity and temperature changes. The ViscoScope system consists of a rugged sensor and associated electronics, which has been designed for process environments. The sensor has high resistance against foreign influences and can be applied in many industries including chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and food industries. Dependent on the application requirements one or two Pt100 temperature measurement devices will be used within the sensor. The first Pt100 is built into the sensor probe itself and measures the process temperature at the same location at which the viscosity is being measured. A second Pt100 is used in higher temperature applications to measure the coil temperature. Besides internal monitoring and analysis of the health of the sensor, the second Pt100 can be used for temperature control of the coils, providing consistent performance of the sensor at changing high process temperatures. Customer calibration is not required. Start-up of the system is accomplished in a few steps, including an automatic zero procedure, which can be initiated from the front panel, a pocket PC or remotely. Maintenance free operation of the ViscoScope system provides low cost of ownership. The sensors are approved for hazardous areas. Rheology Solutions also provide on-line optical systems that are capable of delivering solutions for QC monitoring, particularly for raw materials or final products used in pellet or free flowing powder form, or for sheets and films of various opague, semi-transparent and transparent materials. These on-line systems are based on optical closed circuit cameras, and are used to observe the powder/pellets or film/sheet. Comprehensive software can analyse the images, recognising and cataloguing user-defined abnormalities, complete with images, sizes and user defined classifications, including tears, scratches, holes, discolourations, as well as dimensional irregularities for pellets and so on. The system can be trained to recognise (or ignore) and catalogue any defect seen by the camera, and the camera can be used in either transmission mode (for transparent films) or reflection mode (for opaque films, or a combination of both). The web inspection system FSP 600 detects, documents and protocols optical defects on transparent and opaque/coloured film using transmission and reflection lighting technology. The lighting technology is a special lighting unit with a focussing lens. This lamp uses high frequency standard fluorescence tubes, so that service and maintenance costs are very low. The maintenance can be carried out easily by the customer. The high end system uses Fuzzy algorithms and is able to distinguish between a fly and a gel (for example). The easy Teach-In classification enables the operator to select and name the defect classes by evaluating the defect images. Then a classifier automatically determines the parameters for these defect classes. Furthermore, the operator has the possibility to evaluate the defect image with a 3-D Analyser. The Filmtest Evaluation Software enables the customer to re-analyse the defect information according to other specifications. Rheology Solutions Texture analysis in the quest for perfection With the help of food physicist Malcolm Povey and Stable Micro Systems’ TA.XTPlus texture analyser, the popular BBC show recently showed chef Heston Blumenthal combining science and cookery in order to create the perfect crispy fish batter. After struggling to produce the ultimate batter – one that hardens on the outside while steaming the fish gently from within – Chef Blumenthal visited Malcolm Povey, Professor of Food Physics at Leeds University. Well known for his extensive work in food science, Professor Povey pioneered Stable Micro Systems’s acoustic envelope detector, which measures the burst of sound generated when food is bitten or snapped. Utilising this innovative instrument along with a TA.XTPlus texture analyser and ball probe, Professor Povey and Mr Blumenthal tested batter to identify what constitutes the ideal crispness. According to the sound pulses measured, the results showed that the more bubbles there are in batter, the crispier, and more appealing, it will be. Described as a man who has made cooking a science, Chef Blumenthal’s work reflects his innovative cooking philosophy. A self-taught chef, his cuisine has earned him three Michelin stars and includes such dishes as snail porridge and bacon and egg ice-cream. Chef Blumenthal’s work with Professor Povey demonstrates the wide scope of texture analysis. Providing essential data on the texture of foods, it is proving to be an invaluable tool in many sectors, enabling scientists and food manufacturers alike to create perfect foods time after time. Other novel attachments for TA.XTPlus texture analyser used in testing cereal and baking products include the Noodle/Pasta Loop Tensile Rig which aids manufacturers in testing the resilience and consumer appeal of cooked sheet pasta and noodles and Peel rigs for testing packages. The TA.XTPlus texture analyser is available in Australia from Arrow Scientific. Arrow Scientific Pty Ltd State-of-the-art XRD analysis As a result, Empyrean is able to measure all sample types – from powders to thin films, from nanomaterials to 3D objects – on a single instrument. Users can switch between application set-ups in a fast and cost-effective way using PANalytical’s proven PreFIX modules. Dedicated hardware, software and regulatory expertise incorporated in pre-defined programs, and a customisable desktop and batch sample capabilities help make advanced functions accessible to all. Dr Martijn Fransen, Product Marketing Manager XRD, said, “Empyrean is PANalytical’s answer to the challenges of modern materials research. … The lifetime of a PANalytical diffractometer stretches further than the typical horizon of a single research program and, for many scientists, an ability to accommodate change is a ‘must-have’ feature in their decision to invest in an XRD system.” For many users, powder samples are their primary interest. However, with respect to thin films, Empyrean provides for high-resolution epitaxy analysis and handles all common applications. Investigations into nanomaterials can also be performed with the system: size and shape of crystalline domains within the material, and structural analysis of near amorphous materials are all possible. PDF (pair distribution function), SAXS (small angle X-ray scattering), and even the ability to monitor the evolution of crystalline phases in situ with the unique slurry flow cell stage are all possible on the advanced Empyrean platform. Finally, the internal structure of solid objects can be studied without having to be cut: the unique PIXcel3D detector can be used as a CT scanner allowing non-destructive analysis of various products including food. PANalytics promote the use of their X-ray analysis systems for heavy metal determination as well as rapid product and raw material fingerprinting, adulteration and product tampering. PANalytical Spectris Australia Pty Ltd Viscosity measurement training Brookfield offers two courses that provide users of Brookfield instrumentation with the hands-on knowledge to get the most out of their viscosity test methods. The training sessions are presented in easy-to-understand terms that provide the working knowledge to verify and improve upon the data required for meaningful R&D and successful quality control testing. The courses are offered at Brookfield’s facility in Middleboro, Massachusetts, USA, and at major metropolitan areas across the USA. Remaining sessions in 2010 for the first course, Practice Course on Viscosity Measurements, will be run on 12 and 19 August and 9 and 15 September and the second course, Applied Course on Viscosity Test Methods, will be held 16 September. Practice Course on Viscosity is designed for operators at all levels of experience while Applied Course on Viscosity Test Methods is designed for intermediate to advanced operators. Further information is available at Multi-tasking inline photometry All process measurements are stored internally and on an SD card or USB stick for easy data exchange and further correlation analysis. This makes the Memograph M CVM40 suitable for optimising process control and product yield, as the interactions of various process variables are made clearly visible. The calculation and table functionality of the CVM40 further enhances its ability to provide the process engineer with a range of interpretive information. Laboratory grab sample requirements are significantly reduced, and are limited to only those instances when verification or calibrations are carried out. The patented Easycal system enables easy and traceable in-line verification and calibration without liquid standards. The recorder’s high level of functionality is matched with a high level of data security and features all the technical controls for compliance with the FDA’s 21 CFR Part 11 Rule on electronic records and signatures. The 17.8 cm (7”) TFT large colour display provides optimum readability which together with the intuitive menu guidance system ensures easy and safe operation in the most difficult conditions. The combination of functionality, traceability, and data analysis makes the CVM40 suitable for use in a range of applications in the life science, chemical, food, oil and gas and environmental industries. Jimmy Britz, Endress+Hauser Australia Titration analysis in one simple step “Labs who undertake titration analysis will be pleasantly surprised at just how much the AquaMax can offer. The instrument is compact and can be easily positioned on a laboratory bench. It also features an in-built battery for those who require in-field measurement,” said Lucas Anstiss, Managing Director of Graintec Scientific. With the instrument pre-programmed, the analysis is executed with only “one” button push – everything else is automatic. The moisture meters have been specifically designed for the determination of water content. Combining coulometry with the Karl Fischer method, the AquaMax titrators determine the water content of samples by measuring the electrolysis current necessary to produce the required iodine – this is an absolute technique which does not require the calibration of reagents. The unit is delivered ready for operation and the glassware pack, including electrodes, titration vessel, leads, syringe, printer paper, etc is supplied as standard. Industry applications include testing and analytical laboratories, universities, R&D departments, and petrochemical, power (electricity), automotive, aviation, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The AquaMax is manufactured in the UK by GR Scientific. GR Scientific are a family-orientated company with expertise in coulometric Karl Fischer titration technology. They have been designing and manufacturing coulometric titrators for 30 years. Graintec Scientific Gerhardt products in Australia Perten Instruments (incorporating Newport Scientific), with its range of testing equipment for the food, feed, grain and flour industries, has signed an agreement with C. Gerhardt GmbH & Co, Germany. Perten will now provide applications, sales and service support exclusively for Gerhardt products in Australia and New Zealand. Perten Instruments manufactures testing equipment in Australia and Sweden for quality control, process monitoring and R&D for the grain, flour, food and feed industries. The Gerhardt range includes extraction software, and distillation, digestion, heating, shaking and combustion systems as well as fibre analysis. Gerhardt reference testing equipment is suitable for use in developing and validating calibrations for the Perten range of laboratory and process control NIR analysers. The DUMATHERM from C. Gerhardt provides fast, precise and cost-efficient combustion analysis of nitrogen according to the Dumas method. New furnace chamber design, combined with direct analysis of all resulting gases, provides results in 2–3 minutes. Operation and control of the DUMATHERM is achieved using an external PC. Oxygen gas usage is minimised via software control of the combustion process. Combustion products are rapidly separated to reduce maintenance requirements and reduce the cost per analysis. The autosampler sample chambers are also rinsed with helium to ensure atmospheric gas cannot enter the combustion chamber. The total amount of nitrogen in the sample is analysed during each measurement to a detection limit of 0.01 mg N absolute. The DUMATHERM meets the AOAC standard for protein determination in grain, meat and meat products, feed and malt, along with nitrogen analysis in soil and fertilisers. Perten Instruments On-Line diode array NIR and camera analyser provide real-time, in process analysis for the grain, flour, food and feed processing industries. The analyser enables automatic process control, immediate manual intervention, faster start-up and grade changes and full traceability of the entire production. The On-Line analyser is based on the Perten Instruments DA7200 on-bench analyser. Both instruments use the same calibrations and easy-to-use software, and share many aspects of operation and management. The On-Line analyser features a rugged vibration resistant design with explosion proof classifications according to ATEX and IECEx, and is equipped with an OPC server. The combination of NIR and colour camera technology enables measurement of chemical parameters such as protein and starch damage, measurement of L, a and b values and detection of dark spots in flour, semolina and other powder products. Raul Ovelar, Perten Instruments Australia Automation in ion chromatography The 815 Robotic Soliprep is a state-of-the-art sample processor, which reliably transfers both liquid and solid samples to an ion chromatograph. A broad range of working steps such as pulverising, homogenising, extracting, filtering or diluting can be done by the 815 Robotic Soliprep and included in the analysis method. Due to the incorporation of in-line sample preparation into the analysis system, manual intervention is no longer required during the determination. The sample rack of the 815Robotic Soliprep is equipped with various inserts, sample beakers, syringe filters and needles and can be customised on demand to meet individual customer’s specifications. Combined with Metrohm’s advanced ion chromatographs, the 815 Robotic Soliprep opens up numerous new applications and application fields. Applications include, among others, the analysis of ingredients and contaminants in tablets, animal feed, sediments or food. Further information is available at www.metrohm.com. MEP Instruments Pty Ltd Packaging testing systems The Falling Dart Impact Tester covers the determination of the energy that causes polyethylene film to fail under specified conditions, with the impact of a free-falling dart. This energy is expressed in terms of weight (mass) of the dart falling from a specified height, which would result in 50% failure of specimens tested. The instrument is manufactured with reference to international standards used for flexible films – ASTM D 1709, AS/NZS 4347.6, ISO 7765-1, JIS K7124 and GB 9639. As specified in the standard, two test methods are achievable with the Falling Dart Impact Tester:
IDM Instruments, in conjunction with AMCOR Research and Technology, have also designed and manufactured the F0022 FLEXSEAL®, an advanced leak detection system designed for monitoring the seal performance of flexible and semi-rigid packages. FLEXSEAL® was developed in response to an industry-wide need for improved quality assurance of packaged food and medical products. FLEXSEAL® is a useful tool for the manufacturer needing an airtight package, where protection of the internal product from environmental elements is necessary to ensure the end user of quality. The unit provides the user with a valuable visual method of determining the integrity of the package and seal. The simple process is quick and easy to monitor the heat-sealing process in production. It allows rapid detection of failures, enabling early corrective action to be taken. It has adjustable air pressure and can be programmed for specific products. The Crease Bend Tester for cardboard and corrugated cardboard produced by IDM Instruments can be used mainly to monitor scoring equipment to ensure box performance, by measuring the bending resistance of creased board at the time of folding at the crease. The maximum force required to bend the sample board is displayed on the digital display. The Crease Bend Tester is claimed to be the only one of its kind that uses a pneumatic sample clamp to hold a 300 mm wide sample in place while a motorised load bar applies pressure to the sample on the other side of the crease. Corrugated converters use the Crease Bend Tester to aid in making adjustments to improve the quality; thus ensuring the end user will have boxes that run effectively on their production line. IDM Instruments Vacuum chamber for packaging testing Available in Australia and New Zealand through SI Instruments, the VCC consists of a transparent chamber with a pressure measuring system from 200 up to 1000 mBar. The vacuum chamber gives 360º visibility, and allows visual pinpointing of any leak, as well as being a convenient size – internal dimensions are 400 x 300 x 220 mm. The operator friendly digital controller allows test routines to be pre-programmed and can store data from up to 10 000 tests. Test turn around time of multiple samples can be as low as 30 seconds. Steve Doolan, SI Instruments At-line NIR Meat Analyser Easy to use, and with automated sample detection, the InfraLab requires no special user skills. As the unit uses NIR reflection, the InfraLab does not require contact with the product sample. The sample dish is placed on a turntable; the instrument automatically recognises that there is a sample and begins the analysis. Measurement data can be stored in sthe instrument and/or downloaded to a PC at any time for in-depth analysis by tracking measurement values product by product over long time periods. The agent for NDC Infrared Engineering in Australia is NSW-based B-R Control Pty Ltd (www.brcontrols.com.au). New waterproof X-ray system IP-69K rating requires that product in question must be able to withstand five bursts from a steam jet (80 to 100 bar at 80ºC ± 5ºC with flow rate of 14 to 16 L/min) held at angles of 0º, 30º, 60º and 90º from a distance of between 100 to 150 mm. Ishida X-ray systems are available exclusively in Australia and New Zealand from Heat and Control. Amber Crowley, Heat and Control New mozzarella cooker stretcher The GPiCS is a direct steam injection system that was specifically developed by GoldPeg, who specialise in direct steam injection cooking and processing technology, with the support of an Australian Government grant and extensive testing at CSIRO Australia. The unit is a low pressure, low shear, direct steam injection continuous cooking system which responds to the needs of sensitive natural mozzarella and pasta filata specifications. Its flexibility allows it to produce of a full range of natural mozzarella, string cheese and pasta filata varieties. The system is also sensitive to the environmental/effluent pressures on food manufacturers. GoldPeg claims that their innovative ‘dry’ cooker stretcher produces high quality natural mozzarella and pasta filata with identical composition, sensory and functionality to a traditional wet cooker product. The GPiCS cooker stretcher will be launched at ITCE, International Cheese Technology Expo, on 20–22 April 2010 in Wisconsin, USA (www.cheeseexpo.org). Detecting antibiotic residues in milk This antibiotic test involves adding the milk to the MRL-3 test strip, incubating for three minutes and reading the result on the ROSA reader. The reader stores results electronically for record keeping and reporting. For the Australian dairy industry, the ROSA MRL tests provide the closest match Australian/Codex Maximum Residue Limits. ROSA tests are promoted as being convenient for farmers, field personnel, veterinarians, haulers, milk receivers and lab personnel. Value is added to testing programs with data acquisition software, bar-coded test strips and RFID/key FOB integration to strengthen data security and traceability. In addition to B-lactam, other ROSA test kits that can be run on the same equipment include tetracyclines, sulphonamides, chloramphenicol, enrofloxacin, streptomycin and aflatoxin M1 (quantitative). ROSA has been adopted by global dairy companies such as Fonterra NZ. In the in-transit testing programs implemented by Fonterra NZ, the tanker driver draws a composite sample from the tanker after the last farm pick-up, starts the ROSA MRL test, and drives to the plant. The in-transit incubator is equipped with an automatic shut-off feature so the results are stabilised at the end of the incubation time. The completed test strip is read in seconds at the plant, thereby reducing turnaround time at milk intake and expediting production of a safe, wholesome and quality product. Raw milk screening FOSS has extended the availability of software functionality that helps to detect adulterated raw milk. The software allows MilkoScan™ analysers based on Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) technology to be programmed to give a warning of possible abnormalities in raw milk samples. MilkoScan instruments are already used around the world to check raw milk for payment and quality assurance purposes. Raw milk containing abnormalities is a growing international problem.
The abnormalities can be caused by deliberate adulteration, eg with
lard or melamine or by accident, eg if milk from cows and buffalo are
mixed. The ability to program analysers used in routine testing operations
allows users to adopt a screening approach to incoming raw milk samples. The system works by monitoring the results of analysis performed using infrared spectroscopy. Looking at raw milk from a spectroscopic point of view, natural raw milk has a particular spectrum – a unique fingerprint. It is possible to program an infrared spectroscopy analyser to recognise the spectra (or fingerprint) representing normal milk. A warning is then given when samples do not match the fingerprint. “The screening approach is a powerful tool in tackling milk adulteration, whether this occurs by accident or on purpose. With this screening option, quality assurance people can quickly check for many different types of adulteration and with no extra time or cost per routine test,” said FOSS dairy market manager Dorthe Bisgaard. Measuring product volume For example, insufficient loaf volume at the test stage indicates either very weak or very strong flour, or an imbalance of enzyme activity. Higher volume tends to be associated with more aerated crumb and superior texture and consumers believe they are getting more for their money. This information is then used to modify the dough mix, so that the final product can be properly handled by automatic slicing machines, and packed into standard-sized bags. The Volscan Profiler claims to speed up this process, so that the optimum dough mix can be achieved rapidly and efficiently. Previous methods to calculate dough volume include seed displacement, in which the amount of rape seed or pearl barley packed around the loaf in a standard container is measured. This method is time consuming and unreliable due to seed clumping, moisture absorption and potential crushing of the product. The Volscan Prolifer, however, provides a non-contact method, the results of which can be obtained rapidly and accurately. The test sample is easily located at each end onto the mounting device. The item is then weighed and an eye-safe laser device scans vertically to measure its contours at selectable intervals whilst it rotates. This assessment can take from a few seconds to a few minutes, depending upon the chosen interval and the preferred precision. Upon completion, the following measurements can be quickly determined: bread volume, length, maximum width, maximum height, height of the maximum width and width of the maximum height. These numbers are then further manipulated to automatically calculate and display the volume yield of the bread based on the weight of the flour used (volume/100 g flour). All measurement data is saved in spreadsheet files for easy access and analysis. The scanned data can be viewed in both 2D and 3D representations to allow comparisons with previous archived measurements. Flowmeter for in-line viscosity measurement Dual-mode and modified Torsion Mode Balance (TMB) are both significant enhancements to the application of the Coriolis principle which are key to the higher functionality and accuracy of the Promass I. The flowmeter’s patented TMB counterbalance system improves the specifications for both mass flow and zero point stability. Its robust design and fully balanced system ensure that it is not influenced by plant vibration and temperature shocks; maintaining an accuracy of 0.1% even during CIP/SIP cleaning periods. The dual-mode makes the new Promass I the first commercial Coriolis mass flowmeter to use two simultaneous resonant frequencies of 600–700 Hz for mass flow and 900 Hz for viscosity measurement. This specifically eliminates the adverse effects of air entrainment on the viscosity measurement, providing higher accuracy and increasing the range of reliable applications. The meter’s design complies with industry specific requirements. For example, IEC Ex approvals for explosion hazard areas, or compliance with the hygienic standards of 3A, EHEDG and FDA, which make it suitable for healthcare, food and beverage applications. The integrated software package provides users with derived measurements such as Brix, fat content, suspended solids, Baume, degrees Plato and percentage of alcohol. By providing precise and reliable real-time viscosity measurements the new Promass I enables process quality improvements and cost efficiencies, whilst the improved specifications of mass flow, density and temperature measurements set new performance benchmarks for the Coriolis principle. Endress+Hauser Australia TurbiCheck white light turbidity meter New from Lovibond is the TurbiCheck WL White Light Turbidity Meter! The TurbiCheck WL allows easy turbidity measurement in either the field or laboratory. Using a white light source and 90° detection, the TurbiCheck WL meets the specifications for EPA turbidity measurement (US EPA Standard 180.1). A power efficient micro-circuit design allows the instrument to yield 5000 tests on 4-AA alkaline batteries with an estimated 7–10 year bulb life. The instrument features Auto-Ranging, automatically selecting the correct turbidity range for your sample. Calibration is simple with the included calibration standards. The instrument comes with all required items for testing including the TurbiCheck WL turbidity meter, sample cuvettes, batteries, calibration standards, manual and carrying case.
TurbiCheck WL specifications
The Australian distributor is: New freezer proof RFID tags The Dogbone RFID tag design offers up to 240-bit of EPC memory and
an additional 64-bit locked tag identifier code and 32-bit serial number.
It has a printable white synthetic face that can be printed over with
an RFID thermal transfer label printer for encrypting and printing of
user readable information. The RFID tags can be placed on pallets, cartons and even product packaging and does not require “line-of-sight” to be read. If RFID readers are installed onto the forklifts, then the entire process of receiving, dispatching and storing of frozen goods can be automated. This system eliminates data errors from manual input, provides a platform for instant real-time locating of products and product movement information and reduces labour costs. Thermal mass flow meter for carbon dioxide applications The ST75 Flow Meter is designed for demanding process industry plant environments. The meter is designed for line sizes from 6 to 51mm and provides three unique outputs: the mass flow rate, totalised flow and media temperature. With accuracy to ±1% of reading and ±0.5% repeatability, the ST75 meter’s design includes media temperature compensation to ensure performance under variable process and plant temperature conditions. Its precision flow element has a no-moving parts design that employs platinum RTD sensors embedded in equal mass thermowells with microprocessor electronics that can be calibrated to laboratory standards for CO2 as well as many other gases. The ST75 Flow Meter operates over a wide flow range, from 0.01 to 950 NCMH depending on line size, which makes it equally well suited for low flow and high flow applications. For variable process conditions, the ST75 is factory preset to a wide turndown range at 10:1 to 100:1. Developed with FCI’s thermal dispersion technology, the ST75 provides direct-flow measurement for more accurate performance at a lower cost by eliminating the need for temperature sensors, flow computers, or other devices that are required with orifice plates, Venturis, Vortex shedding and other meters. Its no-moving parts feature is designed to ensure superior service life. There are no orifices or inlets to clog or foul, which significantly reduces scheduled maintenance and unplanned shut-downs. The ST75 Flow Meter’s standard outputs are fully scaleable 4–20mA and 0–10V. They are user assignable to flow rate and/or temperature and a 0–1kHz pulse output of total flow. The instrument can be ordered for input power with either 18 to 36 Vdc or 85 to 265 Vac, with or without a built-in LCD digital display. The ST75 is enclosed in a rugged, all-metal, dust and water resistant NEMA Type 4X (IP66) rated package designed for hazardous area installations. AMS Instrumentation & Calibration Pty Ltd
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Rheological
measurements are essential in optimising the production and properties
of confectionery. The HAAKE Viscotester 550 is used to determine
the flow behaviour and yield point of chocolate melts according to the
guidelines of the expert commission of the Office International du Cacao,
du Chocolat et de la Confiserie (OICCC), therefore influencing product
characteristics such as melt and setting behaviour.
An
extensive range of accessories for the range of viscometers and rheometers
is available to cover the unique aspects of a wide variety of applications.
For example, a bending instrument is available for the rheometer line
which can be used to place bars of chocolate and perform bending, breakage
and penetration tests.
In
order to achieve high quality merchandise with minimal production losses,
good process control and monitoring is critical. This is true for production
of both a food product itself, the packaging, and putting the former
inside the latter efficiently. Laboratory and on-line systems are capable
of delivering solutions for quality control (QC) monitoring, and in
cases where extra information about the flow properties (of liquid foods)
is unnecessary, an on-line option can be the most useful.
In
his recent prime-time TV series, In Search of Perfection, chef
Heston Blumenthal has turned to texture analysis with a TA.XTPlus
texture analyser to help him perfect classic dishes.
X-ray
analytical instrument manufacturer PANalytical, Almelo, The Netherlands
(www.panalytical.com), has made advances in multi-purpose X-ray
diffraction (XRD) with the launch of its Empyrean high-performance
diffractometer. Every major element of Empyrean is new: the
X-ray source, the state-of-the-art goniometer, the sample stages and
the radiation enclosure. Importantly, the instrument also introduces
the world’s first 3D detection system, PIXcel3D.
Endress+Hauser’s
Memograph M CVM40 optical measurement recorder not only provides
continuous measurement of UV absorption, colour, NIR absorption, turbidity
and cell growth, it claims to also record other relevant process values
such as flow, pressure, temperature.
Graintec
Scientific recently announced the launch of the new AquaMax KF
moisture meter for titration analysis. The AquaMax is claimed
to raise the bar in terms of titration analysis in its most simplest
and convenient form.
Pressure
to increase output while reducing costs requires laboratory automation
wherever possible. Metrohm’s new 815 Robotic Soliprep
claims to meet this demand as it allows complete automate preparation
and analysis of liquid and solid samples in ion chromatography. It provides
maximum flexibility as it can be customised on demand to meet individual
customer’s specific requirements.
Since
the beginning of 2010, IDM Instruments have released a number of instruments
to test various parameters of packaging materials.
The
VCC 1010 Vacuum Chamber from BCI Testequip in Belgium provides
an affordable, non-destructive leak detection system for various packaging,
both rigid and flexible. A fully sealed package, with or without modified
atmosphere, preserves the durable quality of products and guarantees
security.
NDC
Infrared Engineering (www.ndcinfrared.com) demonstrated its
simple-to-use InfraLab at-line NIR Meat Analyzer at IFFA 2010
in Frankfurt in May. IFFA is a leading trade show for the meat processing
sector. At-line measurement using NDC’s proven NIR (Near Infrared)
technology provides a rapid (less than 10 s) and accurate measurement
of moisture, fat or protein in meat, without the need to send samples
off for time-consuming laboratory analysis.
With
IP-69K waterproof construction, the new X-ray inspection system IX-GA-DK
series from Ishida can be used for meat, poultry, seafood and other
food processors requiring wash down construction. With its unique construction,
the new model is able to completely keep water from entering the X-ray
machine and withstanding high-pressure water while it keeps high-inspection
sensitivity. The X-GA-DK model contributes to hygiene management and
food safety at manufacturing sites.
GPiCS
is GoldPeg’s (www.goldpeg.com) new innovative and flexible
‘dry’ cooker stretcher for mozzarella. The cooker produces
sensitive natural mozzarella and pasta filata varieties continuously
with no cook water.
Arrow
Scientific (www.arrowscientific.com.au) has introduced the
ROSA® (Rapid One Step Assay) platform for dairy testing.
The ROSA platform is based on dedicated ‘litmus like’
strip tests that can be read with a small ROSA reader. Milk
testing for antibiotic residues can be performed in a matter of minutes.
The
Volscan Profiler from Arrow Scientific (www.arrowscientific.com.au)
is a benchtop, laser-based instrument which allows manufacturers to
measure the volume of a product. This provides information relating
to the inherent qualities of the product, which in turn affects consumer
perception of the finished product.
In
many process industries, the accurate measurement of viscosity is crucial
to the quality of the product. Measuring viscosity directly in the process
provides the real-time process conditions. This method eliminates the
costly process delays typically associated with transferring samples
to the lab. Endress+Hauser’s second generation of the Promass
I Coriolis flowmeter, delivers in-line viscosity measurement as
well as improved specifications of mass flow, density and temperature
measurements.
TurbiCheck
WL highlights
Peacock
Bros. (www.peacocks.com.au) now supply UPM Raflatac freezer
proof RFID tags designed to operate reliably within freezer environments
down to –40°C.
The
ST75 Flow Meter from Fluid Components International (FCI) claims
to deliver precise direct mass flow measurement of gases in an easy
to install insertion style instrument that requires almost no maintenance
over a long life.
