Substantial advances #in online measurement technology realised with launch of major new series of intelligent NIR gauges
Substantial advances #in online measurement technology realised with launch of major new series of intelligent NIR gauges
Keywords: Measurement, Infrared, Gauge
High speed measurement - ten times faster than conventional gauges.
Highly flexible configuration - for stand-alone or networked operation.
NDC Infrared Engineering, leader in online NIP, process measurement,announces a new generation of intelligent near infrared (NIR) gauges. MM710 (see Plate 4) breaks the traditional boundaries of online gauging with a range of technology innovations, to deliver "fit-and-forget" high performance measurement. The new gauge is unparalleled in its simplicity of operation. It is supplied pre-calibrated and requires no routine maintenance. As a result,cost-of-ownership is significantly lower than competitive measurement systems.
MM710 is designed for measurement and control of critical parameters such as moisture, fat, protein and sugars, in food, chemical, pharmaceutical and other bulk materials processes. In development of the new range, NDC Infrared Engineering has enhanced its proven measurement technology with additional features to guarantee reliability and stability. For the first time, the benefits of on-line measurement and control are available without the need for time- and resource- intensive re-calibration and maintenance procedures.
Plate 4MM710 from NDC Infrared Engineering breaks the traditional boundaries of online gauging to deliver "fit-and-forget" high performance measurement
The gauge can be installed almost anywhere in the process line regardless of ambient temperature conditions, factory lighting levels or variations in ambient relative humidity. No physical shielding is required, minimising the cost of the installation.
MM710 can be used to measure up to four different components at a time, for highly cost-effective process monitoring and control. For example, while moisture content may be the parameter of prime interest, others such as fat,protein and sugars could also be monitored and/or controlled, to meet legislative requirements, or for traceability.
The measurement technology developed and patented by NDC Infrared Engineering for the new gauge is ten times faster than conventional instruments and more precise than any competitive system. Each complete measurement is made in just 0.0075s (7.5ms).
The "virtually simultaneous" measurement reduces instrument noise and improves measurement accuracy. As a result, users can develop a better knowledge of short- and long-term variability of their processes, and can operate closer to target than ever before, for an even more rapid return on investment.
MM710 can provide reliable, consistent measurements even on products which may vary in colour, composition or particle size. NDC Infrared Engineering's virtual full spectrum (VFS) measurement concept makes better use of the near infrared spectrum information than conventional systems, allowing much more robust calibration models to be derived. Hence, the need for regular recalibration - a major barrier to use of the technology on many sites - is eliminated, further reducing the cost of ownership.
MM710 is an exceptionally stable gauge, which can be used in the control loop with confidence. Like previous NDC Infrared Engineering gauges, the new generation uses dual detectors to eliminate the effects of changes in the source lamp or other system components. The technique has been further refined for MM710 with a new "LAPDOG" feature which uses beam splitting technology to ensure its two detectors track each other faithfully.
Routine maintenance is not required for MM710. Active diagnostic features are built into the gauge, to automatically warn of any fault, and advise appropriate action. The window contamination monitor continuously checks for build-up of dust or dirt so there is no longer the need to routinely check its condition. The gauge monitors its own internal temperatures and will auto-shut down if excessive temperatures are detected as a result of a process problem. The unit accepts universal power input from 80-264 volts and incorporates auto-reset fuses to prevent accidental damage.
NDC Infrared Engineering has designed MM710 as a set of building blocks,allowing configuration to suit any single- or multi-gauge installation. The intelligent gauge provides calibrated measurements which can be displayed on an operator interface unit, or communicated direct to a computer system or control unit. Multiple gauges can be networked and a gateway provided to Ethernet or fieldbus devices such as Devicenet or Profibus. Analogue outputs allow conventional data collection by a PLC system.
Gauges and peripheral devices can be added to the network at any time,keeping initial investment to a minimum. Future expansion of the system is easy since all network devices are plug-and-play and self-binding.
MM710 is supplied in a robust cast aluminium housing with integral water/air cooling as standard. The gauge and all peripheral devices are sealed to IP65. A stainless steel, hygienic version, with sapphire window and food-grade seals is also available.
For further information contact Dr Ian B. Benson, NDC Infrared Engineering,Galliford Road, Maldon, Essex CM9 4XD. Tel: +44 (0) 1621 852244. Fax: +44 (0)1621 856180. E-mail: ibenson@ndcinfrared.comWeb site: www.ndcinfrared.com
