Measuring moisture for better process control

Responding to increasing customer demand for on-line measurement in more complex locations NDC Infrared Engineering has developed the innovative Clearvision viewing window attachment.

Responding to increasing customer demand for on-line measurement in more complex locations NDC Infrared Engineering has developed the innovative Clearvision viewing window attachment.

Designed to work with NDC Infrared Engineering's MM710 on-line sensor, Clearvision is claimed to allow variable insertion into products in places that would otherwise be inaccessible.

It is said to enable more accurate measurement of moisture and other key process constituents, allowing improved process control in bulk industries such as ceramic, chemical, detergent, and food.

It also ensures consistent on-line measurement of products which have surface characteristics that make them difficult to measure, for example where the surface is not representative of the whole material, or where the surface is obscured by steam.

Ideally, on-line non-contact measurement involves installing a gauge over an open conveyor, with direct access to the material.

In reality this is often problematic.

Clearvision is designed for constant monitoring of the process stream in complex installations such as in silo walls and ducting to allow access to continuously present materials such as powders, granules and flakes.

It is also claimed to be suitable for in pipes that contain slurries or pastes and in open conveyors where penetration into the product flow is desirable, for example in sugar beet pulp.

Measuring and controlling moisture and other constituent variation accurately in manufacturing processes is a key benefit in bulk manufacturing.

Continuous on-line measurement using Clearvision allows users to benefit from increased product yield by operating closer to the upper specification limit and will reduce scrap volumes claimed NDC.

"Clearvision is another example of how we continue to meet the challenges for accurate and consistent measurement of moisture and other key parameters being faced by food, ceramic, chemical and detergent manufacturers around the world," commented James Millard, marketing manger for NDC Infrared Engineering.

The attachment is made from hygienic food grade materials, is easy to install and requires no off-line calibration.

It features a self-cleaning action to keep product flowing across the viewing window and can be set to variable insertion depths into the material.

In addition, the product has an optional flexible coupling to isolate process vibration from the gauge said NDC.

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