In-line
Traditional Approaches
Many different industries have pursued moving optical spectroscopy out of the lab and to their production
lines. The challenges of applying laboratory grade instruments to industrial processing lines are not trivial.
In most cases, spectrometers are bulky and delicate, and designed for lab environments, not for production
floors. Conventional spectrometers can be difficult to couple directly to the process line. Material sampling
is the technique of choice in many industries. The gases or liquids of interest are conveyed through elaborate
sampling techniques and devices to a spectrometer housed in a separate protected area. In some applications,
optical probes and fiberoptic bundles are used to convey light from a process line to the spectroscopic instrument.
Inability of directly coupling spectrometers to process lines affects precise and timely process control, as well as equipment cost. Sampling limits process control and product assurance, and increases equipment and maintenance costs. The use of probes affects measurement in spectral areas where optical fiber transmission is limited.
Now, Processline Embedded Optical Spectroscopy
The SpectrInline MOC™ (Multivariate Optical Computer):
- Can be coupled directly to a process line, with a quick release connection;
- Is non-invasive, and is separated from the process line by a sapphire window;
- Is specifically designed to withstand the harshness of production environments;
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Can be configured to work in the three most common spectroscopic regions and in various modes of operation:
- UV, Vis, NIR, MIR
- transmission, reflection, transflectance; and
- Is not affected by inherent optical throughput limitations from fiberoptic bundles.
SpectrInline provides real-time, in-line process control while directly coupled to the product chute or process line by connect coupling. SpectrInline precisely measures the concentration of moisture, fat, protein and other ingredients real-time. This application is currently in use in dry foods, salt, sugar, processed meats and wet and dry per food.
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Fewer Recalls
Minimize product recalls due to process control limited to samples -
Less Waste
Minimize waste due to time lag between analysis and process feedback -
Minimize Liability
Minimize product liability due to final product formulation being out of spec -
Protection
Protect personnel and materials from exposure during sample collection
