The MCT700 & MCT750 In-Line Food-Grade NIR Sensor offers rapid, continuous analysis for manufacturing operators to monitor incoming raw materials or process control on the production line. The in-line, non-contact sensors accurately measure moisture, oil/fat, temperature and other parameters.
Real-Time Analysis of Moisture, Oil/Fat, and Other Parameters for Process and Quality Control
Real-Time Analysis of Moisture, Oil/Fat, and Other Parameters for Process and Quality Control
Benefits
- Ensure food products have the ideal texture and flavor by measuring moisture, fat, temperature, and more
- Make quick decisions and adjustments to the production line (e.g., adjust oven or fryer temperature) using the analysis data
- Save costs and reduce waste, which improves your company’s bottom line
Features
- High-speed measurement allows capturing up to 100 readings per second
- Simple to operate, integrate and standardize across multiple lines and locations
- Rugged IP67 (MCT700) and IP69 (MCT750) food-grade enclosure options available; IP67- and NEMA 4X-rated 7-inch local display
- Proprietary temperature-controlled detector ensures measurement stability
- Fully modular with all components easily replaceable in the field
- Customizable measurement area to analyze unique food products
- Simple troubleshooting with advanced on-board diagnostics
Applications
Process NIR Applications for Food Manufacturers
The MCT566 Online NIR Smart Sensor is used by food manufacturers to monitor and control moisture, oil/fat, and product temperature during the process for many types of food, including:
- Potato Chips
- Corn Chips
- Tortillas
- Cookies
- Crackers
- Pretzels
- Extruded Snacks
- Bread Crumbs
- Oil Base Flavorings
- Doughs/Dough Sheets
- Breakfast Cereals
- Popcorn
- Pork Rinds
- Sausage Skins
- Ground Meat
- Rendering
- Products
- Animal Feed Ingredients
- Flours and Starch
- Milk Powders
- Potato Flakes
- Sugar and Sugar Beets
- Salts
- Coffee, Tea, and Cocoa Powders
- And Many More
Product Lineup
Other Models in the Series
Proven to perform in harsh conditions for industrial applications, the MCT700 Series products are built to last, are simple to install, and are virtually maintenance free for years of reliable, consistent results.
- High-speed measurement capturing up to 100 readings per second.
- Stainless steel housing; IP67 and IP69 options available. IP67-rated user interface enclosure.
- Designed for demanding conditions in food and snack food manufacturing.
How It Works
Proven Technology for Food Applications
The MCT Series NIR sensors are integrated into key areas of a production process to continuously monitor incoming raw materials or control processes on the production line. Each option is designed to integrate seamlessly over belt conveyors or bins & chutes to analyze moisture, oil, and other in-line measurements.
The MCT scanning process is simple but reliable:
- Light from the lamp is directed through a rotating wheel at 2000 rpm (up to 6000 rpm) containing NIR filters selected for the application.
- NIR light is directed onto the product being measured.
- The light reflected off the product is captured by a mirror within the unit and focused onto a Peltier Cooled lead sulfide detector.
- The detector’s output is taken by the on-board “smart” circuit board and compares to the internal reference beam. This is then converted into a percent of moisture, oil, and other parameters.
High-Speed Gating Analysis
The MCT700 & MCT750 allows for the analysis of segmented products on a conveyor at full-line speeds. Through this process, the sensor will only provide measurements when product is under the sensor, thereby making the system suitable for applications with a non-continuous product flow. High-speed gating capabilities make the food-grade sensors ideal for measuring moisture and fat content in high-throughput food operations, including:
- Cookies/biscuits
- Snack cakes
- Candy bars/granola bars
- Individually packed noodles
- Freeze-dried portioned products
Installation
-- Installations
Belt Conveyor Installations: MCT700 & MCT750 sensors are mounted 200-450 mm (8-18 in) above the conveyor, ideally with continuous product.
Augers & Screw Conveyors: Installing the MCT700 & MCT750 on top of Augers and Screw conveyors allows for a measurement of the flow of material being conveyed by the flights of a screw. The KPM NIR Sensors are installed offset to the side of the central shaft while the influence of the flights passing the unit are eliminated by the instrument’s software.
Bins and Chutes: Sapphire Sight Glass Windows can be used for continuous flow of products against the window.
Traversing Analysis: The optional food-grade Guardian-HD traversing frame allows for analyzing products across a full belt width, including move & park scanning.
Accessories
Software
All MCT Series models use the proprietary SensorVu Windows®- based PC software, allowing operators to insert set-up parameters, perform or adjust calibrations, select product codes, examine internal diagnostic values, and remotely view moisture and temperature trends. SensorVu can also connect to multiple MCT Series analyzers in a single location for multi-system monitoring.
The MCT700 Series uses proprietary ViewerSuite Windows®- based PC software, allowing operators to insert set-up parameters, perform or adjust calibrations, select product codes, examine internal diagnostic values and remotely view moisture and temperature trends.
The MCT700 Series uses proprietary ViewerSuite Windows®- based PC software, allowing operators to insert set-up parameters, perform or adjust calibrations, select product codes, examine internal diagnostic values and remotely view moisture and temperature trends.
Trend screen with logging capability displays process reading changes in real time.
Trend screen with logging capability displays process reading changes in real time.
Review sensor health and performance from easy-to-follow prompts.
Review sensor health and performance from easy-to-follow prompts.
Simple, graphical calibration routine for quick setup of new products.
Simple, graphical calibration routine for quick setup of new products.
Specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if your application is subject to airborne particles (dust, atomized oil from ingredients, etc.), an air purge integrated into the light tube assembly will be necessary to avoid contaminating the sensor window. Users should periodically check and clean the window surface using a common glass cleaner. We recommend bagging the sensor and operating interface before process cleaning operations occur.
NIR analyzers are nondestructive sensors that monitor moisture and fat inline or at-line during production. They offer several benefits to food manufacturers, including improved process control, consistent product quality, cost savings, and better compliance with regulations.
NIR stands for Near Infrared, which is a non-destructive analytical technique that uses light to determine the composition of food products. NIR analyzers use this technology to analyze food products for various properties such as moisture, protein, and fat content.