INFRALABTM5000- Rapid Lab Moisture Analyser Endorsed by BAT

Source from:  TobaccoChina Online-07/11/2000 07/11/2000

The Infrared Engineering Infralab TM5000 has been comprehensively tested by BAT at their Southampton facility with a view to using the analyser as a replacement for the BAT ovens used for routine Quality Control moisture testing of tobaccos during primary processing, and for the checking of final cigarette moisture content to determine if in-pack moisture specifications are being met. BAT compared the performance of an Infralab over a period of 3 months against two BAT ovens. Samples were collected from all stages in primary and secondary processing. During this time more than 1000 samples were measured. Statistical analysis of the data comparing: 1. Oven 1 vs Oven 2 2. Oven 1 vs Infralab showed that there was no discernible difference in performance, accuracy and long term stability of oven and the Infralab and that Infralab test results could be simply substituted for the oven analysis without any deterioration in the quality and consistency of the data. This experiment demonstrated unequivocally that Infralab can be used as a routine laboratory moisture method requiring only a periodic confirmation check against the reference Standard Method. Although Virginia tobaccos were studied during this evaluation BAT successfully uses the Infrared Engineering TM55 on-line sensor to measure moisture in Virginia/Burley/Oriental blends. Since Infralab technology is based upon the TM55 sensor, Infralab should be suitable for these other tobaccos. The outcome is such that BAT actively recommends that their companies purchase Infralab to provide a rapid and consistent laboratory moisture test. Infralab does not require any special preparation of the tobacco samples before measurement and also the presentation of the tobacco to the analyser is not critical. This makes the test very simple to perform and is not dependant upon the capability of an individual. Since Infralab makes many measurements upon a single sample, calculating an average moisture content and standard deviation it is simple to identify whether a test is valid; for example, if the tray is not properly filled or a sample has a very big moisture variation (wet spots) the standard deviation will be unacceptably high thus flagging the problem. Speed is an important factor: Infralab takes 15 seconds while the BAT ovens takes 16+hours to generate a result and requires many manual operations. This allows the Quality/Manufacturing Department to physically measure many more samples than would be possible with the normal oven resource. Throughput can be greatly improved and the added benefit is that the data already saved in the computer is readily accessible for subsequent quality analysis. The BAT Southampton factory has two Infralabs which have been in operation now for more than five years in the Quality Department. They have given excellent results and are highly dependable instruments. They have become an integral part of the manufacturing operation and now are solely used as the routine moisture test. BAT periodically checks the Infralab against the over standard but in practice find it unnecessary to correct its calibration-a testament to the long term stability of Infralab. SOURCE FROM： Infrared EngineeringTM 710---the Master of Tobacco Measurement The TM710 is the ultimate, dedicated tobacco gauge, customised for all tobacco types worldwide. It is applicable at all stages of leaf and primary processing. While moisture measurement remains the most common need, the multi-component capability of the TM710 means that combinations of moisture, nicotine and sugars are possible. Tobacco processors can rest assured that as the need for other measurements is identified, they can be implemented easily within the TM710 gauge architecture. The TM710 is pre-calibrated for tobacco and can be applied universally throughout leaf and primary processing. From leaf processing of individual grades through cut stem and cut lamina processing, from high to low moistures the TM710 gauge provides the measure of quality. Innovations l Ultra High Speed. The TM710 is the fastest tobacco gauge available, allowing much more representative sampling. Also, true process variation can be observed, without the distortion that may be introduced by slower, conventional measuring systems. This facilitates improvements in measurement accuracy which enable closer operation to target specifications, with less process variation. l Stability for process control. The unique dual detector technique has been significantly enhanced to guarantee long term measurement stability. The gauge uses a dedicated reference detector, enabling 100% attention by the primary detector to the NIR backscatter signals from the tobacco. l Virtual Full Spectrum. The demand for broader coverage of the NIR region is easily satisfied by VFS with the result that more effective measurement models can be used to dramatically reduce the costly burden of calibration. Customised Solutions The network intelligence of TM710 and peripheral devices respond to the broadest needs of the industry, ranging from the giant ‘lights-out’ fully networked factory, to smaller installations that need a complete stand-alone gauging system. Operator interfaces use touch screen communication that enable users to quickly and easily accomplish the required tasks. All devices contain the necessary signal processing intelligence to perform their own functions and they can all be networked within plant and business systems. The building blocks for any installation are: --Gauge --GaugePort --OperatorInterface These are supported up by: --Sample Display Unit --Handheld interface --Gauge View software It is the careful separation of functional elements that provides our customers with WYN-WYN solutions: What You Need-When You Need This keeps the cost of customised solutions to a minimum. This allows systems to grow as requirements evolve, without a cost penalty. Minimising the cost of ownership The TM710 is such a reliable system that routine maintenance is NOT required. The TM710 has Active Diagnostics which continually monitors its electronics, source lamp and motor. The system automatically provides details on any required actions. The TM710 has an intergral Window Contamination Monitor which checks the status of the gauge window. Should dust, condensation or volatile residues build up to an excessive level the system alerts the operator. An integral heat sensor protects the gauge from excessive temperatures, while auto reset fuses prevent accidental damage. The lamp and motor have a 5 year warranty and, in any event, replacement takes less than 10 minutes. No optical alignment is required throughout the life of the gauge due to its novel, modular construction. Due to its renowned stablity the TM710 dose not need periodic re-calibration. These features add up, long term, to the TM710 offering the lowest possible cost of ownership. TM710 Backed by a stable supportive organization When you make a major capital purchase it is important to be sure of continued support. NDC Infrared Engineering has more than 30 years of measurement knowledge and can apply unmatched resource to your application. We have operating comapanies in the USA, UK,Germany and China and factory trained Sales and Support distributors in more than 60 countries world wide. NDC Infrared Engineering is committed to a long term pressence in the market place and has unmatched organisational stability, important when you need dependable support. SOURCE FROM： NDC Infrared Engineering