in-tek % Total Acids Infrared (IR) Sensor

• Real organic acids
• Direct diet beverage control
• Direct fruit acid determination
• Compares to wet chemistry

 

The in-tek IR Series of on-line instrumentation comprise a single state-of-the-art sensor module and a self contained, water tight Sensor Control Module. Unlike traditional infrared spectrophotometers that use transmitted light, the adopted technique of Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) requires source penetration of just a few microns to obtain accurate absorption results, allowing consolidation of all optical components in to a single stainless steel sanitary 3-A housing for direct mounting to the product line using industry standard Varinline® valve body assemblies. 

On-line mounting eliminates difficult to clean bypass lines and negates the need for high maintenance pumps commonly associated with this type of measurement. Pre-determined narrow band-pass interference filters are critical to differentiate the sensor type within the series by matching the energy source to the absorption model of the chemical or product under test. The Sensor Control Module provides a simple user interface as well as connectivity to plant controllers or computers via Ethernet connection, with other industrial interface types such as multiple analogue 4-20mA current loops, EtherNet and Profibus available as optional extras.

Pure diet beverages such as cola or lemonade contain no sugar resulting in a finished product of very low total solids.  Common instruments such as refractometers or density meters that rely on total solid content as the measurement parameter are limited by their sensitivity and therefore struggle to
control diet products effectively, leaving manufacturers to rely on time consuming wet-chemistry laboratory methods such as titration.

By using infrared absorption as the measurement parameter, the in-tek TA directly quantifies the organic acid within the beverage, providing the user with a specific control measurement that directly compares to the laboratory method.

The in-tek TA may also be used to measure specific organic acid content in the fruit processing industry such as for measuring the citric acid content of orange or lemon pulp.

Installation, Commissioning and After Sales Service
Close co-operation between the customer and supplier is the key to ensuring trouble free installation and use. Right from the initial interest stage, B+S Process Instruments works closely with the client to identify the correct instrumentation for the job and provides ongoing installation and commissioning advice. This side-by-side approach continues throughout the working life of the equipment.

Being solid-state devices installed directly to the line, in-tek IR Sensors require little or no routine maintenance. However, in order to provide total peace of mind, B+S Process Instruments offer a number of after sales support packages either directly or through its network of authorised distributors. Service packages include extended warranty up to 5-years, 48 & 72-hour component replacement, on-site preventative maintenance, on-site performance verification and a 24-hour diagnostic and software support facility by way of GoToMeeting All service packages are subject to additional charges and may not be available in all geographical locations.

Parameter %TA Range 1 0-5 w/w 2 0-100 w/w 3 USER SCALE Resolution 0.01  w/w Accuracy ±0.005  w/w Repeatability 0.008 (8-hr) Reading Time (seconds)  0.5 to 30  (selectable)

Temperature Operating Temperature -5 to 85°C (extended version to 120 °C - optional) Ambient Temperature Range -5 to 85°C Temperature Range 20°C.  Can be expanded with degraded specs. Cleaning Maximum Temperature 85 °C (CIP) / 120°C (SIP  - optional)

Physical Material Stainless Steel 316L Prism Material Artificial Sapphire Light Source Infrared solid-state source (life 100,000+ hours MTTF) Gasket Materials EPDM (line/sensor) / PEEK (prism) Ingress Protection / Hygiene IP68 (NEMA 4) / Sanitary 3-A Line Interface Varilne® 1” to 4” (DN65 flange diameter) Pressure 10 BAR Max. Flow Rate (Of no significant importance to measurement ability) Interface Options Ethernet (standard) Analogue 4-20mA, EtherNet, Profibus (optional)