Detecting Free Fatty Acids, Polar Material, Peroxide and Dirt in Edible Oil and Fat Applications

Detection of FFA, TPM, POV, moisture or dirt
with the new Krohne analyzer

Instantaneous detection of FFA, TPM, POV moisture or dirt in edible oil and fat application is now possible with the use of a new inline continuous analyzer from the manufacturer Krohne. The OPTIQUAD-EOF 4050 W "peeks" inside the process through an optical window placed in a standard measuring section. Four standard 4-20 mA control outputs are provided for process control. Additionally,  the measurement of anisidine value (AV) and iodine value (IV) are possible (application dependent). 

Detection of these variables have traditionally been done using conventional laboratory methods. The new inline analyzer reduces the need for sampling and the associated transport and handling which raise the probability of errors and increases cost.

The optical spectroscopy analyzing method allows for a wide range of use in edible oil applications, such as oil extraction, oil refinement and frying processes up to oil recycling, as well as fat processing. For example, the continuous inline measurement of FFA content in frying oil helps to minimize the addition of fresh oil: the FFA value can be kept below a defined limit while allowing to maintain a high level of quality. 

The spectroscopic analysis system consists of the analyzer unit and the operating unit, both rated IP65/NEMA4X. The operating unit is an industrial PC with touch screen display. It uses up to four measuring methods (transmission, scattering, fluorescence and refraction) with up to 12 wavelengths from ultraviolet to infrared. The underlying calibration is calculated automatically from reference data specific to the application.

For more information about this or any Krohne product, contact:

Instrument Specialties Inc.
3885 St. Johns Parkway
Sanford, FL 32771
phone 407.324.7800
fax 407.324.1104

www.isisales.com

Magnetic Level Gauge Innovativation Solves a Potential Problem and Provides Accurate Indication Under Adverse Conditions

Magnetic Level Gauge
Courtesy Jerguson / Clark Reliance

We, as engineers, industrial process operators and stakeholders, recognize the necessity and value of a continuous stream of accurate and timely information about our processes. Our experience has also taught us that the environment and activities surrounding our installations can have a significant impact upon our ability to continually gather accurate process measurements. Some of our concerns include:

• Weather - An element whose impact cannot be understated....or easily predicted.
• Physical Contact - Equipment and measurement devices must be protected from damaging impact.
• Security - Vandalism, cyber invasion, and other external threats are possible

Our responsibility, as operators of machines and handlers of materials that can produce hazardous or life threatening conditions in the case of failure or error, is to foresee every reasonably probable event that could adversely impact the safe and proper operation of our industrial processes.
One manufacturer has developed an innovative solution to a potential problem in the application of magnetic level controls.

The short video below outlines the source of the potential failure and the way in which the product design change successfully overcomes a potentially adverse impact on process measurement. Invest less than three minutes of your time to watch the video and build your application knowledge by learning from the experience of others. Do not hesitate to contact a product application specialist for more detail, or to discuss your process measurement needs.

New Signal Conditioning Modules Offer Bluetooth® Configuration and High Density Installation

High density I/O signal conditioner module
Courtesy Acromag

Acromag, a globally recognized manufacturer of signal conditioning modules and related equipment, announced a new product release earlier this month. The microBlox™ line of signal conditioners provides a wide array of useful features, broad range of I/O signal compatibility, and a very compact high density footprint.

Here is an excerpt from the Acromag newsletter from June 6, 2016.

A full line of microBlox™ isolated signal conditioning modules are now available from Acromag. Offering over 175 models, microBlox uB modules can safely interface a wide variety of voltage, current, temperature, frequency, and other field signals with a ±5V or 0-5V DC output to host measurement & control systems. Users can select modules with fixed ranges or wireless configuration via Bluetooth® wireless technology on an Android™ or iOS® mobile device. Acromag’s free AgilityTM app for smartphones and tablets simplifies setting custom I/O ranges and optional alarm functions. The app can also display input signal values and create sharable trend charts. uB modules snap securely into compact backpanels (no screws) in any mix with 4, 8 or 16-channel capacities. With 1500Vac peak (350Vdc continuous) channel-to-channel and field-to-host isolation, the hot-swappable modules are ideal to front-end data acquisition systems or Acromag remote I/O for communication to Ethernet, Modbus, or Profibus networks. High performance is assured with up to 0.05% accuracy and 130dB noise rejection. Prices start at just $90 per module. 

“Advanced microcontroller and wireless technologies enable microBlox modules to bring greater flexibility and signal processing capabilities into such a small, economical package.” stated Robert Greenfield, Acromag’s marketing & sales director.
The microBlox module’s small size (1.11" x 1.65" x 0.4") and channel-by-channel scalability is ideal for embedded or portable applications such as test stands, defense systems, and process control applications. Well-suited for use in harsh industrial environments, the over-molded modules resist shock, dirt, and moisture with dependable operation from -40 to 85°C. Hazardous location UL/cUL Class 1 Div 2 and ATEX Zone 2 approvals are also available.
Accessories include a selection of backpanels with slots to insert 4, 8, or 16 modules. Fuse clips hold the modules securely without screws for easy insertion/removal. The backpanels support surface or DIN rail mounting and include CJC for use with temperature input modules. Blue LEDs indicate modules that are ready for Bluetooth wireless technology communication. Connections are provided for a 5V power source or a 10-32Vdc supply when used with the plug-in 5V power module. A DB25 header facilitates a single cable connection to interface all uB I/O signals directly to the host data acquisition system.

A consolidated catalog describing the new microBlox™ signal conditioners is included below. Share your signal conditioning and I/O challenges with a a product specialist. Combining your process knowledge with their product application expertise will produce the best solutions.

High Density I/O Modules for Industrial Process Control from Instrument Specialties, Inc.