The InfraLab Series 9 Top Loader analyzer is the latest addition to the InfraLab family and is perfect for powders, ground products and other dried goods. Measurement time in less than five seconds including simultaneous colour measurements.
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The InfraLab Near Infrared (NIR) Food Analyzer has been providing production and quality management personnel with rapid, reliable and accurate data on samples collected for at-line or in-laboratory testing. Testing for moisture levels, fat & oil content or protein levels takes a matter of seconds thus replacing older, more time-consuming and expensive methods. Now the InfraLab’s technology has advanced even further with the introduction of a Top Loader analyser for powders, ground products, beans, grains, semi-solids and sheet products. In addition, the new Top Loader has the ability to measure colour thus ensuring that production of the ideal product output is achieved. The Top Loader provides results of multi-component analysis within seconds and data can be stored within the memory for further analysis.
The Top Loader provides a much higher level of result consistency using a sapphire-based sample pot within which the sample is placed. The material being analysed is therefore flat, free of surface contamination and presented reliably every time with almost zero variation between measurements. It also includes a new feature of colour measurement using colour data outputs in industry standard colour scales including CIE L*a*b*.
The InfraLab Food Analyzer operates on the concept that specific wavelengths of light are absorbed by moisture, fat, and proteins. Through the emission of light pulses at distinct known wavelengths and comparing the absorption rates to an internal reference, it becomes feasible to precisely ascertain the extent of absorption for each wavelength. Employing advanced signal processing, the algorithm transforms the infrared (IR) signals into an output proportionate to moisture, fat, or protein content, utilizing a calibration curve. Notably, the measurement remains unaffected by variations in process conditions such as particle size, temperature, ambient lighting, and humidity fluctuations.
The InfraLab Top Loader is the latest at-line analyzer that can measure single or multi-component elements that replaces expensive and slower traditional laboratory testing methods.
Easy-to-use, the InfraLab Top Loader Analyzer requires no special operator skills and takes just five seconds to make the analysis. Using multi-wavelength NIR reflection, the Top Loader does not require contact with the product sample. The sapphire-based sample pot is placed on the turntable at the top of the machine and the analysis begins.
The InfraLab Top Loader Analyzer has its own substantial onboard data storage capacity (up to 100,000 sample files), but data can also be downloaded periodically to a USB memory stick or directly to a PC for analysis in a spreadsheet or other software. Alternatively, it connects via Ethernet to a PC where the data is stored and displayed and can also be integrated into a LIMS network.
Other features include
| Moisture Range | Oil Range | Colour | Measuring Principle |
| 0-80 % | 20-45% | CIELAB, XYZ and Degree of Roast in Coffee | NIR |
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As a manufacturer of various snacks and crisps it is very important for us that we have the ability to measure and control the moisture and oil content as both can dramatically affect product quality, shelf-life and ultimately our reputation. Traditionally, we have always relied on established moisture balance and Carver press methods, but these methods can prove to be very time-consuming. We now favour the NDC Technologies’ InfraLab food analyzer, which has revolutionised our quality checks by making them faster and more frequent. We have found the InfraLab very easy to use and we have found the ability to keep data for quality audits invaluable. We have always been very impressed with Kevin Goodison at LIMAB UK’s level of service and we have appreciated him taking the time to visit us and assist us with new technologies and training etc.
Shahid Iqbal – QC Manager, Kolak Snack Foods |
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Kevin’s industry experience and product knowledge were evident and it has been great to have one point of contact throughout the process. Kevin even wrote our standard operating procedure (SOP) for us, which was much appreciated. We have been using the InfraLab Food Analyzer for ten months now and we can honestly say that there has been a massive improvement in our production processes and ultimately the quality of the end product. The potato waffles are now the crispiest that they have ever been and are now Birds Eye’s star product, thanks to the Infralab Food Analyzer and the guidance and support provided by LIMAB UK.
Nigel Jackson – Process Technologist, Birds Eye |
