MM710 Infrared Gauge
NDC Infrared Engineering, leader in on-line NIR process measurement, will display their latest generation of intelligent near infrared gauges, the MM710, at Interphex 2001 in Philadelphia, Pennyslvania (Booth# 224).
The MM710 breaks the traditional boundaries of on-line gauging with a range of technology innovations, to deliver 'fit-and-forget' high performance measurement. The new gauge is unparalleled in its simplicity of operation. It is supplied pre-calibrated and requires no routine maintenance. As a result, cost-of-ownership is significantly lower than competitive measurement systems.
The MM710 is designed for measurement and control of critical parameters such as moisture in pharmaceuticals and other bulk materials. In development of the new range, NDC Infrared Engineering has enhanced its proven measurement technology with additional features to guarantee reliability and stability. For the first time, the benefits of on-line measurement and control are available without the need for time- and resource-intensive recalibration and maintenance procedures.
The gauge can be installed almost anywhere in the process line regardless of ambient temperature conditions, factory lighting levels or variations in ambient relative humidity. No physical shielding is required, minimizing the cost of the installation.
The MM710 can be used to measure up to four different components at a time, for highly cost-effective process monitoring and control. For example, while moisture content may be the parameter of prime interest, others such as fat, protein and sugars could also be monitored and/or controlled, to meet legislative requirements, or for traceability.
The measurement technology developed and patented by NDC Infrared Engineering for the new gauge is ten times faster than conventional instruments and more precise than any competitive system. Each complete measurement is made in just 0.0075s (7.5ms). The ‘virtually simultaneous' measurement reduces instrument noise and improves measurement accuracy. As a result, users can develop a better knowledge of short and long-term variability of their processes, and can operate closer to target than ever before, for an even more rapid return on investment.
The MM710 can provide reliable, consistent measurements even on products that may vary in color, composition or particle size. NDC Infrared Engineering's Virtual Full Spectrum (VFS) measurement concept makes better use of the near infrared spectrum information than conventional systems, allowing much more robust calibration models to be derived. Hence, the need for regular recalibration - a major barrier to use of the technology on many sites - is eliminated, further reducing the cost of ownership.
The MM710 is an exceptionally stable gauge, which can be used in the control loop with confidence. Like previous NDC Infrared Engineering gauges, the new generation uses dual detectors to eliminate the effects of changes in the source lamp or other system components. The technique has been further refined for MM710 with a new ‘LAPDOG' feature that uses beam-splitting technology to ensure its two detectors track each other faithfully.
Routine maintenance is not required for the MM710. Active diagnostic features are built into the gauge, to automatically warn of any fault, and advise appropriate action. The Window Contamination Monitor continuously checks for build-up of dust or dirt so there is no longer the need to routinely check its condition. The gauge monitors its own internal temperatures and will auto-shut down if excessive temperatures are detected as a result of a process problem. The unit accepts universal power input from 80-264 Volts and incorporates auto-reset fuses to prevent accidental damage.
NDC Infrared Engineering has designed the MM710 as a set of building blocks, allowing configuration to suit any single- or multi-gauge installation. The intelligent gauge provides calibrated measurements that can be displayed on an operator interface unit, or communicated direct to a computer system or control unit. Multiple gauges can be networked and a gateway provided to Ethernet or fieldbus devices such as Devicenet or Profibus. Analog outputs allow conventional data collection by a PLC system.
Gauges and peripheral devices can be added to the network at any time, keeping initial investment to a minimum. Future expansion of the system is easy since all network devices are plug-and-play and self-binding.
The MM710 is supplied in a stainless steel, hygienic housing with integral water/air cooling as standard. The gauge and all peripheral devices are sealed to IP65. A sapphire window is also available.
For more information:
Karen Holcomb, Marketing
NDC Infrared Engineering
5314 North Irwindale Avenue
Irwindale, CA 91706
Tel: (626) 939-3810
Fax: (626) 939-3870
Email: karen@ndcinfrared.com
Website: www.ndcinfrared.com