Potato Chip Moisture
Immediate Process Improvements
Moisture and oil measurement is an essential step in the manufacturing process of potato chips and other common snack foods. Process operators need to ensure the quality and consistency of the product in order to eliminate waste and increase plant efficiencies. Potato chip moisture can play a major role in the end product quality. The best solution is a near-infrared moisture detection system mounted directly on the production line.
MoistTech’s IR3000-F sensor is ideal for the processing areas of potato chips to properly measure and manage moisture and oil contents on a continuous basis. The technology delivers hundreds of data points per second to allow the operator fuill control over the manufacturing process.
The sensor is coated in a food grade material with a polymer optical window allowing manufacturers to improve product quality and monitor moisture continuously.
PERFORMANCE
Unsurpassed in performance, our sensors can accurately measure moisture within tenths of a percent of most applications
STABILITY
MoistTech sensors withstand the test of time and are low to zero maintenance
RELIABILITY
Rely on MoistTech’s NIR moisture sensors to never drift or need re-calibration
COST OF OWNERSHIP
A moisture measurement system is essential for the production process and in some cases will pay for itself in less than 30 days
Installation Tips
Ideally, the moisture sensor should be installed after the fryer outlet. and should be mounted several inches above the vibrating conveyor so that it can continuously monitor the process and can control the potato chip oil and moisture content levels either manually or automatically in the finished product.
If the sensor must be installed close to the outlet of the fryer and will be susceptible to extreme heat conditions, it is necessary to cool the sensor with either air or water. Furthermore, if the sensor is located near an oil spray, it is necessary to clean the sensor’s optical window during regular routine cleaning.
Efficiency is a top of the line priority for manufacturers and the dryer can drain a lot of that. Measuring the moisture before and after the dryer allows the user to optimize the dryer settings to save time and money. A proper moisture control system will pay for itself with the energy savings from the dryer in less than 30 days. Efficiently controlling the dryer within the facility can drastically change the productivity levels.
What is the Solution?
The MoistTech team of professionals are very experienced with the requirements in the production of potato chips and other snack foods. Our sensor calibrations, measurement wavelengths, algorithms and sensor optical requirements are pre-set at the factory based upon your specific product. Typical accuracy is about ±0.1% moisture and ±0.2% for oil and Typical analog range is 0-5% for moisture and 20-40% for oil.
Take a look at our other food moisture measurement applications.
Assess
Locate the point in the production process in which measuring moisture will be the most crucial and beneficial. Identify how you will use the moisture measurement data for improvements and if it will tie into your PLC.
Remember this could involve more than one installation point!
Develop
A closed loop process is achieved by incorporating a moisture measurement system into the manufacturing process. Developing a proactive solution to moisture control will avoid costly downfalls.
Support
MoistTech’s experts will assess your specific application with lab tests, calibrations and accuracy results to ensure our equipment will peform for you. All of our sensors are pre-calibrated prior to being shipped to create a plug-and-play operation for the end-user.
Contact
We offer service and support throughout the world for our moisture measurement sensors and would be happy to connect you with a rep in your area. Contact us today for more information!
Understand the Process
Instantly and accurately measure moisture and oil in potato chip manufacturing to ensure the highest quality and consistency! A moisture measurement system from MoistTech can ensure you stand out above the competition!