Corn Chip Moisture & Oil
Proactive Avoidance of Quality Issues
Measuring moisture and oil in food applications is essential to the product outcome. Excess moisture and/or oil can have heavy impacts on the taste, appearance, shelf life and more of the corn chips. The benefits of corn chip moisture and oil control impact the entire efficiency of the production process.
Corn chip producers usually target a moisture content of 1–2.5% for their chips, which can vary based on their quality requirements and specifications. As the masa in the chips undergoes frying, water is replaced by oil, resulting in chips typically having around 1.5% moisture when they come out of the fryer. Nevertheless, moisture levels play a crucial role in determining the quality, uniformity, flavor, appearance, durability, and shelf life of the chips. For instance, it is essential to measure the moisture of flavored chips at the seasoning drum exit to ensure their freshness, taste, and longevity.
Control Moisture Levels Properly
non-contact
Our equipment never comes into contact with the product, allowing for less waste
zero drift
Our sensors are guaranteed not to drift over time – which saves time and money
closed loop
Create a closed-loop process by tying a moisture sensor into your PLC. Full control over the line!
no recalibrations
We’ve mastered the art of moisture sensors – your unit will never need to be recalibrated for the same product twice!
Installation Points
We recommend installing sensor(s) at the exit of the fryer and after any flavoring has been added. The sensor should be installed several inches above the belt or screw conveyor to allow the user to continuously monitor the process and control the oil content either manually or automatically in the finished product. After an oil spray, it is important to install the sensor at an angle to cut down any reflection from the oil coating.
If the corn chip moisture and oil sensor has to be installed close to the oven or fryer outlet where it 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.
Food Grade Sensor
Our IR-3000F sensor is coated in a food grade Teflon with a polymeric viewing window enabling manufacturers to improve product quality without any contamination. MoistTech’s IR-3000 takes instant, accurate, non-contact measurements of not only oil, but also moisture, temperature, fat, sugar, seasonings, protein, and more. Uniformity of spray or oil deposition can be monitored and adjusted either manually or automatically.
Contact
We offer service and support throughout the world for our corn chip 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
Chip manufacturers strive to have the best finished products. During chip manufacturing, it is important to know the corn chip moisture content after the fryer/oven outlet as they can affect quality, consistency, taste, appearance, stability, and shelf life.