Popcorn Sprayed With Oil & Flavorings
Maintaining a close monitor on the oil and flavorings of popcorn not only gives improved product quality, but also produces lower energy costs, reduced start-up times, less product waste, 100% product inspection, and less downtime.
MoistTech Capabilities
MoistTech is very experienced with the requirements in the production of popcorn and snack foods, developing one of the most accurate oil sensors, the IR3000-F sensor is ideally suited to measure the oil and flavorings sprayed on popcorn during the manufacturing process. The sensor is coated in a food grade Teflon with a polymeric viewing window enabling manufacturers to improve product quality without any contamination. In addition to oil testing, the state-of-the-art senor takes instant, accurate, non-contact measurements of temperature, seasonings, moisture, fat, sugar, protein, and more.
Our sensor calibrations, measurement wavelengths, algorithms and sensor optical requirements are pre-set at the factory.
- Typical accuracy is about ±0.1% moisture
- Typical analog range is 0-10% moisture
- The outputs can be adjusted to optimize PLC or recording requirements
Installation
Installation of the sensor after the sprayer, will allow the measurement of oil and flavoring on the popcorn to be properly measured and controlled. The sensor should be installed several inches above the belt or screw conveyor so that a production worker can continuously monitor the process and can control the oil and flavoring content either manually or automatically in the finished product.
If the popcorn has gone through an oil spray, it is important to install the sensor at an angle to cut down any reflection from the oil coating.
Environment
If the sensor is located near an oil spray, it is necessary to clean the sensor’s optical window during regular routine cleaning. If the oil or flavoring sensor has to be installed where it will be susceptible to extreme heat conditions, it is necessary to cool the sensor with either air or water.
