Perten NIR DA7300 near infrared instrument for inline monitoring and control moisture of macro nutrients

The Perten NIR DA7300 is a near infrared instrument that can be attached directly into a production stream to monitor and provide feedback for process control based on readings of moisture or macro nutrients like protein or fat content.

The instrument is being used in Germany to monitor and optimise the moisture content in butter manufacturing.

In the USA, the measurement of butter fat is the key ROI parameter in butter manufacture. Here, the DA7300 can be used to target the minimum of 80% butter fat that the USDA requires in order to legally be called butter.

The DA7300 can also be used to monitor and control skim milk and whole milk powder production. The purpose of the instrument is to check product specifications of moisture, protein, fat and lactose content (ash content could be measured as well) and thus obtain a more consistent and optimised product.

The equipment has an OPC server which allows defining digital inputs, outputs and alarms to be integrated into a SCADA or process control system. With the user interface software, the results for several parameters can be plotted in control charts, so the operator or the control room staff can observe if results are within specifications or if there is any trend that needs to be corrected. Reports can be generated remotely and also calibration updates and diagnostics can be run over internet through the company network.

The unit has USDA approval on the sanitary design, which includes special gaskets that inhibit micro growth.