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Neltec Real-Time Colour |
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In-line Colour Measurement of Sugar in IU420 units
Author Bjarne Chr. Nielsen, Neltec.
Presented at Workshop on Separation Processes in the Sugar Industry, New Orleans, April 1996.
Abstract According to ICUMSA Method 4 sugar colour (IU420) is measured as extinction in a filtered sugar solution. The measurement is made in the laboratory with a spectrophotometer. The time needed for sample preparation and measurement is incompatible with the requirements of process control.
The instrument (ColourQ 800) described here can take measurements in the process, without sample preparation. The result is delivered within seconds, and with a good correlation to the measurements in the laboratory. This is based on a unique (and patented) optical system, and new calculation methods.
More than 30 systems have been installed in sugar factories for process or quality control. The applications are for dry and wet sugar, and on band, screw or hopper conveyors.
Some aspects of the function of the system are discussed, together with installation, initial calibration, precision, and tests of the system. |
