Intelscan provides a tool to effectively control feed moisture

United Pet Food in Belgium optimises the product quality and production efficiency by using Intelscan on-line moisture sensor system. UNITED PETFOOD NV is located at the harbour of Ghent, Belgium. Since 1997, the company has specialized in the production of extruded dry pet food.

Less re-work and a more uniform moisture content of the product “In our production line, the Intelscan sensor is installed after the Geelen dryer, and is performing exceptionally well” explains Mr. Patrick Fernagut, factory manager at United Petfood.

“Before we installed the sensor we sometimes received complaints that our petfood contained too much water. We therefore often needed to re-process some of our product. It was obvious that we needed a better tool to control our drying process. With the Intelscan equipment we were able to identify the section of the drying process that needed to be improved in order to secure a more uniform moisture content of the product.”

Quality; Better control of feed moisture increases shelf-life.
Profitability; Optimise end product quality and production efficiency.
Savings; Prevent over-drying, which saves energy.
Labour saving; No need for taking samples every 30 minutes.
Reduces risks; Detect abnormalities directly.
Optimises drying process; Real-time updated information about the moisture level is sent directly to the
dryer control system. Fluctuations in moisture are reduced.
Traceability; Moisture measurement data is stored in the factory control system.
Calibration; With many products, only one calibration is needed.

The sensor can be installed at various locations in the production process. It provides an accurate overview of real time values of moisture, density and temperature during different stages of processing. The system is suitable for all feeds and is neither affected by colour or shape of the product, nor a dusty or humid environment.

The attenuation and phase change of the signal that has travelled twice through the material is measured. The effects from reflections of surrounding surfaces is minimized by confining the area of measurement. Based on this measurement principle, only one calibration is needed for many types of recipies, colours, sizes and density.

Measurement
Measuring range                                            0-90% moisture content
Measurement update                                     1 - 30 seconds (adjustable)
Accuracy of moisture measurement             +/- 0.5% (or better) compared to standard dry oven reference
Density accuracy                                          +/- 15g/l
Calibration                                                      Up to 20 different calibration settings can be stored
Network                                                         Ethernet connectivity
Measurement output                                      Industry standard 4-20mA and 0-5V outputs for moisture, temperature or density
Digital IO                                                         Multiple in- and outputs
Data storage                                                  Locally with a Removable Flash Disk, anywhere remotely via network connection
Tested to safety standard                             IEC 61010-1

Power Consumption
Sensor unit                                                     <7W
Display unit                                                    <12W

Electrical
Power                                                            110-240V, single phase 2A supply

Frequency
Microwave frequency                                   2 GHz - 12 GHz (depending on application)
Microwave field strength                              At 8 GHz: <0.056V/m

Enviroment
Operating temperature                                  0 - 55°C

Weight and dimensions
Weight                                                           12 kg
Sensor unit                                                    240x240x150mm(online)/200x270x180mm(silo) (H x W x D)
Display unit                                                    240x240x150mm (H x W x D)
                                                                      Stainless steel IP65 enclosure