New NIR analyzer from FOSS enables faster dairy analysis
FoodScan 2 harnesses the latest in rapid NIR analytical technology to give a time-to-result as low as 15 seconds.
The ability to place odd-shaped samples directly in the instrument also reduces sample preparation time: for example curds can be placed directly for a quick assessment during cheese processing. A touch-screen interface makes operator training fast and simple.
More data in less time
The FoodScan 2 measurement is highly representative with sub-scans made simultaneously to ensure a large portion of the sample is measured in a short time. This reduces dependency on the sample homogenization step.
Quality controllers can also perform color measurement simultaneously with compositional tests. This offers a convenient and time-saving alternative to separate color measurement equipment or subjective assessment by eye with visual charts. The new test uses both NIR transmission and transflectance technology in the one unit.
Further time saving is offered by artificial neural network (ANN) calibrations. Based on a global data pool, the calibration models avoid maintaining many calibration models because significantly fewer are required than with other methods. For instance, the calibration for cheese covers both hard and semi-hard cheese, as well as soft, cream and processed cheese and parameters such as fat, moisture/total solids, fat in dry matter, salt and protein.
Reduced cost
The FoodScan 2 instrument standardization makes it faster to install new units while networking facilities save costs on routine maintenance and reporting via new remote support services such as FossAssure. For a producer currently running three FoodScan units it is estimated that moving to the new Foodscan 2 with FossAssure will realize yearly operational savings of more than $70,000.
FOSS, dairy market manager, Peter Juel Christensen said dairy producers are rightly concerned about the time and cost involved in running multiple analytical solutions across different sites.
“By avoiding unnecessary travel and providing better and more effective maintenance, the new FossAssure services will cut cost of ownership and boost confidence in performance and accuracy at the same time,” Christensen said.
Compatibility
The instrument is designed for rapid installation with backwards compatibility to FoodScan. Software facilities allow calibration models to be moved onto the new FoodScan 2 platform. The networking aspect allows a technician to move calibrations across multiple units and sites from the desktop.
An automatic backup of all test data ensures results are always available for traceability.
