From Infratec™ to in-line analysis
For decades, the popular Infratec™ has been the golden standard in the grain industry. But what if an even higher level of control can be achieved by bringing the analytical power closer to the sample with in-line process analysis? With eight new applications, you can directly analyze corn, soya, malted barley, oat, rapeseed, rye, and sorghums in the grain handling process. We have been speaking with our technical expert, Dara Haftgoli Bakhtiari, about the benefits of in-line process analysis.
What is in-line grain process analysis?
By in-line, we are talking about doing analysis exactly at the spot, where whole grain needs to be measured. An example could be when the grain is transported into the silo at receival, as it is blended before loading onto a ship, as it is received at the malting or flour milling plant, or as it is blended before heading into the flour milling process. ProFoss™ 2 for whole grain gives you real-time data to match your targets precisely.
Where is the in-line process analyzer typically installed?
The analyzer is housed in a robust cabinet for installation close to the point of measurement. The measurement sensor is installed at the appropriate location in the process, for example in the transport pipe to a silo. It is connected to the analyzer via fiber optic cable. Measurements are displayed on a computer screen, and results can be fed into a regulation system for automatic closed-loop control.
What is the advantage of going in-line?
The big advantage of in-line analysis compared to tests with a traditional benchtop analyzer is that measurements are taken automatically every few seconds. ProFoss 2 whole grain is built on proven technology with a direct line to the Infratec grain analyzer. As a result, the Infratec can be used to monitor the results provided by ProFoss 2. This is done automatically with the help of the latest connectivity and software technology that makes up an integral part of the solution. You get a clear overview of sample identification as results from both benchtop and in-line sources are seamlessly integrated for analytical performance surveillance.
The ProFoss in-line process solution measures every three seconds (approximately 12,300 data points per hour). It gives unprecedented levels of control in grain receivals, segregation, and blending, as well as in flour milling and malting.
Can you give an example from the industry?
A good example could be blending grain when loaded onto the ship:
Assume that you are building a 20,000 ton shipload of grain to a target of 10.5% protein. You are using two grades of wheat, and there is a price difference of EUR 10 between the grades. The real-time data offers insight that allows you to use 15% more wheat from the lower-grade wheat and save 15% high-quality wheat. Given the 20,000 loads, 15% equals 3,000 tons of grain at EUR 10 higher price, saving EUR 30,000.
Read more about ProFoss 2 here.
