A common goal across production processes is to get as close as possible to predefined quality targets with the least amount of valuable raw material. In this way, yield and profit can be improved while always meeting quality and legislative requirements and reducing waste.
ProFoss™ 2 helps producers to achieve this goal by providing direct and continuous measurements directly in the process. Key control parameters can be closely monitored allowing tighter production control against targets for example for protein and moisture in soybean meal or fat and moisture in butter.
Building on the success of the original ProFoss™ solution, ProFoss™ 2 captures latest developments in both NIR technology and associated software and digital services to make it simpler than ever to realise the full potential of in-line NIR analysis.
Insight provided by real-time measurements
The ProFoss 2 solution consists of specially designed sensors that are mounted in a production process, a sturdy analyser unit and a raft of software, connectivity and support services that make the implementation and running of an in-line solution a straightforward and predictable undertaking.
The frequency of the in-line measurements offers a powerful process control option alongside so-called benchtop NIR analysers where an operator manually takes a sample and presents it to the instrument. Delivering a test result approximately every two seconds, the ProFoss™ 2 provides greater insight into critical control parameters. At the same time, sampling work is dramatically reduced and digital capabilities make it simple to perform a regular validation of performance against highly proven benchtop instruments such as the FOSS FoodScan™ 2 analyser or NIRS DS2500™ on a regular basis.
Peace-of-mind with advanced in-line NIR
The consistency of measurements across all units and production lines is further assured with standardised instruments that all measure the same and transferable calibrations that can be installed across multiple ProFoss™ 2 units. NIR technology is applied according to the characteristics of materials in the process. Windows reflectance is used for applications such as soybean meal production where material is measured on the surface. NIR transmittance is used for butter where it is critical to gain data from inside the sample.
An example of such innovative use of NIR technology is the unique lateral probe.
Now in its third generation with ProFoss™ 2, the lateral probe is specially designed for applications such standardization of fat and moisture in butter production by measuring lengthwise in the middle of process pipe. Just one of the advantages is the avoidance of moisture droplets that form on the surface of butter for a highly reliable measurement of moisture.
Predictable high-performance ensures lasting value
New software and digital connectivity services contribute to reliable performance for each individual instrument or across whole populations of instruments. ProFoss™ 2 units can be monitored and managed from anywhere in the world, for example, when providing calibration support or proactively reviewing instrument, calibration and performance maintenance cycles for optimal uptime.
The test data can also be easily integrated into control systems such as PLC, SCADA or statistical programs such as LIMS.
Passport to in-line process control
Commenting on the launch of the ProFoss™ 2, FOSS CEO Kim Vejlby Hansen said: “We describe ProFoss™ 2 as ‘a passport to in-line process control’ because of the way it captures the latest developments in both NIR technology and associated software and digital services. ProFoss™ 2, makes it simpler than ever to realise the full potential of in-line NIR to improve yield while reducing waste and ensuring the best possible use of materials going into the process.”
