On-line moisture measurement helps Danish rapeseed processor save 2600 Kroner per day whilst improving process control and product quality

Rapeseed processor Scanola A/S is using an NDC Infrared Engineering MM710 near infrared (NIR) on-line measurement system at its plant in Århus, Denmark to measure moisture and oil content in rapecakes. Following a successful trial, Scanola has been using the system since early 2003 to achieve improved process control, consistent product quality and to increase plant capacity. Scanola calculates that it saves 2600 Kroner (£350 approx) per day as a result of the investment.

Founded in 1989, Scanola processes more than 200,000 tons of rapeseed per year, producing oil and rapecake at its new 7000 square meters production plant in the eastern harbour of Århus. Scanola’s 24-hour operation at the plant produces 400 tonnes of rapecake per day.

As part of the continuous development and optimisation of the plant, Scanola asked Danish-based processing industry reseller Insatech A/S to assist in the development of an on-line system to measure moisture and oil content in the finished products prior to packing and shipping. Insatech and their partners NDC Infrared Engineering commissioned and installed the MM710 system over the processing conveyor belt to ensure the consistent high quality of its product.

“Controlling moisture levels at exactly ten percent is essential for rapecake quality, as it sold by weight,” explains Claus Emmertsen, Company Director, Scanola. “Before the new system was installed our moisture measurements ranged from 9.5 to ten percent. Now with the introduction of the MM710 we can keep the moisture at exactly ten percent.”

Previously, Scanola personnel monitored moisture values by sampling batches and sending them off to the laboratory for analysis. This process was time consuming and labour intensive. Using the MM710 operations personnel can maintain a stable moisture content in the rapecake and react immediately if values change. This enables Scanola to make its process control more responsive and reduce wastage.

“Our calculations estimate that the moisture control benefits of the MM710 save us 2600 DKK per day. Based on the purchase and commissioning investment this gives us a payback time of less than four months,” adds Mr Emmertsen.

Another benefit to Scanola from the MM710 gauge is its ability to measure fat content accurately. Fat content of the finished product is related to heating time. Scanola uses this measurement to adjust the speed of the rapeseed conveyor for more consistent fat content and better energy consumption.

NIR units are an attractive option because of their greater accuracy, reliability and their adaptability to continuous processes. “With MM710 we have achieved a more stable production, increased plant capacity, increased product quality and lowered product variation. We now also have a much higher level of knowledge about the moisture and fat distribution in our product,” says Mr Emmertsen.

For more information, please visit:

https://edir.bulk-online.com/profile...eering-u-k.htm

Photo 1:

Claus Emmertsen, Company Director, Scanola, oil and protein factory in Århaus, Denmark

Photo 2: (see next post)

The MM710 mounted over the conveyor belt. The Operator Interface module is seen on the right. Note the 2 sensors mounted on the detector – these are used to ”freeze” the measurement when there is no product on the conveyor

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