Quality Cheese Guaranteed by Top-Quality Instruments

Transcription

1 Beverage & Food Weighing and Analysis in the Laboratory Analytical solutions in the laboratory 1 News Quality Cheese Guaranteed by Top-Quality Instruments First District Association, based in Litchfield, Minnesota, U.S., produces a wide variety of cheeses. Quality is of the utmost importance for First District and, when the time came to renovate and remodel their testing labs, they chose the leader in quality instrumentation METTLER TOLEDO. Upholding High Standards First District Association is an independent dairy cooperative that maximizes returns for its producers and employees through innovation and providing progressive quality products to a global market. They play a prominent role in the dairy industry and have a very distinct and proud history which has influenced the birth and formation of modern dairy cooperatives. First District produces a wide variety of cheese for use in all types of applications. They produce 500 lb barrels and 40 lb blocks as well as whey protein concentrate (WPC) and lactose. Cheese produced by First District is used in processed cheese products, shredded cheese, and cheese sauces and powders. The new testing labs required updated equipment to help speed up production. First District was also interested in a way to move from manual result transcription to an electronic format. Reliable Moisture & Ash Control First District prides itself on product quality. Each batch of WPC and lactose is labtested and must fall into a specific range of moisture and ash in order to meet the established standard. The moisture testing process begins by taking a small sample from each batch and weighing it. The sample is then dried out in an oven and weighed again. Determining the weight difference in the sample before and after the drying process provides a simple calculation for the amount of moisture present. The ash testing process measures the amount of ash remaining in the sample

2 Analytical Balance & ph Meter after heating it in a muffle furnace. The remaining ash is weighed to ensure it falls within a standard range. First District chose the Excellence Plus (XP) series of analytical balances for both of these tests. They chose the XP for its speed and for the flexibility of the grid-style weighing pan for easy cleaning. Correct ph Level Ensures Quality First District also tests the ph levels of each batch of cheese. They grind the cheese samples and pack them into sample cups. During ph testing, a combination electrode is inserted into the cheese. The S40 ph meter then automatically reads the data and prepares it for output. Determining the correct ph level ensures Office building of First District Association. the quality of flavor, body and texture of each batch of cheese. To complete the package, First District purchased METTLER TOLEDO s LabX Direct ph and Balance software. This software suite will be connected through a LIMS system as the remaining lab renovations are completed. LabX software eliminates the need to manually note each quality test and the connection to the LIMS system will send the results di- rectly into a host computer which reduces the likelihood of transcription errors. First District now has an up-to-date solution for their quality assurance testing. Production is moving faster and the new equipment ensures the quality and taste of each batch of cheese produced. The addition of the LIMS system and software will further enhance and streamline the lab completing the entire testing package. S40 ph Meter Publisher Mettler-Toledo AG Laboratory Division Im Langacher CH-8606 Greifensee, Switzerland Production Segment Marketing LAB Global MarCom Switzerland Subject to technical changes. Mettler-Toledo AG 02/10 Printed in Switzerland. 2

3 Know-how Live and Easy Control Of Caffeine Purity When isolated in its natural form, caffeine is a white crystalline powder with a very bitter taste. The bitter taste is part of the complex flavor and overall profile of many soft and energy drinks. The selection of suitable raw materials is paramount for the production of a high quality end-product, as well as maintaining high consumer satisfaction. Determine the melting point easily, efficiently and video-recorded Visit the website and see how easy and efficient it is to work with the new Excellence Melting Point Systems. There are a variety of applications, datasheets and brochures available for download. Easy Melting Point Determination The new METTLER TOLEDO Melting Point Systems are ideally suited for the quality control of caffeine. One Click TM melting point detection and color video recording of the melting point process (of up to six samples simultaneously with the built-in digital imaging system) enable the user to easily identify and check the purity of caffeine very quickly. The MP Systems also allows the user to visually review the melting process on the display of the instrument or computer screen at anytime. Unmolten caffeine immediately after start of measurement. While it is melting (meniscus point). Watch a video demonstrating how to operate the instruments. The video is available in 6 languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese. The melting point is a characteristic property of a substance. It is the temperature at which the crystalline phase of a substance changes to a liquid state. The image sequence shows the melting point process of caffeine using the METTLER TOLEDO MP90 system. Six samples of caffeine were prepared and then heated from C to C at a heating rate of 1 K/min to determine the temperature at which the melting point occurs. Three of the six samples melted at C, while the remaining three samples melted at C. This indicates that all six samples were within the acceptable melting point range for caffeine. Molten caffeine at the end of melting. The new fully automatic Melting Point Systems are ideally suited to the fields of research and development and quality control. They provide fast, accurate, reliable and reproducible results and have the advantage of storing and replaying the measurement as a high resolution digital video which can be used for review at a later date. This guarantees that both melting points and melting ranges are reliable. MP90 Melting Point System. 3

4 Sieve Analysis Sieve Analysis Performed Perfectly Weighing Bulk Materials Using the XP Determining the size of particles is becoming increasingly important. If the particle distribution changes during the manufacturing process then the quality of the finished product will also change. A simple and quick means of determining the size of the particles is therefore an important requirement for quality assurance in the production of bulk goods. Simple process. Results immediately visible. Multiple sieve sizes can be saved as testing equipment. Logical Weighing Process Particle size has a noticeable effect on the properties of solids with regard to both their physical and chemical characteristics. For goods-in testing and for quality control in general, it is normal procedure to closely monitor the product quality of granulates and powders. In many industry sectors, the sieve method is used in order to analyze and determine the spread of particle sizes in, for example, coffee. Often the sieve analysis is performed by unskilled or semi-skilled employees, which means that the equipment must be very simple to operate. Using an XP Balance sieve analysis becomes a simple and highly logical task. The empty sieve is placed on the balance, the balance is tared and the sample is weighed in. Then the actual sieving is performed. When the sieving is completed the operator simply places the sieve back on the balance and reads the results on the display. Perfect Results Displayed The XP range of balances differs from all other balance types because it automatically shows the results of sieve back weighing in % alongside the sieve residue in g or kg. It can also be configured to show the gross weight. All the user menus are available in over 12 languages if required. In a typical weighing process, the results are now currently hand-written on a specific form, perhaps printed out from the balance or even transferred directly from balance to PC (e.g. using our LabX software). The user then only has to press 2 buttons. Working with Multiple Sieves When fractioning sieving, there are often 6-8 different sized sieves used. In this case, using the XP balance together with LabX software, the user is guided step by step on the touchscreen to place the sieves onto the balance in the right order. The balance then checks if the correct sieve has been used. After sieve weighing, the particle size distribution is automatically calculated. All data is saved in the background on the office PC. The weighing method can also automatically create a personally formatted report printout of the particle size distribution plus all other relevant data. Avoid errors and save time by running a sieving analysis in this simple, fast and safe manner

5 Moisture in Seeds Essential for Best Storage Conditions The moisture content of seeds determines storage life and germination. Deutsche Saatveredelung AG conducted a study to find a suitable sample measurement replacement for the drying oven and chose the HR83 Halogen Moisture Analyzer from METTLER TOLEDO as the best instrument for the task. Seeds to be tested. HR83 Boost Productivity within Minutes To achieve a large crop yield, the agriculture sector needs seeds with an optimal moisture content as this significantly determines expected storage life and germination. The reference method of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) for moisture determination is the drying oven a time consuming procedure requiring between one and 18 hours. Such a long time period is often not available when, for instance, shipments have to be cleared at goods-in. To boost productivity, the leading European plant breeding company Deutsche Saatveredelung AG in Lippstadt, Germany, compared the reference method drying oven with three alternative instruments. Two of these instruments are based on the loss-on-drying principle including the HR83 Halogen Moisture Analyzer from METTLER TOLEDO with the third instrument applying a capacitive measuring method. Suitable for a Variety of Seeds Seeds of 5 species were tested, including at least 2 different cultivars for each species, covering the full moisture range (6-30 % MC*). The study shows that while all three instruments meet the tolerances, the METTLER TOLEDO HR83 achieves the best correlation to the drying oven with outstanding repeatability over the entire moisture range of all analyzed species. As Katrin Boedecker, head of the quality lab, summarizes, The advantages of the HR83 are not only the accuracy of moisture determination but also that the analysis is very fast and simple to carry out. This allows us to decide straight away if the delivered seeds can be stored or have to be dried for correct storage. We save time and money because no temporary storage place is needed until the moisture results are available. *MC: moisture content Katrin Boedecker, head of the quality lab. 5

6 XS Precision Balance Weighing Results in the Snack Food Industry A leading snack food manufacturer in the Midwest, US, has been creating products with brand-recognized quality for more than 75 years. Today, they are a world-leader in the convenience foods industry dedicated to delivering a variety of quality foods, such as potato chips. One of the main challenges of this customer was to make sure of the correct product amount in each bag whilst also avoiding overfilling. XS4001S Excellence Precision Balance. Quality as Upmost Concern One of the key factors in processing any type of potato chip is making sure the correct amount of product is in each bag. This ensures each consumer receives the quantity of chips listed on the bag and saves money by reducing overfilling. Our customer shared these concerns but, equally important was to keep up the fast pace of the manufacturing lines at the plant. Knowing they would need a better checkweighing system in order to increase accuracy without losing precious time on the manufacturing line, they called on METTLER TOLEDO for support. State-of-the-art Equipment A METTLER TOLEDO sales representative provided a solution that featured several XS4001S weighing stations, which were placed at every other bagging line. The XS4001S, part of the Excellence XS precision line of balances, is designed for the highest efficiency in everyday operation. It combines speed, reliability and ease-ofuse in a way never achieved before. The MonoBloc Highspeed weighing cell reduces settling and stabilization time, while the fully automatic calibration technology (FACT) ensures accurate results every time. Equipped with a convenient touchscreen display, the snack food production team is able to operate the equipment with ease. In addition, METTLER TOLEDO was able to set the balance to output continuously, and interface to the plant s custom statistical quality control (SQC) software, providing additional regulatory support. Large weigh pans featured on the balance ensured that even the large bags of chips did not hang off the side and skew the weighing results. Our customer was impressed with the quality of the products they received and the security of knowing a certified METTLER TOLEDO technician is available to support annual ISO calibration requirements and optimize equipment uptime. They are very happy with their new checkweighing system and have already begun saving money, increasing accuracy and improving processes. 6

7 Tailored Titration System for Automatic Alpha Acid Determination The hop vine is a species of plant belonging to the hemp family. The high content of alpha acids (bitter substances) in hops makes it an essential ingredient in beer brewing. Variations of the amount added have a decisive influence on the taste of the beer. Standard hops analysis with METTLER TOLEDO. Finished product: hops pellets as they are used in breweries. Typical titration curve of hops-extract. Secrets behind the Unique Taste To brew beer that always has the same taste, it is important to determine the exact content of alpha acids in hops. The content of these bitter substances is also one of the main factors that influence the amount paid by breweries to farmers. The European Brewery Convention (EBC) develops standards and analytical methods to ensure that chemical analysis is standardized. The EBC 7.4 method describes the conductometric titration of hops and pellets. In short, the sample material is extracted with toluene and an aliquot dissolved in methanol. This aliquot is then titrated conductometrically with lead acetate solution. To determine the alpha acids, aliquots of the hop extracts are prepared depending on their type, the extract and its expected content. These are then transferred to the titration beaker. The solvent mixture is added quickly and reliably by means of a peristaltic pump. After a short conditioning time, the solution is titrated with lead acetate solution and consumption, up to the equivalence point, is calculated as a content percentage of alpha-acids. Comprehensive Solution for Hop Analysis The Hallertau region in Germany is the largest hop-growing region in the world and produces 85 % of German hops. In 2008, this represented a worldwide market share of over 30 %. Hop-processing companies need to be able to analyze large numbers of samples on a 24-hour shift operation. METTLER TOLEDO took up the challenge and our solution for improved hop analysis consisted of: Excellence titrator with conductivity board, InLab 718 sensor, Rondo 20 for high sample throughput, SP250 pump for rapid solvent addition, LabX titration PC software for the control, evaluation and archiving of results Rainin pipettes for titer standard and sample addition. Download UserCom 14 for more information about determination of alpha acids in hop extracts by titration: 7

8 Online Tools Optimize Your Business With METTLER TOLEDO Online Tools Optimize your business online Products & Solutions Services & Support About Us Contact Us You are here: Home > METTLER TOLEDO optimize your business METTLER TOLEDO optimize your business Login / Registration Search: Navigation Other Countries / Areas / Areas deutsch english français italiano Advanced Search Go There are several ways to enhance business workflow in order to increase overall productivity whilst simultaneously decreasing costs. Our internet page dedicated to productivity is a great online tool for supporting business optimization. Main Page Safe investments and decreased costs With METTLER TOLEDO s laboratory solutions Enhance productivity Innovative and cost saving solutions to increase productivity! QUANTOS For automated powder dosing ErgoClips For direct manual dosing Melting point systems For simultaneous measurement Read more Automate workflows Solutions to automate sample handling, analysis and data transfer! Sample changers For automated sample analysis LabX / LiQC software For efficient data management AutoChem For accelerated chemical synthesis Read more Be flexible Modular instrument concepts increase flexibility! Titrators Excellence line For tailored titration ph meters For multi-parameter measurements Weighing modules For endless applications Read more Be mobile Portable instruments analyze samples directly on-site! Portable density & refractive Index meters/ph meters For fast measurement results Moisture analyzers For on-site determinations CarePacs For mobile routine testing Read more Productivity Automation Flexibility Mobility All roads lead to Rome, an old saying says, but only certain ones lead to business optimization. METTLER TOLEDO presents a productive road map and demonstrates its on route support with innovative weighing and laboratory solutions. Great Webinars A wide array of webinars provide knowledge concerning various topics from process optimization and applications to advanced techniques. Webinars Laboratory Weighing Analytical Instruments Pipettes and Tips AutoChem Service Offerings Discover product solutions that support productivity (see example), automation, flexibility and mobility. Browse our investment calculators and calculate savings directly online. Use our webinars to discover how to improve specific technical knowledge. Make use of our productivity internet page as a business optimization resource: Try our online investment calculators Tailored titrimetric analysis The titration Excellence line s modular design with its sophisticated plug and play method allows each system to be exactly adapted to highly specific needs. Enhanced DSC/TGA sample processing Improve analysis accuracy and speed with the automatic processing of 34 samples and simultaneous crucible opening prior to measurement. Calculate savings online: Calculate savings online: 8

9 Update knowledge online and always stay one step ahead Workflows are advanced by applying the latest trends and technologies. Our webinars offer the opportunity to receive specific information on our products and applications whilst reporting on the newest and most advanced methods and standards. Choose between: Live webinars On demand webinars Live webinars Appreciate the direct exchange with industry experts and get information in real-time with our live webinars. This offers the opportunity of receiving, information directly from one of our specialists. Additionally, experts are able to answer questions immediately after each presentation. On demand webinars Choose the flexibility of where and when to update knowledge with the latest information. Our on demand webinars offer the choice of listening to a selection of pre-prepared interesting topics anytime and anywhere. In addition this offers the possibility of accessing the webcast as many times as required. One example of our broad webinar offering: Determination of water content in food using Karl Fischer This webinar will discuss the following topics: Application hints for accurate water determination in food Choosing the right sample preparation Troubleshooting tips to optimize result integrity Explore our full Webinar program on 9

10 Product News On-site Moisture Analysis The Best Recipe for Error-free Results Fast and accurate moisture analyses are vital wherever quality and shelf-life are moisture content dependant. METTLER TOLEDO s HB43-S Moisture Analyzer offers everything necessary for on-site moisture analysis: simple operations, clear user guidance and proven measurement technology. All information displayed The easy to read, back-lit display clearly shows all relevant information including alpha-numeric method names with user guidance icons. Reliable performance with easy maintenance Proven measurement technology, a robust design and easy to clean components guarantee reliable results even in challenging production environments. Integrated method library Method development is fast and easy thanks to the 100 pre-installed methods all fully tested and regulations compliant. Fast drying program Choose the fast drying program for high moisture content samples and significantly reduce measurement time. 10

11 Excellence in Pure Weighing METTLER TOLEDO s new Excellence XA Balance line combines essential functionality with high weighing performance. The robust and durable Precision Balances are the ideal choice for statistical quality control at the product line while the Analytical Balances with its high level of accuracy perfectly qualify for raw material analysis in the quality control laboratory. High Performance State-of-the-art weighing technologies guarantee fast and reliable results. The robust design is suitable for use in a wide range of applications. Easy-to-clean The analytical draft shield, weighing pan and tray are removed in seconds and all are dishwasher safe. All XA Balances feature smooth surfaces and round edges. Easy-to-use The balance touchscreen and intuitive user interface facilitate fast and simple operation. Accessories are easily connected, e.g. the BlueTooth printer helps ensure traceability. 11

12 Info Spot Balance Risk Check How good is your quality system? Which environmental conditions influence a balance? How often should a balance be tested? Knowing the correct answers to these questions saves time and money. The Risk Check is an online tool designed to analyze the weighing risks of a balance independent of model, type or manufacturer. It offers a point of reference in the jungle of regulation guidelines and supports quality and laboratory managers along with anyone else in charge of balances. The Risk Check can: Provide instant expert advice according to individual weighing risk. Demonstrate how to optimize the quality and performance of the tested balance. Spend 5 minutes with the Risk Check to test the fitness of your weighing processes: Mettler-Toledo AG Laboratory Division Im Langacher CH-8606 Greifensee, Switzerland For more information