APPLICATION GUIDANCE

Food Industry

Food products are, in general, easy to measure using infrared thermometry, as they generally have a high emissivity. PyroUSB and PyroBus sensors, monitoring the temperature of food items on a conveyor, can be configured for peak or valley hold processing, so the temperature of the most recent target is held while the next target is moved in front of the sensor. Successful applications also include chocolate and toffee manufacture.

Detailed application notes: chocolate and toffee manufacture (PDF) Detailed application notes: infrared temperature measurement in food safety (PDF) Food temperature measurement through glass jars using the PyroUSB 2.2 (PDF)

Suggested Products

PyroCouple

• Low cost

• General purpose

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For food temperature measurement, a fixed-emissivity sensor such as the PyroCouple is usually suitable. A range of controllers and indicators is also available. A famous manufacturer uses the PyroCouple to measure chocolate temperature before the mould as it is heated in temperature controlled "kettles", and the temperature of toffee webs as they leave cooling drums.
PyroUSB

• Conveyors and production lines

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For individual food items or moulds on a moving conveyor, the peak/valley-hold processing capability of the PyroUSB may be used to ensure only the temperature of the food item or the mould itself is measured. An internationally-famous manufacturer uses the PyroUSB to measure chocolate bar mould temperatures prior to automatic deposition of molten chocolates.

PyroBus

• Conveyors and production lines

• Multiple-point monitoring

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The PyroBus also has peak/valley hold processing capability for conveyors and production lines, and the RS485 Modbus interface makes it ideal for food applications where temperatures at several points must be monitored simultaneously.
PyroUSB 2.2

• Measures through glass

• Conveyors and production lines

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Measure the temperature of hot food products inside glass containers from 45°C to 300°C using the PyroUSB 2.2. The pyrometer measures through the glass; readings can be taken on-line without interrupting production.

For assistance in choosing the most suitable sensor for your application, please contact Calex.