Using The ColorTrend HT For On-Line Measurement Of Nuts

The color of peanuts, mixed blends, and tree nuts can be assessed immediately after roasting or cooking, while still on the line, using the ColorTrend HT. Such measurements provide information about product quality and sufficiency of cooking or roasting. Color measurements can help reduce costs associated with color complaints and can indicate when there is a process upset, such as a temperature set too high or too low. On-line measurements allow you to react quickly to such upsets and to measure product constantly, rather than just reading intermittent laboratory samples.

There are a number of process variables that can impact the color of nuts. Typically, control parameters such as operating temperature, line speed, and dwell (or resident) time all have an effect on color. In order to determine how these variables affect color, it is important to first get real-time measurements of color that can be tracked accurately and consistently from the beginning stages of a run through to the finished product. This information helps determine the causes and effects of process variation, allowing prompt corrective action to minimize off-quality product, increase production throughput, and maximize equipment usage. As a result, plant operating costs are ultimately reduced and overall product quality is improved. On-line measurements also result in reduced laboratory labor and material sampling costs as the laboratory quality control function is reduced to infrequent auditing.

Typically, the ColorTrend HT sensor is mounted above the conveyor belt just after the roaster or oven. (Mounting over the oven band is not recommended.) The nuts pass under the sensor in layers or piles and the instrument measures the nuts that it "sees" and provides colorimetric data that is updated frequently.