Online colour measuring system for quality control

June 2012 Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring

Micro-Epsilon Eltrotec has introduced colorCONTROL ACS 7000, its first online colour measuring system based on spectral imaging. First, the target is illuminated with white light, and then the spectrum of the reflected light is compared to a white reference. The results are used to calculate CIE-xy colour coordinates for wavelengths of 390-780 nm. Spectral imaging is the most accurate method of colour measurement; colour value resolution exceeds E 0.01 for a spectral resolution of 5 nm. Observation characteristics such as illumination source and 2°/10° standard observers can be adjusted. The system works contact-free at a distance up to 55 mm with a measuring geometry of 30°/0°.

The unit supports three operating modes. The first measures the colour difference E to the reference value. A maximum of 15 learned reference colours can be stored. The second mode measures the sample’s reflectivity spectrum and the third measures colours and displays them in the relevant colour space (XYZ, L*a*b*, L*u*v*). In addition, users can display and track a trend analysis of E/L*, a*, b* for the individual colours over any period of time. All modes support measurement speeds of up to 2 kHz.

The system is operated via a web browser that displays relevant measuring parameters, including a black/white balance feature. Process interfaces such as Ethernet, EtherCAT, RS422, USB and digital I/O are included. Applications include automotive paint inspections; interior colour measurements; forensics; plagiarism detection in the processing of plastics, wood, veneers and textiles; printing and medical.

Further reading:

Oxygen measurement in beverages
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
[Sponsored] Anton Paar offers a complete range of oxygen measurement instruments for total package oxygen (TPO) measurements, at-line quality control (QC), and in-process monitoring. These instruments help beverage manufacturers achieve accurate, reliable oxygen control at every stage of production.

Read more...

---

Analysers achieve OIML R140/MID accuracy class A certification
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Qmicro by Sensirion has received the OIML R140/MID accuracy class A certificate No. TC12537 for its DynamiQ-X GC analysers for the analysis of natural gas and natural gas blended with hydrogen.

Read more...

---

Sustainable water management
Wearcheck Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Water sustainability is critical for the future wellbeing of people, land and marine ecosystems, and socio-economic development. WearCheck Water provides a range of water analysis techniques to determine water quality for various sectors, including mining, agriculture, domestic and the healthcare industry.”

Read more...

---

Biofilm monitoring system
Instek Control Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Alvim, through Instek Controls, provides innovative, high-tech solutions for biofilm and biofouling monitoring in industrial plants.

Read more...

---

WearCheck Water earns AdBlue/DEF analysis accreditation
Wearcheck Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
WearCheck Water recently became the first laboratory in Africa to be officially ISO17025 accredited to test AdBlue diesel exhaust fluid by the South African National Accreditation System.

Read more...

---

Streamlining strain gauge load cell integration
Vepac Electronics Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Vepac’s data acquisition hardware provides an efficient and effective all-in-one solution for customers looking to simplify, enhance and optimise their strain gauge load cell systems.

Read more...

---

Oxygen measurement in beverages
Anton Paar Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
[Sponsored] Anton Paar offers a complete range of oxygen measurement instruments for total package oxygen (TPO) measurements, at-line quality control (QC), and in-process monitoring. These instruments help beverage manufacturers achieve accurate, reliable oxygen control at every stage of production.

Read more...

---

Sensors and controls for food, beverage and pharmaceutical
Instek Control Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Included in Instek Control’s range is Anderson-Negele, which has adopted ‘Hygienic By Design’ as its guiding principle, with a particular focus on meeting the stringent regulatory requirements found in industries such as dairy, brewery or pharmaceutical.

Read more...

---

Vertical labelling of test tubes in clinical laboratories
Omron Electronics Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Werfen has implemented a new automated machine for the supply of reagents to drug toxicology laboratories, built by MACCO in collaboration with OMRON and Marini Pandolfi. It uses OMRON SCARA robots and advanced vision systems to ensure reagent quality through vertical handling and labelling process of test tubes.

Read more...

---

Keeping a close eye on product quality and purity
Endress+Hauser South Africa Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Colour measurements are necessary in many processes to avoid product losses and ensure safe production and batching.

Read more...

---