Moisture Analyzer for Tobacco - MCT 460-T
/Tobacco Moisture Transmitter
Reliable, Proven, Flexible Design
The MCT460-T is a true stand-alone NIR Transmitter in a IP67 cast aluminum enclosure. A single, proprietary circuit board drives the measurement along with all analog and digital communication. Includes 4-20 mA, 0-10 volts, RS-232/485 or network interfaces such as Ethernet, Profibus, etc. There is no requirement for any intermediary electronics.
The MCT460-T can be configured to connect directly to an Operator Interface. The Operator Interface will power the MCT 460-T Transmitter. All analog, digital and field bus information is generated by the operator interface.
Moisture Analyzer for Tobacco - MCT 460-T
Technical Details
- Processing electronics upgraded and optimized to improve sensor performance and flexibility
- New micro controller, high performance, dual core architecture. One core dedicated to NIR signal acquisition, the other programmed to manage computations and communications options
- Samples entire NIR signal train for increased measurement accuracy
- USB connectivity
- Embedded bootloader allows sensor firmware to be upgraded through USB or serial interface
- Filter wheel speed adjustment through software
- Improved PbS detector temperature control for enhanced stability in arduous environments
- Built in data logger for measured constituents and sensor diagnostics
- IP67 cast aluminum enclosure
Product Information
Smart Sensor Technology - The MCT460-T is a true stand-alone NIR Transmitter in a IP67 cast aluminum enclosure. A single, proprietary circuit board drives the measurement along with all analog and digital communication. Includes 4-20 mA, 0-10 volts, RS-232/485 or network interfaces such as Ethernet, Profibus, etc. There is no requirement for any intermediary electronics.
MCT 460-T System - The MCT460-T can be configured to connect directly to an Operator Interface. The Operator Interface will power the MCT 460-T Transmitter. All analog, digital and field bus information is generated by the operator interface.
Wide Spectrum Referencing - The MCT460-T incorporates a unique reference filter to monitor the tobacco reflectance properties across the complete near infrared (NIR) spectrum. The filter minimizes the influence of tobacco color, blend or type on the Transmitter’s reading.
Measurement Speed - A proven, reliable high speed filter wheel assembly is combined with a state-of-the-art proprietary single detector optical system. This fast sampling technique reduces measurement noise and produces an accurate and repeatable on-line signal. The filter wheel speed is optimized and adjustable through software.
Product Temperature Monitor - The MCT460-T can be configured to monitor and display tobacco temperature in Fahrenheit or Centigrade. The temperature sensor is contained in the MCT460-T enclosure. No additional hardware or wiring is required.
Cooling Panel & Air Purge - Included as a standard part of the MCT460-T
Operating Principle
Near Infrared (NIR) Operating Principle
Several molecular bonds absorb near infrared light at well defined wavelengths. The common bonds are O-H in water, C-H in organics & oils and N-H in proteins. The absorbance level at these specific wavelengths is proportional to the quantity of that constituent in the material.
Narrow band pass filters within the Transmitter create a sequence of light pulses. At least one of these pulses is at the absorbance wavelength specific to the constituent to be measured. The other pulses are created at wavelengths not absorbed by the measured constituent. The pulses illuminate the product and the diffuse reflected light is collected and focused onto a single, temperature controlled detector.
The electrical signals generated by the detector are then processed to provide a value that is proportional to the concentration of the measured constituent. The value is then displayed in % or other engineering units.
Near Infrared (NIR) Operating Principle
