Perten in-line DA 7350 versus 7300

The Perten DA 7350 is the third generation of its in-line NIR instruments. 

The obvious question is, how does the DA 7350 compare to the DA 7300?  

The Benefits of In-line NIR Measurement  

Like the DA 7300 that precedes it, the Perten DA 7350 is purpose-built and designed for in-line NIR use. 

Near infrared analysis (NIR) provides rapid data analysis, which supports better decision making in food production. The DA7300 provides feedback loop capabilities to allow tight control of quality parameters within a production process.  

This spectroscopic technique requires no sample preparation, no additional chemicals, and is non-destructive of samples.  

It is a quantitative method that is well-suited to determining the major constituents, such as moisture, protein, fat in various food types, such as:  

  • Grains 

  • Flour 

  • Animal feed 

  • Pet food 

  • Snack foods 

  • Rendering  

 

Using an in-line NIR instrument enables real-time measurements, providing the crucial data food producers and manufacturers need to make rapid adjustments to refine their processes. 

You can integrate in-line NIR instruments into your process control systems.  

In-line NIR can be used in the following: 

  • After drying 

  • After frying 

  • Blending 

  • After addition of flavour components  

  • After addition of oil 

  • Rendering 

  • Product conformity  

  • Quality control of moisture prior to packaging 

 In-line NIR will test for:  

  • Moisture 

  • Protein 

  • Fat/Oil 

  • Ash. 

 How NIR Technology Works 

NIR stands for Near Infrared Reflectance spectroscopy and is a technique used in the food industry for measuring quality parameters such as Moisture, Protein and Fat  during the manufacturing process. It uses a light source in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum.  

All types of food absorb infrared (IR) radiation (energy) at specific wavelengths depending on their composition. Foods with different compositions will produce characteristic IR spectra due to the fact they contain different levels of moisture, protein and fat. This means they will absorb different levels of energy at wavelengths relating to each parameter and this correlates with their concentration.   

NIR requires no sample preparation and can measure multiple components in 20 seconds These qualities make NIR spectroscopy an ideal method for analysing different foodstuffs.  

The Perten DA 7350 and 7300 come with pre-set factory calibrations.  

What Do the Perten 7350 and 7300 Provide? 

These instruments are designed specifically for in-line use. 

You can mount them in a pipe, mixer or hopper at different stages in a food processing line.  

With additional built-in cameras, both the DA 7300 and DA 7350 have real-time viewing capabilities, so operators can view processing stages remotely and via networked devices. This enables you to immediately pinpoint any issues, such as colour errors, blockages or unwanted materials.  

Perten introduced the DA 7300 in 2007. It began as a dedicated device for measuring quality in flour milling, but it has evolved into more applications involving different variants.  

The DA 7300, and now the DA 7350, are based on high performance diode array technology, providing high signal and low noise measurements.  

In a diode array, there are 1024 individual photo diodes arranged in linear sequence. This type of technology supports rapid operations and involves no major moving parts.  

This ensures that Perten’s in-line NIR devices are robust and resilient for use in production and processing environments.  

They come in a stainless steel housing, with a scratch-resistant window and are certified for use in dust environments. ATEX certified - Zone 21/22  

DA 7350: Next Generation In-line NIR 

The DA7350 builds on the technological advances and capabilities of the DA 7300, while remaining competitively priced. It has a wavelength range of 950 to 1650 nm.  

It is designed to measure bulk products, pastes and slurries and, as with the DA 7300, its common applications include: 

  • Grain 

  • Flour 

  • Food 

  • Dairy 

  • Feed processing. 

 The range of NIR calibrations Perten can provide reflects this, and it includes:  

  • Corn 

  • Sunflower meal 

  • Wheat flour 

  • Butter 

  • Oil seed 

  • Ruminant feed 

  • Monogastric feed 

and many more. 

 

The DA 7350 boasts an real life analysis time, with simultaneous data collection at all wavelengths. 

Its cooled detector mechanism also helps to further reduce noise levels.  

As with the DA 7300, it has an integrated, on-line camera system.   

The camera will take accurate colour measurements and speck counts. It has a system resolution of 45μm (micrometres).  

The DA 7350 had specifically designed accessories, including grain and flour measurement chambers, and a mounting panel.  

Extended Systems Integration  

The DA 7350 includes an accessible, intuitive web-based user interface. This means you can access the instrument’s real-time images and analysis through any web browser.  

The interface allows for an unlimited number of users, and there is no requirement to install specialist software on clients’ devices.  

Use the DA 7350’s supporting software for:  

  • Showing values and trends on an at-line display 

  • Viewing measurement results and reports in the control room 

  • Viewing sample results and adding reference values in the laboratory. 

The DA 7350’s system integration capabilities mean that management, stakeholders or customers can have access to results in real-time.  

The user interface includes:  

  • Camera view of sample 

  • Numerical displays, featuring targets and limits 

  • Graphs, including trend lines and optional lines for targets and limits 

  • List of samples, including date and time and optional sample ID. 

 You can add reference results for automatic bias calculations.  

There is an optional batch report function. This will collect data between product changes.  

It allows you to search by date and product type, and selecting a search result gives you summary data. Reporting data is exportable, either in PDF or CSV format. There are also options to include graphs in reports.  

Data export from the DA 7350 interface is straightforward and includes lab samples spectra, lab results, and measurement spectra and results.  

The Desktop NIR Option  

In addition to its DA 7300 and 7350 models, Perten also produces the DA 7250 NIR analyser. 

Like the other models, it uses diode array technology to provide rapid and accurate sample measurements.  

This instrument is stand-alone, and will work both as a benchtop device, or in-line as part of a processing system.  

Which NIR Analyser Should You Choose? 

All of Perten’s DA NIR analysers combine outstanding analytical accuracy with versatility, durability and ease of use.  

The major difference is scalability and connectivity. The DA 7350 is fully Industry 4.0 ready, and you can integrate it into a wider system network for multiple access and users.  

For more information about our range of advanced NIR analysis instruments, please contact Calibre Control. 

Rachael Smith