Traditionally, batch recipes assume fixed quantities for ingredients, but in reality, many dry materials contain variable levels of moisture, complicating batch consistency and quality.
Controls engineers must find a method for improving precision in batch processing where dry ingredients have variable moisture content, Automation World wrote in this article.
ECS Solutions addresses this challenge with automation systems that analyze and adjust for real-time ingredient properties—most notably, using OMNIR near-infrared sensors positioned after the discharge point of a vessel.
These sensors provide live feedback on moisture content, allowing for on-the-fly recipe adjustments, such as reducing added water to account for moisture already present in the dry ingredient. This automation minimizes operator intervention, reduces error potential and ensures consistent product quality.
