New headspace gas analyser completes ‘team of three’ to cover every situation
PBI-Dansensor has launched of a new headspace gas analyser which completes its ‘team of three’ analysers that will cover every type of requirement for quality control in a modified atmosphere packaging plant, large or small.
The portable CheckPoint II analyser was released in November 2008. It will complement the advanced CheckMate II analyser and the entry-level CheckPoint handheld device.
“In any modified atmosphere packaging process, sample testing is crucial to quality control of the product,” said PBI-Dansensor’s Sales and Marketing Manager Karsten Kejlhof. “With the launch of CheckPoint II we can provide a suite of headspace gas analysers that provide a complete solution for every situation.”
The top-of-the-range CheckMate II, launched 18 months ago, marries a sophisticated and sensitive gas analyser to an automatic data-logger that does away with the need for manual paper-based logs. The analyser requires only a small volume of gas and works rapidly, making it suitable for high-volume production facilities. In-built ‘intelligence’ will inform the operator of any errors such as blocked filters or a missing measuring hose. The device can be directly connected to a PC via a USB port or LAN, enabling it to link in to the production facility’s IT system. “CheckMate II is fast,” says Kejlhof. “If there are a lot of tests to run, the analyser will save a considerable amount of operator time.” A bar code reader can be used to set the analyser’s operating parameters thus limiting operator errors. CheckMate II is a highly robust product, capable of making several hundred tests an hour, and with an expected sensor lifetime of five years or more.
The new CheckPoint II is a portable device that also has data logging capabilities, the facility to connect to a PC and an optional bar code scanner. Like its ‘bigger brother’ the CheckMate II, the CheckPoint II has built-in intelligence to alert the operator to any errors. It is ideal for smaller-volume production facilities or other situations where a portable analyser is useful.
Completing the trio, CheckPoint is a handheld device that many larger factories typically use as a back-up to the principle analysers, and is also useful for a quality control manager to make random spot tests. The device can store the last ten measurements it has taken. CheckPoint would also make an ideal analyser for setting up packaging machines, or for customers new to the modified atmosphere packaging environment with only a small production or testing run.
“With the introduction of CheckPoint II we believe we have the most complete programme of quality control instruments for the modified atmosphere packaging environment,” said Kejlhof. “Whatever the need, we have a solution.”
