Spectro analyser

A new spectrophotometer called 'Chameleon' has been launched by Spectroscopic and Analytical Developments (SAD), designed to analyse the contents of finished food and beverage products.

Much smaller than the general run of spectrophotometers, Chameleon is battery-operated and thus can be used where others can't - around the shop floor or out in the 'field' rather than in the laboratory. And it does not need an expert to understand and collate the data produced.

According to the company it has already had a great deal of interest from processors and manufacturers, particularly those who transport liquids in bulk. Scotch whisky, fruit cakes, wine, meat and even water have all benefited from the technology.

Dr John Ferguson, a director of SAD, explained: "The unit has a number of modular heads which can be fitted to it for use on different substances. Because it is so small it offers a number of benefits over the ordinary spectrophotometer, which is one of the most commonly-used laboratory instruments.​

"Chameleon can work anywhere without any real restriction, whether measuring a production process, monitoring growing crops or showing the colour of a red wine. And you don't have to be a scientist or have any special skills to operate one."​

Dr Ferguson believes SAD has come up with a first. "Apart from a small number of instruments designed for measuring the colour of surfaces, there are no similar hand-held instruments being made, and certainly none which are waterproof. And we tailor the software to a particular application, something which itself is a novel concept."

SAD believes it has been able to steal a march on its larger competitors through the flexibility of its approach. "We have always been determined to give customers exactly what they want and have the detailed knowledge of components as well as the most up-to-date techniques to produce the right instruments,"​ said Dr Ferguson.

Initially four different measurement heads will be available in the Chameleon range, with more to come, all capable of being fitted to the control unit and battery pack. Two are already being manufactured and the company says that two more will follow soon.

The initial Chameleon was first put together as a short-path length ultra violet system for whisky authentication. But tests have shown the unit will also operate on most other types of spirits - and it can identify different perfume brands.

Second on the market is a long-path length ultra violet system to identify organic pollutants and fertilisers in water while a visible light transmission head is one of the two under development following a commission from one of the UK's largest wine blender and bottlers. It will be used to monitor the colour of both red and white wines when they arrive by tanker and during the blending process.

Tests have also shown this unit to have numerous applications for colour monitoring of liquids across the board in the food and drinks sector. Next will come a head which measures the colour of surfaces without actually making contact with them.

"The most exciting thing about the Chameleon range of products is that the potential applications are so varied and numerous,"​ said Dr Ferguson.

Spectroscopic and Analytical Developments​ was set up by John Ferguson and Bill Considine in 2001. Based in the UK the small team comprises a well-qualified and experienced staff to back up the two directors.

For further information please contact John Ferguson​.