MOCON: Automation essential in testing technology
The OX-TRAN Model 2/22 H oxygen permeation tester is suitable for testing packaging composed of a broad range of barrier materials. Guy Wray, marketing manager for MOCON, told FoodProductionDaily that the system was designed with features that deliver the accelerated results and increased ease of use food and packaging firms are demanding.
“Food firms and packaging producers are looking for ways to speed up oxygen transmission testing,” he said.
Automated testing
Wray said the new machine combines features which make it simple for entry-level users to operate, as well as more advanced capabilities.
“It’s fully automated testing,” Wray said. “For the advanced users it offers full manual control.”
Wray told FPD automation is a crucial feature on testing equipment, as it reduces potential operator error, training time, and time required to set up tests. Automation also frees up staff to tackle other tasks, and enables users to accurately and repeatably test films when the film profile is unknown, he added.
“The best comparison I can offer is to compare a motor car made in the 1990s to the very latest fully featured luxury 2014 sedan,” Wray said. “Simply put, it’s easier to use, it provides results faster, it has a lower cost of ownership and the results are improved.”
Reduced transmission rate
Wray said the company’s engineers and software team have developed methods to cut down the time to completion of the transmission rate test and improve results; that technology is incorporated into the OX-TRAN Model 2/22 H.
Also, the unit features the company’s TruSeal flush ring cell, which reportedly creates a leak-free seal between the cell and film, increases repeatability by 2.5 times and improves results.
Simplified setup
Automatic sequential testing on the OX-TRAN Model 2/22 H, with a single setup, enables users to conduct multiple tests on the same film with different relative humidity and temperature conditions. With other models, Wray said, operators were required to completely set up and then start each additional test.
Additionally, automatic control of relative humidity, temperature, pressure and flow takes potential error out of the test by ensuring that set conditions are maintained, Wray said.
