Corn Chips Oil

The benefits of corn chip oil control include improved product quality, lower energy costs, reduced start-up times, less waste, 100% product inspection, and less downtime.

With more than 40 years of experience, MoistTech has developed one of our most accurate moisture sensors, the IR-3000 moisture sensor. It is ideally suited to measure the oil on the corn chips during the manufacturing process. The sensor is coated in a food grade Teflon with a polymeric viewing window enabling manufacturers to improve product quality without any contamination. The IR-3000 takes instant, accurate, non-contact measurements of not only oil, but also moisture, temperature, fat, sugar, seasonings, protein, and more. Uniformity of spray or oil deposition can be monitored and adjusted either manually or automatically.

Installation

We recommend installing sensor(s) at the exit of the fryer and after any flavoring has been added. The sensor should be installed several inches above the belt or screw conveyor so that a production worker can continuously monitor the process and can control the oil content either manually or automatically in the finished product. 

After an oil spray, it is important to install the sensor at an angle to cut down any reflection from the oil coating.

MoistTech is very experienced with the requirements in the production of corn chips and snack foods. Our sensor calibrations, measurement wavelengths, algorithms and sensor optical requirements are pre-set at the factory. Typical accuracy is about ±0.1% moisture. Typical analog range is 0-10% moisture. The outputs can be adjusted to optimize PLC or recording requirements.

Environment

If the corn chip oil sensor has to be installed close to the oven or fryer outlet where it will be susceptible to extreme heat conditions, it is necessary to cool the sensor with either air or water. Furthermore, if the sensor is located near an oil spray, it is necessary to clean the sensor’s optical window during regular routine cleaning.

Take a look at our other food moisture sensor applications.

Contact our customer service representatives for further information about your application and the best installation practices for your equipment.