Potato Chips Oil

With the help of industry partners and 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 moisture in the potatoes before frying or to monitor potato chip oil levels 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. But the IR-3000 isn’t just for moisture testing: it takes instant, accurate, non-contact measurements of temperature, oil, fat, sugar, seasonings, protein, and more. Moisture levels can be adjusted either manually or automatically.

Installation

By installing the MoistTech moisture sensor before the fryer, adjustments can be made based on the level of moisture in the potatoes. By installing the sensor later in the process, the amount of oil on the potatoes can be measured and controlled. 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 moisture and oil content either manually or automatically in the finished product. If the potato chips have gone through an oil spray, it is important to install the sensor at an angle to cut down any reflection from the oil coating.

Environment

If the sensor is located near an oil spray, it is necessary to clean the sensor’s optical window during regular routine cleaning.

Benefits of Potato Chip Oil Control

• Improved Product Quality
• Lower Energy Costs
• Reduced Start-up Times
• Less Waste
• 100% Product Inspection
• Less Downtime

MoistTech is very experienced with the requirements in the production of potato 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.

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.