Inline Color Measurement for Process Monitoring and Control
Measuring color in its high sophisticated version. From now on it is possible to measure the color of goods directly in the processed material. In the melt, in the liquid, in the powder or paste form. As reflection or transmission measurement. For all purposes are the right probes available.

The spectrophotometer is able to deliver continuously every 10 seconds color data as a trend diagram with L*, a*, b* and dE* (other color values are also available). The diagram shows the measured results vs. a standard color with tolerances (incl. warning level). In case of dramatic differences the user is now able now to manipulate the process and make corrections. The whole system is made for the application in the production environment and withstands dust and splash water.

Inline Color Measurement for Process Monitoring Direcly in the Melt (Plastics Extrusion)
Color values are not only an indicator for product quality but also useful as an excellent indicator for the process monitoring in the extrusion stage. All parameters in the production process (temperature, pressure, production speed, e.g. feeders, pumps etc.) have an impact directly on the color values. It is now possible to make measurements every 10 seconds directly in the melt without the need for sampling. Immediate adjustments of the process parameters are therefore possible by immediate ‘off-specification’ detection.

The probe tip with sapphire lens is assembled in a typical Dynisco body. This is than screwed in a typical ½“ UNF thread at the material exit position on the extruder. The installation is easy and fast. The calibration of the spectro is done without any interruption of the running process.

Inline Color Measurement for Process Monitoring on Liquid or Paste Materials
The probe tip also equipped with a sapphire tip is made to dip in the liquid material i. e. paint, varnish, beverages, food, powder etc. There are probes for opaque and transparent materials availlable. With that manually take of samples are obsolete. The system delivers in a short interval of seconds color data fro the material. The color probes are easily be mounted in a pipeline, by-pass or directly to a mixing vessel.

Benefits of the Technology
In-line color measurement for process monitoring allows the user to have continuous knowledge of the process conditions. Corrective action can then be made on this feedback, minimizing off-spec production. With this technology installed, production managers can realize less contamination of good material, avoid or minimize scrap, reduce rework, optimize their recipes, assure precise dosage, reduce raw material costs, and meet the target tolerances to avoid regrind of delivered material. All these benefits result in reduced production costs

• Spec Sheet "Online Color System" (PDF)
  
• Spec Sheet "Reflection Polymer Melt Probe" (PDF)
  
• Spec Sheet "Large Area Surface Probe" (PDF)
  
• F. Eker "In-Line Color Measurement directly in the Melt"
  from Kunststoffe International 4/2009 (PDF)