Turbidity monitoring system continuously checks filter performance in fruit juice production

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Model HSB Indicator/Controller for Filter Use

A producer of fruit juices required a filter- and product quality- monitor to continuously check the performance of its filtering of orange and grape juices. A McNab Model HSB turbidity monitoring system was installed to monitor the juice as it passed through the process line immediately after the filter.

Problem

A producer of fruit juices required a filter- and product quality- monitor to continuously check the performance of its filtering of orange and grape juices.

Solution

A McNab Model HSB Turbidity monitoring system was installed to monitor the juice as it passed through the process line immediately after the filter.

The McNab Model HSB turbidimeter consists of a flow cell with four waterproof housings mounted thereon. The flow cell is connected to an indicator/control cabinet housing the electronics and a meter.

One flow cell housing contains the light source. Two housings are mounted at 90º angles from the light source: one holding the measuring detector and the other containing a test lamp and light trap. The fourth housing, mounted directly opposite the light source, serves as a reference detector and is used to measure transmitted light so as to provide a ratio to compensate for variations in color, bulb deterioration and/or the fouling of optical surfaces.

Light striking a particle is reflected at various angles from the light beam. The Model HSB continuously gauges solids content by measuring the light scattered off of particles at a 90º angle from the direct light beam.

Light striking a particle contained in the juice will "scatter" when it comes in contact with the particle. This light deflects in many angles from the direct beam. Light scattered 90º from the source is detected by the photoelectric scanner, which sends electronic signals to the indicator control box. This signal is converted to a turbidity value and indicated on the monitor's display, which sounds an alarm when turbidity levels indicate a filter breakthrough has occurred. When the alarm has sounded, the filter is automatically stopped and the operator corrects the problem.

In its first year of operation, the juice company reported the only service the turbidity monitoring system required was the replacement of the light source lamp. The company has since installed the upgraded light source lamp that should provide an estimated five years of service.

Questions? Contact McNab

A91-25a

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