LIBS Elemental Analysis for Food Coating Quantification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for analyzing the elemental composition of heterogeneous food products with coatings or seasonings are inefficient and inaccurate, particularly when dealing with inert elements like salt, and fail to provide real-time, non-destructive monitoring that preserves product integrity.
Innovation Solution
A LIBS system that uses a series of laser pulses and signal processing to analyze the elemental composition of food products in real-time, overcoming interferences from oils and small particles, and allowing for continuous monitoring and feedback control of seasoning or coating levels without affecting the product's quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional spectroscopy methods are used to analyze elemental composition of food products, then analysis can be performed, but the method is slow and not suitable for real-time monitoring on production lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical spectroscopy methods with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), using a high-power pulsed laser to ablate the sample surface and generate plasma for instantaneous elemental analysis. This substitution enables real-time monitoring capability on production lines while maintaining accurate detection of elements including inert gases and salts.
2Measurement precision
If laser pulses are used to analyze food products with coatings or seasonings, then real-time detection of elemental composition is achieved, but interference from oils and small particles reduces accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a series of pulsed laser shots rather than a single pulse. Multiple pulses are delivered to the same location, allowing the system to accumulate spectral signals and average out random interference from oils and particles. This periodic action significantly improves measurement precision for detecting elements in coated or seasoned food products.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous laser scanning and spectral acquisition during the analysis period. By continuously monitoring the plasma emission spectra across multiple pulses and integrating the signals, the method overcomes transient interference from surface contaminants while maintaining uninterrupted elemental composition monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If conventional analysis methods are used on heterogeneous food products with variable heights, then analysis can be performed, but the three-dimensional substance and coating make accurate measurement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the analysis into multiple discrete laser shots at the same location, with each pulse creating a plasma for spectral analysis. By dividing the measurement into multiple independent pulses and averaging the results, the system overcomes the heterogeneity of the food surface and achieves precise quantification of coating or seasoning layers despite variable heights and three-dimensional structures.
4Measurement precision
If destructive analysis methods are used to obtain accurate elemental composition, then measurement precision is improved, but product integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a high-power pulsed laser that delivers sufficient energy to ablate a tiny volume of material and generate plasma for spectral analysis, but the total material removed is minimal and localized to a microscopic spot. This partial action provides accurate elemental composition data while preserving the overall integrity, flavor, stability, and quality of the food product for consumption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable, non-destructive, real-time analysis of food products with accurate detection and quantification of elements, maintaining product integrity and allowing for instantaneous monitoring and feedback control of seasoning or coating levels.
Implementation Method 1
A volume of the sample is vaporized and ionized to produce a plasma or spark having an elemental composition representative of the sample
Implementation Method 2
A volume of the sample is vaporized and ionized to produce a plasma or spark
Implementation Method 3
LIBS is based on the analysis of the spectrum of light emitted by the atoms of a sample, when they are excited and ionized by a high power, short laser pulse
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for analyzing one or more elements of targeted moving food surfaces uses laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy to detect the presence, absence, or amount of an element on a heterogeneous surface of an object, including surfaces of food products. A laser is used to quantify an element concentration without destroying the object. The method can be configured to include an automated on-line system comprising a closed-loop feedback control system operable to select a predetermined concentration.