LIBS Snack Food Elemental Analysis on Moving Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for analyzing the elemental composition of snack food products, particularly those with heterogeneous surfaces or coatings, face challenges in accuracy and efficiency due to the inert properties of elements like salt, and the need for real-time, non-destructive monitoring on moving production lines without affecting product integrity.
Innovation Solution
A LIBS system that uses a series of laser pulses and signal processing to analyze the elemental composition of snack food products in real-time, capable of detecting and quantifying elements on the surface, including seasonings or coatings, while overcoming interferences from oils and three-dimensional particles, and maintaining product stability and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional analysis methods are used on heterogeneous snack food surfaces, then measurement accuracy deteriorates due to variable heights and three-dimensional particles, but real-time monitoring capability is also lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to the heterogeneous surface by using a focused laser beam that can precisely target specific locations on moving snack food products. The laser focal point is dynamically adjusted to account for variable surface heights and three-dimensional particles, enabling accurate measurements without requiring the product to be stationary or uniformly shaped.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional bulk analysis methods to surface-specific analysis by focusing the laser on the immediate surface layer where seasonings and coatings are located. This dimensional focus on the surface layer allows for accurate elemental composition detection of coatings while maintaining real-time monitoring capability on moving products.
2Measurement precision
If laser energy is increased to detect inert elements like salt, then detection sensitivity improves, but product integrity and quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes the laser energy parameter to a precise level that provides sufficient signal for detecting inert elements like salt without exceeding the threshold that would damage the product. By carefully controlling the laser fluence and pulse duration, the method achieves detection sensitivity for low parts-per-million concentrations while maintaining product integrity and quality.
3Productivity
If continuous analysis is performed on moving production lines, then productivity is maintained, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to motion and heterogeneous surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to perform measurements dynamically on moving products by synchronizing the laser firing and detection timing with the product motion. The focused laser rapidly analyzes the surface of each product as it passes through the measurement zone, maintaining measurement reliability despite the continuous motion and heterogeneous surface conditions of the production line.
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, real-time monitoring and control of elemental composition on moving snack food products, allowing for continuous quality control and adjustment of seasoning levels without compromising the product's integrity, flavor, or texture.
Implementation Method 1
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 (usually in the nanosecond range) focused on a target sample surface. A volume of the sample is vaporized and ionized to produce a plasma or spark
Implementation Method 2
The plasma spectra, characteristic of elements present in the sample, are then collected and analyzed with a spectrometer to obtain an atomic (elemental) composition
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for analyzing one or more elements of targeted moving snack food surfaces uses laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy to detect the presence, absence, or amount of an element on a heterogeneous surface, including seasoned and ready-to-eat snack foods. A laser is used to quantify the element concentration without destroying the targeted sample. An automated on-line system may be integrated into the method to create a closed-loop feedback control system, adjusting the concentration as desired.