The ProFoss system is based on near infrared analysis – a technology that is already widely used for periodic testing of grain deliveries. The ProFoss takes the concept a logical step further by measuring entire batches of grain. A specially designed sample interface intercepts the grain as it is conveyed in a pipe or transport system and feeds a continuous stream of analysis data back to a computer in your control room.
An obvious consideration is whether the accuracy of measurements with the ProFoss are comparable to existing bench top analysers used in the laboratory.
A user study based on ProFoss for flour milling indicates very similar performance for both solutions.
But even though the performances of the two solutions are very similar, the frequency of measurement with the ProFoss system allows trends and irregularities to be spotted more quickly.
The ProFoss can also help to spot smaller variations in the process, as shown in the trend chart. This is because using a bench top instrument to check a process is subject to the risk of operator error. Mistakes can lead to a wrong measurement result and if this is used for process adjustment,
This can continue until the next sample is analysed perhaps one or two hours later. So, although the performance of NIR laboratory instruments is traditionally determined by the standard error of prediction (SEP), in real life, the performance is limited by a combination of sampling errors, sample preparation
errors and analytical errors.
In contrast, ProFoss takes direct measurements inside the process. Sampling errors and sample preparation errors can therefore be minimised to almost zero. Monitoring process variations using a trend chart and a moving average function enables the detection of process variations of a laboratory analyser. Even if one result is wrong for some reason, this has no new result will be generated few seconds later.
