almost anywhere as needed . They can also be used to inspect package sealing , and improve efficiency in other food processing operations .
FLIR thermal imaging cameras have firmware and communication interfaces that enable their use in automated process control . Third-party software makes it easy to incorporate these tools into automated machine vision systems without the need for extensive custom-written control code .
The use of thermal imaging cameras in food processing is growing for applications such as :
• Oven baked goods
• Microwave cooked meats
• Microwave drying of parboiled rice and other grains
• Inspecting ovens for proper temperature
• Proper filling of frozen meal package compartments
• Checking integrity of cellophane seals over microwave meals
• Inspecting box flap glue of overwrap cartons
• Monitoring refrigerator and freezer compartments
Thermography for Quality Assistance And Product Safety
Thermal imaging is first and foremost a quality assurance ( QA ) tool . Controlling the quality and safety of cooked meat products is an excellent use of this technology .
A permanently mounted thermal imaging camera can record the temperature of , for example , chicken tenders as they exit a continuous conveyor oven .
The objective is to make sure they are done enough but not overcooked and dried out . Reduced moisture content also represents yield loss on a weight basis . Thermal imaging cameras can also be used for inspection on microwave precooking lines . Besides improving product quality and safety , overall throughput can be increased . An additional benefit is reduced energy costs .
Equipment Monitoring
In addition to product inspections , thermal imaging cameras can monitor equipment and production assets . The drive to producer higher quality goods faster and at lower prices is increasing pressure on asset and process efficiency and in turn the assets themselves . When there ’ s a risk that equipment failure could be rapid failure the need for consistent and reliable monitoring is critical .
FLIR thermal imaging cameras have firmware and communication interfaces that enable their use in automated process control .
Within the cooked food sector for example , thermal imaging cameras can be part of a feedback loop to help control oven temperature .
Another use of thermal imaging cameras for conveyor ovens is monitoring temperature uniformity across the width of the conveyor oven cooking belt . If a heating element inside an electric oven fails , or you get uneven heating across an air impingement oven , one side of the product stream may be cooler . This can be quickly discovered with thermal imaging cameras .
Quality inspections of this sort are much more difficult with conventional contact type temperature sensors . Thus , thermal imaging cameras can help correct variability and improve quality before a lot of product is scrapped .
Packaging Inspections
Software is available that allows thermal imaging cameras to locate objects and patterns in the images . One application for pattern matching is in the production of frozen meals . Thermal machine vision can use pattern recognition software to check for proper filling of food tray compartments .
A related application is automated 100 % inspection of the heat-sealed cellophane cover over finished microwave meals . A thermal imaging camera can see heat radiating from the lip of the container where the cellophane heat-seal is formed . The temperature along the entire perimeter of the package can be checked by using the thermal image with machine vision software . This type of program matches the geometric pattern in the image and its temperatures against the temperatures in a pattern stored in a computer memory . An added function in such a system could be laser marking of a poorly sealed package so it can be removed at the inspection station .
An issue affecting product safety indirectly is the integrity of cartons that overwrap and protect food containers . One of the most costeffective ways of sealing overwrap cartons is to use heated glue spots on the carton flaps . In the past ,
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