Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration


Thermobox monitors container temperatures

November 2009 Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration

TKT, a leading European manufacturer of isotainers for transporting fresh or deep frozen food products asked ebro to find a solution to a problem. In order to maintain the refrigerating capacity and efficiency of its isotainers, and comply with the EC directive VO 37/2005, a thermometer was required that not only would be easily visible and readable from the outside, but also offer an additional, cost-effective, cable-free solution to enable a measurement while the box was closed.

ebro recognised an opportunity to use infrared technology. The Thermobox TBI 40 was developed to fit neatly into the opening door of the isotainer, enabling internal temperature to be monitored without the need to open the container. This is an important advantage, since previously the measurement was made using a bi-metallic strip thermometer located on the interior surface of the isotainer door and every time the door was opened, undesirable warm air was allowed in.

Following indoor trials at ebro to prove the effectiveness of the TBI 40 further tests were conducted by the German Inspection Agency at TÜV SÜD using four isotainers part filled to 33% and then to 75% of capacity. Ten temperature sensors were placed between cartons/packs in the containers and the average values of these 10 units computed. In parallel, over a period of 6 hours, an infrared measurement was carried out every 10 minutes. The two sources of measurement were then plotted and the offset determined. The maximum recorded offset was 0,9°C in deep frozen goods and 1,7°C in fresh produce.

At the push of a button, the actual and average product temperatures in the isotainer can be clearly displayed. The TBI 40 automatically recognises the appropriate temperature range for fresh (-1 to +7°C) and the deep frozen food


(-18 to –33°C), and red/green LED signals provide alerts for out-of-range temperatures. The measuring range is –33 to +60°C. The accuracy is ±1° at


23°C and for the remaining range it is ±2° with a resolution of 0,1°C. The infrared distance to spot ratio (D:S) is greater than 1:1 and the emissivity rating is fixed at 0,95. The device is sealed to IP65 and switches off automatically 15 seconds after activation. The battery has a life of approximately 5 years and can be easily replaced by the user.

For more information contact Pieter Deysel, Instrotech, +27 (0)11 462 1920, [email protected], www.instrotech.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Clog-resistant nozzle for powerful
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
As EXAIR and BETE continue to build on a strong partnership, EXAIR has recently added a selection of BETE products to the site, including the innovative BETE HydroClaw tank and vessel cleaning nozzle.

Read more...
Why your next oscilloscope should
Comtest Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
The PC-based USB oscilloscope is a cutting-edge, adaptable alternative to traditional benchtop oscilloscopes that’s redefining test and measurement.

Read more...
The critical role of temperature measurement in flame hardening
Instrotech Temperature Measurement
Flame hardening is a heat treatment process widely used on parts made from mild steels, alloy steels, medium carbon steels and cast iron. Accurate temperature measurement is not just important, but critical for the success of flame hardening.

Read more...
Noncontact infrared temperature control in aluminium rolling process
Instrotech Temperature Measurement
The aluminium rolling process is critical to the aluminium manufacturing industry, where precise temperature measurement is essential for ensuring high-quality product output and protecting equipment. The Optris long-wavelength camera can accurately measure strip temperatures in cold rolling and coiling applications.

Read more...
Rotary atomisers for efficient paint spraying
Instrotech Sensors & Transducers
Painting the bodywork is an integral component of vehicle manufacturing. Keller supplied intrinsically safe pressure transmitters and intrinsically safe temperature sensors to a client producing paint robots for the car industry.

Read more...
Automated test and measurement
Comtest Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Comtest, in partnership with global brands, provides customised solutions with integrated hardware and software for efficient testing and data collection.

Read more...
Quality process control instrumentation
Instrotech Temperature Measurement
Instrotech is a leading provider of high-quality process control instrumentation and industrial automation solutions that are designed to optimise efficiency, reliability and safety across industries.

Read more...
Advanced field calibrator and communicator
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
The Beamex MC6 is a high-accuracy field calibrator that offers automatic calibration capabilities for pressure, temperature and various electrical signals.

Read more...
Inline particle measurement
Mecosa Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Part of the SOPAT family, Parsum has for more than 20 years stood for the measurement of particles in a running process - without sampling and without a laboratory.

Read more...
Inline analysis measurement technology
Mecosa Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
SOPAT develops and sells a photo-optical and image-based inline analysis measurement technology that quantitatively characterises particulate multi-phase systems. The software provides real-time analysis of particle size distribution.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved