Transmission Sensor offres alternative to nucleonic gauges.

NDC Infrared Engineering Ltd. Jul 18, 2002

Press Release Summary:

Model NDC 312 X-ray transmission sensor incorporates precision regulated power supply for output. Energy flux from X-ray tube can be focused for optimum streak resolution. Sensor's output control strategy provides measurement stability. Model 312 is available in two versions: high-resolution 312N suits applications requiring profile control, and ultra-low-noise 312W. Sensor suits plastics extrusion and textile applications.

Original Press Release:

NDC's New X-Ray Transmission Sensors Offer Alternative to Nucleonic Gauges

Can Provide Better Measurement Performance Than the Best-Designed Beta Gauges in Wide Variety of Applications

Irwindale, Calif., July 8, 2002 - NDC Infrared Engineering (www.ndcinfrared.com) has introduced an X-ray transmission sensor (Model NDC 312) as a substitute for nucleonic transmission gauges where an alternative to the use of radioactive isotopes is required; it also complements the NDC infrared sensors in this regard. Targeted for a variety of plastics extrusion and textile applications, the new 312 X-ray transmission sensors can provide better measurement performance than even the best-designed beta gauges.

Although nucleonic sensors are generally cost efficient, they can present licensing issues in some locations, may require special training to service, and are limited to specific thickness ranges. In addition, disposal of isotopic sources can be difficult and costly. NDC's new X-ray sensors, however, can be safely installed, operated and serviced with minimal licensing and regulation requirements.

Model 312 gauges also outperform their nucleonic counterparts in several areas, providing sharper streak detection and spatial resolution, lower statistical noise, lower sensitivity to flutter and sensor registration (Z plateau), and more precise measurement.

The NDC X-ray transmission sensors incorporate a high-voltage power supply that can be precisely regulated for output. This results in improved sensor stability and allows the energy output to be optimized for best possible performance on a given application. Moreover, energy flux from the X-ray tube can be highly focused, for optimum streak resolution. The sensor also has an output control strategy that ensures measurement stability and prolongs the life of the X-ray components. When the units are powered, photon energies are low enough to be shielded without the use of heavy lead parts, and there is no residual radiation hazard when the unit is powered down.

The Model 312 gauge is available in two versions. The high-resolution 312N offers excellent, narrow streak resolution and is especially suitable where profile control is most important, such as biax and cast film line applications. The ultra-low-noise 312W has a wider aperture that allows more signal through for better accuracy; it is designed for use in processes where spatial resolution is less critical, such as nonwovens and sheet applications.

NDC's 312 X-Ray transmission sensors are available now. More information can be obtained on the Web at www.ndcinfrared.com, via e-mail at info@ndcinfrared.com, or by telephone at 626-960-3300.

About NDC Infrared Engineering

NDC Infrared Engineering offers the world's most extensive range of non-contact sensors and systems for measurement of moisture, fat, protein and continuous web processes variables such as coat weight and film thickness.

The group's range of complementary measurement technologies for the web industry includes infrared absorption, beta transmission, gamma backscatter, X-ray fluorescence and transmission, laser caliper and UV absorption. Applications include blown film, cast film, paper, foil and film converting, pulp and paper, nonwovens, rubber and plastics sheet materials, tire production and plastic pipe manufacture. Products range from hand-held, portable devices for QA checks, to complete on-line system solutions for continuous precision measurement and process control.

The group is the world market leader in the design and manufacture of near infrared (NIR) sensors and systems for on-line and off-line analysis and measurement. The NIR product range includes instruments for monitoring fat, moisture and protein content in food; moisture, nicotine and total reducing sugars in tobacco products; alcohol content and specific gravity of beer; film thickness, barrier layers and coat-weight in plastics; paper and board, foils and sheet steel.

Other products in the NDC Infrared Engineering portfolio include a microwave system for measuring the moisture content of paper and a wide range of hardware and software accessories for the sensor and system ranges. All products are CE marked.

NDC Infrared Engineering is headquartered in Irwindale, Calif., and Maldon, U.K., with facilities ISO certified. Subsidiary offices in Germany and China provide local support to key world markets, and NDC Infrared Group is represented in more than 60 countries worldwide by a comprehensive network of specialist distributors.

NDC Infrared Engineering is a Spectris company, an international company specializing in high value-in-use process control solutions.