MICROWAVE TECHNOLOGY

A) Introduction

In the period between 1995 and 1997, Harrer and Kassen GmbH, of Hofen, Germany, in conjunction with pro/M/tec, now d/b/a HK Instrument Systems, USA, designed, tested and began successful marketing of a revolutionary microwave instrument system for measuring the ° Brix of a sucrose solution.

This advanced technology was designed to control the process of crystallization by evaporation in a vacuum vessel. It was designated as the "pMt 581 Microwave Instrument System". This is the process that Sugar Producers use to make sugar.

As of the end of 2004, we have installed over 1500 systems worldwide. Most of these systems have been in the Sugar Industry. However, many of the new applications have been in other industries like Paper Production, Food Production and Mining.

On Jan 1, 2004, we purchased the assets of a company called BSI Instruments. These assets were responsible for doubling the sales of our company. We use the name of Gamma Instrument Services when working with the product line and former customers of BSI Instruments.

We anticipate continued growth of over 25% a year and believe strongly that the future for HK Instrument Systems is extremely bright.

 

The pMt 581 Microwave Instrument System consisted of two components: the microprocessor-based microwave transmitter, with onboard data acquisition features, and the microwave insertion sensor to operate in vacuum pans, or pipelines of any diameter.

In this system, the microwave insertion sensors are connected to the microwave transmitter via a set of coaxial microwave cables. The instrument output signal is transmitted via a 4-20mA isolated current signal.

The current designations for our Microwave Instrument Systems are the "HK-1, HK-2, or HK-3". The HK series has advanced the technology significantly from the pMt 581 series. The HK series has improved electronics, reduced pricing, single piece configurations, and a remote keypad option. It has proven itself in over a dozen additional applications, from gypsum in water and liquid detergents in water to the moisture of corn on a belt.

The HK series of instruments have been designed to operate as contacting and non-contacting systems. There are systems which operate on-line, at-line or off-line. Sensors or antennas come in three groups:

Insertion Sensor Pins (Contacting Systems used to measure the Moisture Content or Concentration of a Liquid), or

Non Insertion Antennae (Contacting Systems used to measure the Moisture Content or Concentration of a Liquid), or

Horn Antennae (Non-Contacting Systems used mostly for moisture in bulk materials).

In order to facilitate remote calibration and parameter adjustment, the microwave transmitter has a remote keypad option, which can be installed up to 100 meters or more from the microwave insertion sensor. This option also allows for only one keypad to operate multiple systems remotely.

 

C) How does it work?

The HK microwave instrument system uses a microwave signal to measure the water content or concentration of a liquid solution, liquid suspension or the moisture in a bulk material. The instrument generates an electromagnetic wave, which is coupled into the product with one of the sensors. The propagation of the wave through the product depends on the product’s dielectric properties. A second sensor receives this wave. Because of the very high dielectric constant of water, the power level and phase shift of the received wave are proportional almost exclusively to the water content or concentration of the product.

The ratio of transmitted power to received power of the microwave signal is called Attenuation. This signal is measured in decibels (dB). When the microwave travels through a medium that is not a vacuum, it slows down. The difference along the x-axis where the wave crosses compared to a reference wave is the Phase Shift. This signal is measured in degrees of phase shift (° )

By tracking the phase shift and the subsequent loss of energy, the microwave system will measure the ° Brix or concentration of the product with precision.

The accuracy, reliability and repeatability of this measurement have been proven in over 600 installations worldwide. The system is installed in food plants, sugar plants, power plants, gypsum plants and others.

The accuracy of the microwave measurement can be as good as +/- .05% depending on the application. Reliability and ease of maintenance is assured because the instrument has no moving parts to maintain. Safety is assured, with no environmental hazards and no licensing, governmental monitoring, or governmental regulatory requirements.

The HK instrument series and its predecessor the pMt 581 have proven to be superior to nuclear density gages, radio frequency probes and inline refractometers. This system will measure dissolved solids as in a sugar solution or suspended solids as in gypsum and water or milk solids and water.

Harrer-Kassen and HK Instrument Systems have met the challenge to develop a technology that is superior, safe, clean, and "green". Our corporate commitment has been to create successful technological innovations while maintaining competitive pricing, outstanding value, and exceptional service.

Harrer-Kassen and HK Instrument Systems provide full warranty on all systems. HK Instrument Systems offers professional engineering services for initial installation, calibration and startup, with ongoing technical support.

Microwave technology represents the wave of the future for all types of producers both industrial and for food all over the world. Superior design, superior solutions, superior performance. Microwave technology makes for better process control. Microwave technology makes sense, for the bottom line, for a green world. Microwave technology makes a difference.

 

Near Infrared Technology

B) Introduction

In 2005 Harrer and Kassen and HK Instrument Systems introduced a new line of products based on Near Infrared Technology. This product line has been designed to use LED Diode Technology to measure product constituents on line.

As of June 1, 2005, the Instrument System is in the final stages of Performance Testing and Technical Literature Development.

The first Standard Products under Commercial Terms, will be delivered to customers during the month of September, 2005.