TGC-2 Total Online Gas Control
For real time, continuous monitoring of headspace O2 + CO2 in food packages as the products are being packed. For use on bagging and flow wrap packaging equipment. Includes gas mixer, online oxygen gas analyser ( CO2 sensor available optionally ), random test function and proportional gas flow to enable the correct gas flow and avoid wastage of gas. User defined gas target levels, tolerances and alarm limits.
PLEASE NOTE:
In April 2012 PBI-Dansensor will discontinue the TGC-2.
The TGC-2 will however continue to be supported, until at least 2017 as per PBI-Dansensor’s current company policy (November 2011)
The TGC-2 is superseded by a combination of the MAP Check 3 and MAP Mix Provectus – released in November 2011.
The TGC-2 is an all in one solution for flow packaging machines working with modified atmosphere. The TGC-2 is not only measuring the actual gas concentrations in the package, it is also mixing and regulating the gas used in the package. The TGC-2 is therefore a fully automated quality assurance system. This system can ensure uniform packaging quality and process control, and at the same time give cost savings due to gas savings and a simplified workflow.
The quality assurance of modified atmosphere packages on flow wrappers is very easy with a TGC-2 because the unit will make the entire workflow uncomplicated and operator friendly.
Features
- On-line gas analysis
- Off-line spot test gas analysis
- Electronic gas flow control
- Electronically or manually controlled gas mixing for 2 or 3 gases – O2 / N2 / CO2
- 99 programmes for different product parameters
- Gas savings – depending on actual production conditions
- Flush back cleaning of the measuring hose
- Packaging machine interface, e.g. start and stop
- Robust and sturdy design (stainless steel)
Advantages
- More uniform packaging quality
- Automation of the gas flushing process and relevant documentation
Automation of the gas purging process
One of the TGC-2 module”s advantages is the automation of the gas purging process on both horizontal and vertical flow packaging machines. Thus the TGC-2 automatically supplies the gas quantity needed for reaching and maintaining the oxygen level preset by the operator before sealing the package.
The on-line gas analyser in the TGC-2 is continuously measuring the actual oxygen content in the package via the sampling hose placed near the sealing area.
The measured oxygen level is continuously compared to the target O2 level preset by the operator for this particular package. If the oxygen level is too high, the flow regulator is to give more gas, thus purging away more atmospheric air. If the oxygen level is too low, less gas will be supplied. The target is to maintain the oxygen level in a “window”, defined by the O2 minimum and maximum accepted levels.
Calibrated and ready to use
The TGC-2 is delivered with a certificate of calibration and only needs to be re-calibrated once a year. The operator never needs to worry about compensation for air pressure or flow verification as all this automatically is taken care of.
Easy to operate
The TGC-2 is with its touch screen and menu structure very easy to operate. The different parameters for the TGC-2 are set up in programmes (99 programmes). The operator does not need to reset the parameters, he only chooses a new programme and the TGC sets itself up automatically. This also applies to the gas mixer, if the electronic mixer option is chosen. The programme selection procedure can be interfaced with the packaging machine (depending on brand and model).
Data collection and documentation
When TGC-2 is measuring and displaying the measuring data on a screen, this data can immediately be logged. Measuring data can be printed at once and/or saved in ternally in the memory of TGC-2 for printing out at a later stage. Data logging in the TGC-2 has been implemented so that when logging is ON and logging to buffer has been selected, the data is always saved under the product cur rently selected. When data is logged to the buffer, TGC-2 can save a total of nearly 2000 measurements.
TGC-2 can also be set up to send actual gas concentra tions via RS232 to plant data collection systems at a pre set interval.
Technical specifications
Sensors
- O2 sensor: Ceramic, solid state sensor
- CO2 sensor: Infrared, double wavelenght sensor
Measuring gas:
By means of the built-in pump, measuring gas is taken from the suction probe or via the enclosed needle
- Gas pressure: Atmospheric press +0 – 100 mbar
- Gas humidity: Max. 90% RH – non-condensing
- Gas consumption: Probe: approx. 350 ml/min. Spot: approx. 60 ml/min.
Measuring range
- O2 sensor: 0.001 – 100%, auto range shifting
- CO2 sensor: 0.1 – 100%
Accuracy
- O2 sensor: Max. ±1% of the reading in the calibrated range
- CO2 sensor: Max. ±2% of the full range
Response time
- O2 sensor: Less than 2 secs.
- CO2 sensor: Less than 5 secs.
Heating time
- O2 and CO2 sensor: 10 minutes from cold state (shorter at temporary interruptions)
Operation
- Alarm: 99 products, with programmable acoustic alarm for high and low levels
Mechanical data
- Dimensions: 290 x 350 x 470 mm (HxWxD)
- Weight: 27 kg (35 kg incl a transport box)
Other features
- Signal output: RS 232C port for external printer or PC interface
- Power supply: 207 – 253 VAC, 50-60 Hz., 180 VA103 – 127 VAC, 60 Hz., 180 VA
- Relay outputs:2 for gas concentration alarm and 1 ready relay. Max. 48V, 1A
The TGC-2 is tested to be in compliance with EU regulation 1935/2004 on materials and articles intended to come into contact with food.
Consumables
For details of consumables for the TGC-2 Total Online Gas Control click here.
Related Products
MAP Check Combi II – PFC