Ametek BROOKFIELD CT3 User manual

INSTRUMENTATION & SPECIALTY CONTROLS DIVISION
11 Commerce Boulevard, Middleboro, MA 02302 USA
Tel: [phone] or 800-628-8139 (USA excluding MA)
Fax: [phone] Internet http://www.brookfieldengineering.com
CT3 TEXTURE ANALYZER
Operating Instructions
Manual No. M08-372-F1116

Table of Contents
I. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 5
I.1 Components.......................................................................................................5
I.2 Utilities..............................................................................................................6
I.3 Units ..................................................................................................................6
I.4 Specications ....................................................................................................6
I.5 Installation.........................................................................................................7
I.6 Safety Symbols and Precautions .......................................................................8
I.7 Key Functions ...................................................................................................9
I.8 Cleaning ..........................................................................................................11
II. QUICK START................................................................................................................ 12
III. OPERATION ................................................................................................................... 13
III.1 Principle...........................................................................................................13
III.2 Emergency Stop...............................................................................................13
III.3 Base Table........................................................................................................14
III.4 Probes ..............................................................................................................15
III.5 Fixtures ............................................................................................................15
III.6 Operating Menu...............................................................................................15
III.7 Running A Test ................................................................................................17
NORMAL Test ................................................................................................18
HOLD TIME Test ...........................................................................................19
CYCLE COUNT Test .....................................................................................20
BLOOM Test...................................................................................................21
TPA Test ..........................................................................................................22
TENSION Test ................................................................................................23
TARGET HOLD-TO-LOAD Test...................................................................24
SURIMI Test ...................................................................................................28
III.8 Global Parameters.............................................................................................29
III.9 Probe Pre-positioning .......................................................................................30
III.9.1 NORMAL mode Pre-positioning ........................................................30
III.9.2 HOLD TIME mode Pre-positioning ...................................................31
III.9.3 CYCLE COUNT mode Pre-positioning .............................................32
III.9.4 BLOOM mode Pre-positioning...........................................................32
III.9.5 TPA mode Pre-positioning ..................................................................32
III.9.6 TENSION mode Pre-positioning ........................................................33
III.10 Texture Loader Software ................................................................................33
III.11 Checking Calibration ......................................................................................33

IV. TEST METHOD DEVELOPMENT................................................................................ 36
IV.1 Sample Preparation ...........................................................................................36
IV.2 Test Probe / Fixture...........................................................................................36
IV.3 Test Parameters .................................................................................................37
IV.4 Recommendations.............................................................................................37
V. APPLICATIONS.............................................................................................................. 38
V.1 Comparison of Low Fat and Virtually Fat Free Yogurt Consistencies...............38
V.2 A Comparison of the Textural Characterstics of Biscuits (Cookies)..................41
V.3 Review of Solid Chocolate at Ambient Temperature.........................................43
Appendix A - Probes, Fixtures, Calibration Accessories and Gelatin Accessories ....... 46
A-1 Probes......................................................................................................46
A-2 Fixtures....................................................................................................50
A-3 Calibration Accessories...........................................................................56
A-4 Gelatin Accessories .................................................................................57
Appendix B - Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 58
Appendix C - Texture Loader Programming................................................................. 59
Appendix D - CT3 to Computer Command Set ............................................................ 61
Appendix E - Online Help and Additional Resources................................................... 62
Appendix F - Warranty and Repair Service .................................................................. 63

AMETEK Brookeld Page 5 Manual No. M08-372-F1116
I. INTRODUCTION
The CT3 Texture Analyzer is the most recent development of the original Boucher Jelly Tester. The
original product was created as the Stevens Texturemeter and evolved into the CNS Farnell LFRA TA
(LeatherheadFoodResearchAssociationTextureAnalyzer).Brookeldrstenhancedthedesignof
the LFRA, maintaining the characteristics of the original equipment, while expanding its measurement
capabilities and ease of use by incorporating modern digital technology.
The CT3 Texture Analyzer is the third generation of this venerable product, adding tension testing
capability, increased load cell options, space for large samples, two options for base tables and a wider
rangeofaccessoriesformoreexibility.Themainobjectiveistocharacterizeyoursamplesinaway
that best represents their perception by human senses. This is the essence of texture analysis.
TheprincipleofoperationoftheCT3TextureAnalyzeristosubjectasampletocontrolledforcesin
compression using a probe, or in tension using grips. The resistance of the material to these forces is
measured by a calibrated load cell and shown in either grams or Newtons. These forces are a function
of the properties of the sample and the parameters of the test method.
TherearesevenloadcellrangesavailablefortheCT3TextureAnalyzerofferedbyBrookeld:
Model Load Cell Range
CT3-100 0.1kg or 100g
CT3-1000 1.0kg or 1000g
CT3-1500 1.5kg or 1500g
CT3-4500 4.5kg or 4500g
CT3-10KG 10.0kg
CT3-25KG 25kg
CT3-50KG 50kg
I.1 Components
Please check to be sure that you have received all components, and that there is no damage. If
youaremissinganyparts,pleasenotifyAMETEKBrookeldoryourlocalauthorizeddealer
immediately. Any shipping damage must be reported to the carrier.
Component Part Number Quantity
CT3 Texture Analyzer varies 1
Operating Manual M08-372 1
USB Cable DVP-202 1
Power Cord 1
115 Volt or DVP-65 1
230 Volt DVP-66
TextureLoader CD CD-ProgA 1
Probe Adapter M6 to M3 Threads TA51 1
Optional
Probe varies per order
Temperature Probe DVP-94Y 1
Rotary Base Table TA-RT-KIT 1
Fixture Base Table TA-BT-KIT 1
Bloom Strip CT3-CS-100 or 1
CT3-CS-1000
Calibration Weight Set varies by load cell 1
Standard Probe Kit TA-P-KIT2 1
TexturePro CT Software TA-CT-PRO 1

AMETEK Brookeld Page 6 Manual No. M08-372-F1116
NOTE: Optionalcomponentsmayincludeprobesorxtures.SeeAppendixAfordetails.
I.2 Utilities
InputVoltage: 90-265VAC
InputFrequency: 50/60Hz
PowerConsumption: 150VA
Fuse: Two4amp,5x20mm,Time-lag
PowerCordColorCode:
United States Outside United States
Hot (live) Black Brown
Neutral White Blue
Ground (earth) Green Green/Yellow
Mainsupplyvoltageuctuationsarenottoexceed±10%ofthenominalsupplyvoltage.
I.3 Units
The CT3 Texture Analyzer uses the SI system of units for all parameters.
Parameter Unit Abbreviation
Load Grams or Newtons g or N
Deformation Millimeter mm
Time Seconds s
Speed Millimeter per second mm/s
Work MilliJoules mJ
I.4 Specications
Load:
Range Resolution
Model Grams Grams Accuracy*
 CT3-100 0-100 0.01 ±0.5%FSR
 CT3-1000 0-1000 0.10 ±0.5%FSR
 CT3-1500 0-1500 0.20 ±0.5%FSR
 CT3-4500 0-4500 0.50 ±0.5%FSR
 CT3-10KG 1-10000 1.0 ±0.5%FSR
 CT3-25KG 2-25000 2.0 ±0.5%FSR
 CT3-50KG 5-50000 5.0 ±0.5%FSR
FSR = Full Scale Range
*Thisvalueappliestothefullrangeofoperatingtemperaturesasdenedlaterinthissection
underEnvironmentalConditions.Accuracyis0.1%FSR,whentheinstrumentisoperated
in a stable ambient temperature (20°C - 25°C).

AMETEK Brookeld Page 7 Manual No. M08-372-F1116
TriggerPoint:
Range Resolution
Model Grams Grams
CT3-100 0.1-10 0.01
CT3-1000 0.2-100 0.10
CT3-1500 0.2-150 0.2
CT3-4500 0.5-500 0.5
CT3-10KG 1-1000 1.0
CT3-25KG 2-2500 2.0
CT3-50KG 5-5000 5.0
Recommended trigger value settings are given in Table II.1.
NOTE: Setting a trigger value of zero disables trigger function so test will immediately start
from current position.
Speed: 0.01to0.1mm/sinincrementsof0.01mm/s
0.1 to 10 mm/s in increments of 0.1 mm/s
 Accuracy:±0.1%ofsetspeed
Position: Range:0-101.6mm
 Resolution:0.1mm
 Accuracy:0.1mm
Increments for changing test speed using the Select/Scroll knob can be switched between
0.1mm/s and 1.0mm/s by depressing Reset/Stop button.
Temperature: -20°Cto120°C(Requiresoptionalprobe,DVP-94Y)
Output: RS232CompatibleSerialPort,USBPort
Environmental 0°C to 40°C temperature range (41°F to 104°F)
Conditions: 20%-80%relativehumidity,non-condensingatmosphere
Use: Intendedforindooruseonly
 Altitude:upto2000m
Dimensions: 10.5”x10.5”x24”
Weight: 37lbs.(16.8kg)
I.5 Installation
1) Prepare a clean, level surface.
NOTE:This instrument is a sensitive force measuring device. It should be installed on a clean,
solid, level bench surface which is free from external vibrations.
2) Unpack and remove the CT3 Texture Analyzer from the shipping container.
The CT3 Texture Analyzer weighs 16.8 kg (37 pounds). Use caution when lifting the
unit out of the packaging.

AMETEK Brookeld Page 8 Manual No. M08-372-F1116
 3) PlacetheCT3TextureAnalyzeronasturdy,levelsurface.Adjustthefourfeettoensure
that the instrument is stable.
4) Remove any additional components from the shipping package. Save the shipping container
and packaging for future use.
5) Install base table using the supplied pair of T-bolts and thumbscrews. Position the base
table so that it is approximately centered under the probe. More accurate alignment may
berequiredforcertainxtures.
6) Make sure that the AC power switch at the rear of the CT3 Texture Analyzer is in the OFF
l
o
on
off
position. Connect the power cord to the socket on the back panel of the instrument
and plug it into the appropriate AC line. Position instrument so that the power
cord can be removed easily.
The AC input voltage and frequency must be within the appropriate range as shown on
the model and serial tag of the instrument (located on the back of the CT3).
The CT3 Texture Analyzer must be earth grounded to ensure against electronic failure!
7) If appropriate, connect communication cable which is supplied with Texture Loader software
to the appropriate port for connection to a computer.
 8) TurnthepowerswitchtotheONposition.Thestartupscreenwillindicatethermware
version and load range of the CT3 (Figure I.1).
CT3 VERSION X.X
TEXTURE ANALYZER
XXXX GRAM UNIT
INITIALIZING
Figure I.1
9) Allow the instrument to warm up for 10 minutes.
10) If desired, check calibration according to Section III.9.
I.6 Safety Symbols and Precautions
Safety Symbols
The following explains safety symbols which may be found in this operating manual, or on the
instrument itself.
Indicates hazardous voltages may be present.
 Refertothemanualinallcaseswherethissymbolisevident.Usedforspecicwarning
orcautioninformationtoavoidpersonalinjuryordamagetotheinstrument.

AMETEK Brookeld Page 9 Manual No. M08-372-F1116
Keephands,ngersandotherbodypartsclearofmovingpartswhenoperatinginstrument.
Functional Earth Terminal - Main power entry module must have an earth conductor.
Precautions
 Ifthisinstrumentisusedinamannernotspeciedbythemanufacturer,theprotection
provided by the instrument may be impaired.
This instrument is not intended for use in a potentially hazardous environment.
In case of emergency, turn off the instrument and then disconnect the electrical cord
from the wall outlet.
The user should ensure that the substances placed under test do not release poisonous,
toxicorammablegasesorliquidsatthetemperatureswhichtheyaresubjectedto
during the testing.
I.7 Key Functions
The CT3 Texture Analyzer is operated through two keys and a knob located on the keypad.
Additionally, there is an emergency stop button located above the base and to the right of the
probe rod.
Figure I.2
CT3 TEXTURE ANALYZER
Start
Display
Emergency
Stop
Select/Scroll
Reset
Stop
Probe
Adapter
BROOKFIELD

AMETEK Brookeld Page 10 Manual No. M08-372-F1116
RESET / STOP
This key is used to stop a test in progress and return to starting position. This button will
also toggle test speed selections between 0.1mm/ss and 1.0mm/s as the Select/Scroll
knob is rotated.
START
This key is used to start the test. During the descent of the probe, prior to the trigger
point, this key can be used to accelerate the rate of descent.
SELECT / SCROLL (see section III.6)
  Thisknobhasmultiplefunctions:
1. The knob is pressed to select the option currently highlighted.
2. The knob is rotated to change the value of the parameter being selected.
3. During a test, pressing this knob will display test parameters.
4. Holding knob depressed while turning on power will switch the load display units
between grams and Newtons.
EMERGENCY STOP
This button is used to abort a test in case of an emergency condition.
BACK PANEL
1) USB Type B Port
2) RS-232 Serial Port
3) Temperature Probe Plug
4) Power Entry Module
Power ON/OFF Switch
Figure I.3