AQUANTIS Moisture-Sense User manual

Moisture-Sense
USER’S GUIDE
Document No: MOISTURE-SENSE-2021
October 2021

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Moisture-Sense User’s Guide 2
1Contact information
Aquantis S.A.
EPFL Innovation Park Bâtiment C
CH-1015 Lausanne
Switzerland
Tel: [phone]
Aquantis Belgium B.V.B.A.
Generaal De Wittelaan 17C
B-2800 Mechelen
Belgium
Tel: [phone]
E-mail : [email protected]
Website : www.aquantis.org

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Contents
1Contact information.................................................................................................................................. 2
2Quick Start: Calibration and Start up.......................................................................................................... 5
3About the user guide................................................................................................................................. 5
3.1 Introduction.....................................................................................................................................5
3.2 Nomenclature..................................................................................................................................5
3.3 Publication....................................................................................................................................... 5
3.4 Additional Documents...................................................................................................................... 6
4Disclaimer................................................................................................................................................. 7
5Safety information .................................................................................................................................... 8
5.1 General safety instructions............................................................................................................... 8
5.2 Laser classification (Class II).............................................................................................................. 8
5.3 Safe sensor usage............................................................................................................................. 8
6Transport and storage............................................................................................................................... 9
6.1 Transport.........................................................................................................................................9
6.2 Transport inspection ........................................................................................................................ 9
6.3 Storage ............................................................................................................................................ 9
7Sensor installation and calibration........................................................................................................... 10
7.1 Installation guidelines .................................................................................................................... 10
7.2 Power supply cables....................................................................................................................... 12
External power connection ........................................................................................................ 12
Internal power connection......................................................................................................... 12
7.3 Data interconnection ..................................................................................................................... 13
8Operation................................................................................................................................................ 13
8.1 Sensor power-on and shutdown..................................................................................................... 13
Power on................................................................................................................................... 13
Shutdown .................................................................................................................................. 13
8.2 Connectivity................................................................................................................................... 14
Connecting to the sensor via a PC............................................................................................... 14
Connecting to the sensor via the network infrastructure ............................................................ 15
8.3 User Interface ................................................................................................................................ 16
Webserver interface .................................................................................................................. 16
Modbus TCP/IP interface............................................................................................................ 20
9Maintenance & Disposal.......................................................................................................................... 22
9.1 Daily maintenance.......................................................................................................................... 22
9.2 Yearly maintenance........................................................................................................................ 22
9.3 Disposal ......................................................................................................................................... 22

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10 Troubleshooting................................................................................................................................. 23
10.1 Unexpected stop and restart.......................................................................................................... 23
10.2 Sensor warnings and errors............................................................................................................ 23
10.3 Returns.......................................................................................................................................... 24
10.4 Repairs........................................................................................................................................... 24
11 Technical data.................................................................................................................................... 25
11.1 General specifications .................................................................................................................... 25
11.2 Electrical specifications .................................................................................................................. 25
11.3 Data connectivity / acquisition ....................................................................................................... 25
11.4 Mechanical specifications............................................................................................................... 26
Materials............................................................................................................................... 26
Computer-box ....................................................................................................................... 26
HF measurement units........................................................................................................... 27
Supporting mechanical pieces................................................................................................ 29
Assembled sensor.................................................................................................................. 33

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2Quick Start: Calibration and Start up
The quick start requires the sensor to be correctly installed according to the guidelines in section 7. The sensor
can initialized as following:
1. Open the Logging Center on the web interface using the assigned IP address.
2. Ensure the conveyor belt is emptied, clean and dry. Select and follow the instructions of the thickness
sensor calibration wizard (see section 8.3.1.2).
3. Ensure the conveyor belt is emptied, clean and dry. Next, calibrate the sensor via the NO PRODUCT
button (see section 8.3.1.3).
4. Once the system is set up, go to logging centre and switch on the data acquisition by clicking on the
logging button (see section 8.3.1.1Error! Reference source not found.). At this moment, the data is
recorded and saved in .txt files. The directory gives you access to the files and allows you to open them.
5. To stop the data acquisition function, re-click on the logging button .
3About the user guide
3.1 Introduction
The Moisture-Sense is intended to continuously monitor the moisture or dry matter of French fries and potato-
related products. This device is developed and manufactured by Aquantis. The product number is indicated on
the device and has the format: AQMS-XX-2021-X. Please provide the product number during every
communication with Aquantis.
This user’s guide is intended for the personnel in charge of the process and quality control of frozen products
and/or freezing or thawing processes. When using the Moisture-Sense according to the user’s guide, no specific
qualifications are required to operate the system. Read this user guide carefully since the installation and
operation in accordance with these instructions is a prerequisite for proper functioning of the Moisture-Sense
sensor.
The pictures in the user guide are for illustrative purposes only. The illustrations can differ in minor details from
your sensor, they are only intended to provide general information. Aquantis pursues a policy of ongoing product
development with all sensors. Changes in terms of supply scope are possible at any time with regards to design,
features and technology. The information listed in this user guide corresponds to the information available at
the time of going to press. Therefore, legal claims cannot be made based on the technical data, illustrations and
information contained in the user guide.
The following nomenclature will help when reading this user guide.
3.2 Nomenclature
BMU bottom measurement unit: emitter of receiver unit placed underneath the conveyor belt
CSV comma separated values
dB decibels
EM(W) electromagnetic (waves)
GHz-waves electromagnetic waves in the GHz frequency range
HF high frequency, typically referring to the GHz frequency range
LF low frequency
TMU top measurement unit: emitter of receiver unit placed above the conveyor belt
3.3 Publication
Manual version 1.0 with Document No: MOISTURE-SENSE2021-1 was published on May 1st, 2021.

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3.4 Additional Documents
Additional documents for the MOISTURE-SENSE include:
▪MOISTURE-SENSE Fabrication Instructions (Document No: MOISTURE-SENSE-2021-FAB-1): Protocol for
fabrication, adjustments and testing the Moisture-Sense including its different components. This
document is solely meant MOISTURE-SENSE manufacturers.
▪MOISTURE-SENSE Bill of Materials (Document No: MOISTURE-SENSE-2021-BOM-1): Overview of the
components used in the Moisture-Sense. This document is solely meant MOISTURE-SENSE
manufacturers.
▪MOISTURE-SENSE Product Label (Document No: MOISTURE-SENSE-2021-LABEL-1): The label can be
found on the product.

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4Disclaimer
In no respect shall Aquantis incur any liability for any damages, including, but limited to, direct, indirect, special,
or consequential damages arising out of, resulting from, or any way connected to the use of the sensor, whether
or not based upon warranty, contract, tort, or otherwise; whether or not injury was sustained by persons or
property or otherwise; and whether or not loss was sustained from, or arose out of, the results of, the item, or
any services that may be provided by Aquantis.

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5Safety information
This sensor has been designed for save use but must be operated with caution. If used properly according to this
user’s guide, the Moisture-Sense poses no health concerns for the personnel.
5.1 General safety instructions
•Check the voltage rating before you connect the equipment to an electrical power source to ensure that
the required voltage and frequency match the available power source.
•Do not connect the equipment power cables the power outlet if the power cable is damaged.
•If you use an extension power cable, ensure that the total ampere rating of the products plugged in to
the extension power cable does not exceed the ampere rating of the extension cable.
WARNING: The customer is responsible to connect all metal parts of the Moisture-Sense to protective earth via
a low resistive path (< 1 Ohm).
WARNING: A minimum distance of 1 meter from the emitter unit should be respected to stay within the
maximum electromagnetic exposure limit.
CAUTION: If any smoke or unusual odours are detected, disconnect the device from the electrical outlet and
contact Aquantis immediately. See page 2 for the appropriate contact information.
5.2 Laser classification (Class II)
The Moisture-Sense sensor system includes a visible class 2 laser for measuring the product (layer) thickness.
The laser-beam is normally pointed downwards to the conveyor belt on which the products pass. Do not stare
into the beam or direct the beam to anyone’s eyes.
WARNING: Do not directly view or point the laser pointer at an eye. Low power visible lasers do not normally
present a hazard but may present potential for hazard if viewed directly for extended periods of time.
5.3 Safe sensor usage
The Moisture-Sense system is designed for use in industrial environments
▪Measure themoisture or dry matter content of layers of French fries and other potato-related products
on a conveyor belt.
▪Measure thickness of layers of French fries and other potato-related products on a conveyor belt.
▪Measure surface temperature of layers of French fries and other potato-related products on a conveyor
belt.
No other uses are permitted.
Prohibited sensor uses include:
▪Compromising or deactivating safety systems built into the sensor
▪Removal of hazard or explanatory labels affixed to the sensor
▪Opening the sensors enclosure (during operation or cleaning)
▪Modifying or converting the instrument
▪Using third party accessories
Notices:
▪Avoid shocks and impacts to the sensor.
▪Protect the sensor cables against damage.
▪Avoid exposure of sensor to aggressive media.
▪Mount the sensor only by means of the foreseen mounting spaces according to the installation
guidelines.

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6Transport and storage
6.1 Transport
For your own safety and to avoid damage to the sensor due to improper transport, respect the following
considerations:
•Transport should be performed by trained specialist staff only.
•The utmost care and attention are required at all times during unloading and transportation on
company premises.
Do not remove packaging until immediately before you start the installation.
6.2 Transport inspection
Upon receipt, please check the delivery for completeness and for any damage that may have occurred in transit.
In the case of transit damage that is visible externally, proceed as follows:
•Do not accept the delivery or only do so conditionally.
•Note the scope of damage on the transport documents or on the transport company's delivery note.
•Contact Aquantis.
Complaints regarding defects should be filed as soon as these are detected. Damage claims are only valid before
the applicable complaint deadlines.
6.3 Storage
Store the sensor under the following conditions:
•Do not store outdoors.
•Store in a dry area that is protected from water and dust.
•Do not expose to any aggressive substances.
•Protect from sunlight.
•Avoid mechanical shocks.
•Storage temperature: between –40 and +40 °C
•Relative humidity: max. 95%, non-condensing
•For storage periods of longer than 3 months, check the general condition of the individual units and
packaging on a regular basis.

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7Sensor installation and calibration
7.1 Installation guidelines
The installation will be conducted by Aquantis engineers or Aquantis-certified engineers. Therefore, no specific
tools nor materials will be provided. Calibration of the sensor can be conducted with included calibration kit.
WARNING: The customer is responsible to connect all metal parts of the system to protective earth via a low
resistive path (< 1 Ohm). Aquantis is not responsible for any damage or dysregulation of the system and other
equipment due to no or a bad connection to earth.
The best sensor performance can be achieved by following these installation guidelines:
✓The conveyor belt material should be transparent for microwaves. The insertion loss caused by the belt
cannot exceed 3 dB. Most plastic conveyor belt materials comply with this requirement, metal conveyor
belts don’t.
✓The Plow (HF emitter) is mounted 10 cm above the conveyor belt. The HF receiver is placed underneath
the conveyor belt, well aligned with the emitter as shown in Figure 1Error! Reference source not
found.). It is strongly recommended to have as few as possible metal parts near the electromagnetic-
axis. The distance between the emitter and receiver (from antenna cover –to –antenna cover) should
be kept to a minimum. Foresee sufficient margin (> 2 cm) such that under all conditions moving parts
are not touching the instrument.
FIGURE 1: STAINLESS STEEL BASE PLATE FOR MOUNTING THE SENSOR MODULE AND THICKNESS SENSOR .
✓Please foresee free space (minimum 50 cm) around the top measurement unit (TMU) to facilitate the
installation of the product-thickness sensor and infrared temperature sensor at the antenna side as
indicated in Figure 2.
✓Mount the computational unit in the vicinity of theTMU andBMU with the cable glands pointed towards
the floor. Please foresee a save and easy access to the TMU, BMU and the computational unit to
facilitate the maintenance on the Moisture-Sense system.