TRICOR's 505 Automatic Chocolate Temper Meter

Overview

The model 505A is the next generation of TRICOR's award winning, world-renowned Model 501 automatic temper meter. The 505A incorporates those features field proven for over 15 years in TRICOR temper meters. It also offers many improvements, including advanced electronics, increased operating temperature and temperature measurement ranges, as well as user-selectable and programmable functions.

The 505A provides the most convenient and accurate method available for determining the temper of chocolate. Its use allows corrective action to be taken before temper becomes unacceptable and affects production yield.

The key to accurate temper measurement is stringent control of those conditions that affect the measurement. Control is exercised, in part, by precisely regulating the cooling temperature of the test sample, maintaining the depth and temperature of the temperature sensing probe, and ensuring a constant sample size.

The 505A incorporates an improved, solid-state, thermoelectric cooling unit. Its advanced control circuitry precisely regulates the cooling temperature of the chocolate sample.

The temperature sensing probe is maintained at a fixed temperature prior to the test. This eliminates the possibility of any measurement errors due to variations in probe temperature.

Disposable sample cups, which ensure constant sample size and cleanliness, are stored in a dispenser in the front panel. The well that holds the chocolate sample for testing is conveniently located in the top of the 505A.

A graphic display prompts the user for all necessary actions. The user enters a test ID number, fills the sample cup with chocolate, and inserts the cup into the well. Upon completion of the test, the display provides the CTU(chocolate temper unit) and slope values, as well as the temper curve and statistical data. Test data can also be printed in hardcopy form or sent to a peripheral computer database.

The Model 505A Automatic Temper Meter ensures fast, accurate, and repeatable measurement of temper. It allows users to easily establish and maintain ideal temper for their chocolate formulations.

Physical Parameters

Dimensions (H x W x D)	35.6 x 51.8 x 45.1 cm (12 1/2 x 19 1/2 x 18 in)
Weight	24.3 kg (54 lb)
Power	115 /220 V ac, 50/60 Hz, 1/0.5 A

Specifications

Sample Test Time	3 to 9 1/2 minutes (programmable)
Sample Volume	12.0 cm3 (nominal)
Sample Stabilization Period	20 seconds
Chocolate Temper Unit (CTU) Repeatability	± 0.5 CTU
Cooler Temperature Accuracy	± 0.06°C / ± 0.1°F
Probe Insertion Temperature Accuracy	± 0.28°C / ± 0.5°F
Temperature Measurement Sensitivity	± .003° / ± .005° F
Algorithm Computational Accuracy	± .005
Extended Temperature Measurement Range	10° - 48.9° C (50° - 120° F) (programmable)

Features

Self Test	Automatic Computer System Self Test on Power up
Display	Displays CTU and temper slope at end of run
Operator Prompts	16 line x 40 character display provides step-by-step instructions
Sample Cups	Self-stored, disposable plastic cups, controlled sample size, no mess
Test Identification	Keyboard to allow test identification (e.g., operator, run no., production line, etc.)
Long form	Prints test ID no., date, time, unit serial no., model no., software version no., cooler temperature, run time, chocolate temperature, temperature slope, 1st and 2nd inflection points of temperature curve, CTU, and temper slope.
Short form	Prints test ID no., date, time, unit serial no., cooler temp 1st and 2nd inflection points, CTU, and temper slope
Real-Time Clock	Provides date and time on display/printout
Memory Data Storage	Stores 40 long form runs, retained on Power down
Serviceability	Calibration and self-diagnostics via keyboard accomplished by user
Self-Diagnostics	Cooler temperature, heater temperature, printer, keyboard, serial I/O port and calibration
Statistics	Historical data displayed for CTU and temper slope
Print - Plot Options	Hard copy - plots actual temper curve to a printer. Display - plots actual temper curve on display
Operation Manual	Included

Sample Screenshots


Operator Prompts	Statistics	Temper Curve

Printout	Downloaded Test Results	Temper Curve Comparisons

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