TM9000 Tobacco Gauge

TM9000 on-line tobacco gauge is the next-generation process optimization solution for measuring moisture, nicotine, total sugars and other key constituents.

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The flexible, future-proof platform delivers the performance and productivity you need now – and for the challenges yet to come – to maximize your process performance and KPIs.

    • Benefit from Future-Proof Platform – TM9000 delivers the performance and productivity you need now – and for the challenges yet to come – to maximize your process performance and KPIs
    • Perform Single- or Multi-Component Measurements – confidently perform measurements of key constituents, such as whole leaf in GLT/Primary/Strips, redried cut lamina, final tobacco blend, cut rolled stem, water treated stem, expanded tobacco and more
    • Optimize Process and Product Quality – stable, ultra-accurate measurements coupled with unsurpassed performance maximizes the ability to operate your process at peak efficiency and deliver the highest quality products
    • Increase Productivity with Simple Operation – the user-friendly format requires no special operator skills or expert knowledge, yet it allows expert users to make the most of the enhanced interaction capabilities
    • Scale Our Solution to Meet Your Plant Needs – the flexible building-block architecture coupled with intuitive functionality, advanced process connectivity and adaptable integration allows you to scale NDC’s gauging system to meet current and future site requirements
    • Realize the Lowest Cost of Ownership – innovative intelligence, along with easy operation and maintenance, enables you to realize immediate and long-term value over the lifetime of operation

TM9000 Measurement Principle

The TM9000 works on the principle that constituents such as moisture (water) within a product discretely absorb certain wavelengths of infrared light. By emitting light at these wavelengths onto the product and then capturing and measuring the reflected unabsorbed light on a light-sensitive detector, the TM9000 computes the level of the moisture within the product. Unlike other technologies, the Series 9 spends 100% of its operation measuring the product.

Using high-speed signal processing, the patented TM9000 “light engine” delivers the highest resolution, on-line NIR measurements available today. This robust gauge is unaffected by changes in process conditions such as particle size variation, product height variation, product temperature variation, ambient lighting and relative humidity changes.

Connectivity and Interfacing to Enhance Process Insight and Control

The TM9000 is used in conjunction with one or more peripheral devices to facilitate data display, networking and process connectivity. It can be incorporated conveniently into closed-loop control systems using its digital and analog connectivity options.

Data can be displayed locally for operators using the TM9000 Operator Terminal or Gauge Control Interface. A Gauge Control Port allows multiple gauges to be networked (daisy chained). The Power Hub provides power to a single gauge and enables convenient networked arrangements of multiple Series 9 gauges and devices. The Series 9 gauge and peripheral devices are Ethernet enabled and run on 24V DC power.

A wireless communication option allows operators to remotely view gauge, process and sampling information.

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The flexible building block architecture enables the networking of up to 16 gauges via an Ethernet hub or daisy chain. You can also connect the Series 9 gauge to PLC systems without the need for a separate PC.

Fully Engineered for the Process to Deliver Accurate, Reliable Measurements

The TM9000 is typically located over a conveyor belt at a key point in the process: just after a drying process for example, where the product can be measured to give meaningful feedback for process and quality control.