Test Equipment and Measurement Instrument Blog

The consumer push for healthier versions of our favorite foods today is forcing manufacturers to replace ingredients like fat – without compromising the flavor or texture we love. Often, though, replacements negatively affect taste and texture due in part to the way these replacements interact with, and affect moisture in the product. One way to help ensure that “better-for-you” foods provide the experience consumers are looking for is to measure and optimize moisture content.

There are various technologies, methods and instruments to consider when you’re looking to invest in the right test instrument for your needs. The various options can equally be confusing as you weigh up the variables: purchase, cost of labour, skills required, quality of results, mobility, running costs etc.

I’m looking forward to meeting with QA, QC, product development and R&D specialists from some of the world’s most profitable organizations at IFT2014 later this month. As they get ready to learn about the latest in product, ingredient and technology improvements, and how these latest developments will impact their business, I’m getting prepared to wow them with how our innovations in measurement instrumentation will help them realize their quality, product introductions, and profit goals.

Agricultural grain and seed moisture meters are constantly adapting to meet the needs of the myriad of industries they serve. Since starting with handheld rice and grain analyzers we developed in the 1940’s, we have seen a surge of new grains and seeds enter the marketplace. There are few industries in which moisture measurement is of greater importance, as the moisture content of grains and seeds cycles into every aspect of their journey from raw goods to consumers.

It’s the first day of Pittcon 2014 and it’s buzzing with scientists, all seeking to find out how the latest instrument advances will help them achieve lab quality results efficiently and simply. We’ve enjoyed speaking to individuals involved in applications as diverse as analytical chemistry, food analysis and safety, drug discovery, water and wastewater analysis, life sciences and other emerging markets looking for new analytics techniques.

The Sochi Olympics has been a time of intense controversy, competition and celebration. It’s never anything less than inspirational to see athletes perform at the height of their abilities, as they seek to gain that slight edge that makes all the difference. The sense of achievement you can see from the gold medalists comes only from years of grit and sheer determination. There is no room for error. Each participant has had to build on the success of the past, while innovating new moves to appease some of the planet’s harshest critics. Truly, we can all learn something from these professional’s dedication to their craft. There is a great story to be told behind each gold, silver and bronze medal that the television audiences don’t often get a chance to witness.