BROOKFIELD CT3 TEXTURE ANALYZER Operating Instructions Manual No. M08-372-C0113 SPECIALISTS IN THE MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL OF VISCOSITY with offices in: Boston • Chicago • London • Stuttgart • Guangzhou BROOKFIELD ENGINEERING LABORATORIES, INC. 11 Commerce Boulevard, Middleboro, MA 02346 USA TEL 508-946-6200 or 800-628-8139 (USA excluding MA) FAX 508-946-6262 INTERNET http://www.brookfieldengineering.
Table of Contents I. INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................. 5 I.1 Components........................................................................................................5 I.2 Utilities...............................................................................................................6 I.3 Units..............................................................................................................
Appendix A - Probes, Fixtures, Calibration Accessories and Gelatin Accessories........ 39 A-1 A-2 A-3 A-4 Probes.......................................................................................................39 Fixtures....................................................................................................43 Calibration Accessories............................................................................47 Gelatin Accessories.............................................................
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). Brookfield Engineering first 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.
I.2 Utilities Input Voltage: Input Frequency: Power Consumption: Fuse: Power Cord Color Code: Hot (live) Neutral Ground (earth) 90-265 VAC 50/60 Hz 150 VA Two 4 amp, 5 x 20mm, Time-lag United States Outside United States Black White Green Brown Blue Green/Yellow Main supply voltage fluctuations 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.
Trigger Point: Model CT3-100 CT3-1000 CT3-1500 CT3-4500 CT3-10KG CT3-25KG CT3-50KG Range Grams 0.1-10 0.2-100 0.2-150 0.5-500 1-1000 2-2500 5-5000 Resolution Grams 0.01 0.10 0.2 0.5 1.0 2.0 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.
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 fixtures. 6) Make sure that the AC power switch at the rear of the CT3 Texture Analyzer is in the OFF position.
Functional Earth Terminal - Main power entry module must have an earth conductor. Precautions If this instrument is used in a manner not specified 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.
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.
to B Male. See Appendix D, (CT3 to Computer Command Set) 2) RS-232 Serial Port Use with RS-232 Cable P/N DVP-80 to connect instrument to a computer. See Appendix D, (CT3 to Computer Command Set) 3) Temperature Probe Plug - 4 pin plug. Use with Temperature Probe P/N DVP-94Y 4) Power Entry Module: ON/OFF switch-fused (see I.2 Utilities). Voltage: 90-265 VAC I.8 Cleaning Instrument and Keypad: Clean with a dry, nonabrasive cloth. Do not use solvents or cleaners.
II. QUICK START 1. Unpack the instrument according to Section I.5. 2. Install base table in accordance with the instruction sheet that is enclosed with the base table. Place the sample on the base table. Adjust the table height so that the surface of the sample is within 5 mm of the probe. 3. Attach the selected probe. See Section IV.2 for more information. 4. Set the test mode to Normal. Please review section III.6 for detailed explanation of operation of Select/Scroll knob. 5.
III. OPERATION III.1 Principle The Brookfield CT3 Texture Analyzer can be operated in either compression or tension modes. In compression mode a probe moves down slowly at pretest speed until a threshold value (the trigger) is reached. The probe then moves a set distance at a set speed into the sample material that is placed (or fixed) on the base table. The load is continuously monitored as a function of both time and distance until the probe again returns to its starting position.
1) Immediately stop probe movement and display the emergency stop screen. 2) Probe returns to test start position, after resetting the emergency stop. 3) A sequence of menus then leads user back to the home position. III.3 Base Table The CT3 Texture Analyzer offers two options for Base Tables on which the test sample is placed. Both tables should be secured to the slotted base of the CT3 with thumbscrews and T-bolts.
it into position. The table is also mounted on a threaded shaft held securely with a fine adjustment nut. Unlocking the fine adjustment nut and rotating the table will raise or lower the test surface to give even more range to the height adjustment. Always hold the Rotary Base Table with one hand while loosening the Locking Knob. This will prevent the Rotary Base Table from falling abruptly to the CT3 housing.
III.6 Operating Menu The CT3 Texture Analyzer offers seven test modes, one calibration mode and one parameter selection table. Normal – single compression cycle. Hold Time – compress and hold. Cycle Count – compress sample several times. Bloom – compression test measures gelatin bloom strength. TPA – two cycle Texture Profile Analysis compression test. Tension – pulls apart a sample using tensile force. Surimi – single compression cycle, stops automatically after gel breaks.
All parameters can be set within the ranges shown in Table III.1. Load Cell Range Parameter 100g 1000g 1500g 4500g 10kg 25kg 50kg Trigger* Deformation (mm) Speed (mm/s) Hold Time Cycle Count Correction 0.1 – 10g 0.1 – 101.6 0.01 – 10 0 – 9999 s 0 – 99 5 – 99 0.1 – 100g 0.1 – 101.6 0.01 – 10 0 – 9999 s 0 – 99 5 – 99 0.2 – 150g 0.1 – 101.6 0.01 – 10 0 – 9999 s 0 – 99 5 – 99 0.5 – 500g 0.1 – 101.6 0.01 – 10 0 – 9999 s 0 – 99 5 – 99 1-1000g 0.1 – 101.6 0.
III.7 Running A Test A test is initiated by depressing the start button. The operator is reminded to attach a probe, then press start again to zero the weight of the probe and begin the test. * ATTACH PROBE * PRESS START TO CONTINUE Figure III.4 Depressing the Select/Scroll knob at any time during the test, or even while test results are displayed, will show the current test parameters. At the completion of the test, the final results will be displayed until the start button or reset button is pressed.
travel speed is 4.5mm/s. During the test the running screen is seen as shown below: TEST: NORMAL DEFORMATION:XXX.X mm LOAD: XXXX.X g Figure III.7 Deformation and Load will remain live displays during the test. Test results are shown on the reporting screen: PEAK LOAD: XXXX.X g DEF@PEAK: XXX.X mm WORK: XXXX.X mJ FINAL LOAD: XXXX.X g XXX.X F TEMP: Figure III.8 Peak load is reported as the maximum measured load during the test.
Deformation and Load will remain live displays during the test. When the countdown clock reaches zero, the probe returns to home/starting position at 4.5mm/s. Test results are shown on the reporting screen: HOLD TIME: XXXX S PEAK LOAD: XXXX.X g DEF@PEAK: XXX.X mm FINAL LOAD:XXXX.X g TEMP: XXX.X F III.11 Peak load usually occurs at the target deformation, but may occur before the target is reached.
Test results are shown on the reporting screen: CYCLE:XX PEAK MEAN: PEAK STDEV: PEAK LOAD: FINAL LOAD: TEMP: XXXX.X XXXX.X XXXX.X XXXX.X XXX.X g g g g F III.14 Mean and standard deviation of all peaks is reported. Peak load is the highest peak and final load is the peak load of the last cycle. Temp shows temperature at time of last cycle peak, only if probe is connected. BLOOM TEST – performs a single compression cycle using industry established test parameters and reports gelatin bloom strength.
NOTE: It is not recommended to conduct bloom testing with load cells greater than 1500g. On instruments with load cells 10kg or higher, the bloom test will not appear on the menu. TPA TEST – performs two compression cycles on the sample and reports five established Texture Profile Analysis results. The operator sets the trigger value, target deformation (travel distance into the sample) and the test speed using the TPA menu screen: TEST:TPA TRIGGER: XXX.X g DEFORMATION: XXX.X mm SPEED: XX.X mm/s III.
Springiness is a measure of how far the sample returns after being compressed to the target deformation. Adhesiveness is a measure of stickiness and is calculated as the area under the negative peak as probe withdraws after the first compression. TENSION TEST – this test can be used to pull apart a sample, usually using grip fixtures to apply tension load on the sample. The operator sets the trigger value, target deformation and the test speed using the Tension menu screen: TEST: TENSION TRIGGER: XXX.
During the test the running screen is seen as shown below: TEST: TENSION DEFORMATION:XXXX.X mm LOAD: XXXX.X g III.25 Deformation and Load will remain live displays during the test. When deformation reaches the target value, the test stops. Test results are shown on the reporting screen: PEAK LOAD: XXX.X g DEF@PEAK: XXX.X mm WORK: XXXX.X mJ FINAL LOAD: XXXX.X g TEMP: XXX.X F III.26 Peak load is the maximum load measured during the test. Temperature at peak load is only shown if temperature probe is used.
with the sample. Once the probe contacts the sample the test will begin at the defined speed. The range of acceptable trigger values depends upon the load cell in use and is shown in Table III.1. In general, the trigger value should be large enough to prevent a false trigger from starting the test before the probe comes in contact with the sample. A false trigger is usually the result of excessive vibrations passing through the lab bench. A 5g trigger is typical.
The return speed after the target is reached is the post test speed which is called Post Speed on this screen. It may be set from 0.1mm/s to 10.0mm/s. For some tests, Such as TPA, the post test speed is irrelevant because it will always be the same as the test speed. The two tests for which this is the case are TPA and the Cycle test. Temperature units may be set to either degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.
2. The weight of the hanger mount itself will be zeroed by pressing the start button. TEST: STATIC LOAD *PRESS START TO ZERO LOAD XXXX.X g III.32 Hanger Mount The display will change to show static load active parameters once the autozero process is complete. Primary hanger to which additional mass is added TEST: STATIC LOAD ADD HANGER AND MASS LOAD XXXX.X g Figure III.34 III.33 The Hanger is the first weight to be fixed to the Hanger Mount.
Example of Calibration Verification A 4500 gram CT3 Texture Analyzer, according to Table III.2, has an accuracy of ±22.5 grams. The spreadsheet shown below can be used to easily evaluate a calibration check using the appropriate Brookfield calibration weight set. CT3 TEXTURE ANALYZER Calibration Spreadsheet serial # 6514047 Load Cell Capacity 4500 # 1 2 3 4 5 Load Cell Accuracy Mass 999.84 994.04 993.96 994.05 497.12 22.
IV. TEST METHOD DEVELOPMENT The measurement results provided by the CT3 Texture Analyzer will be dependent on several factors relating to the sample, the test probe, and the test parameters. A variation on any of these elements may result in a change in measurement results. For good test repeatability it is suggested that a clear and complete test method be developed. The following sections describe these elements.
Within a probe category, variations of geometry can be significant. It may require a larger force to drive a cone of shallow angle as compared to a cone of steep angle. Similarly, a cylinder of large diameter may require a larger force than a cylinder of small diameter. The selection of the probe (type and size) will affect the test result. Keep hands, fingers and other body parts clear of moving test probes when operating instrument. IV.
V. APPLICATIONS This applications section should be used as a guide to the development of techniques specific to your own application and requirements. These notes are empirical in nature. Deviation from the described test configurations (parameter settings, sample size, shape, formulation, etc.) will result in deviations from the observations discussed in each application. V.1 Comparison of Low Fat and Virtually Fat Free Yogurt Consistencies PRODUCT: Low-fat (1%) and virtually fat-free (0.
READING: F Peak Positive Force HARDNESS Fat Free Low Fat Modulus Gradient (from initial curve only) Total Negative Area Adhesiveness (Indication of Viscosity) Total Positive Area Consistency t Peak Negative Force ADHESIVE FORCE DISCUSSION: Once the trigger is attained, the force continues to increase until a surface fracture occurs. The modulus changes at this point to a less steep gradient, and the force nearly reaches a plateau.
ADHESIVE FORCE Force required to “pull” probe from sample (suction). MODULUS Ratio of stress divided by strain during the first compression cycle (e.g., the slope of the force: deformation curve). It is representative of sample rigidity. RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: LOW-FAT HARDNESS (g) WORK (mJ) ADHESION (mJ) ADHESIVE FORCE (g) 122 1592.7 -246.4 -58 FAT-FREE 227 3199.9 -522.6 -112 Creaminess of samples was evaluated as a comparison between low-fat and fat-free samples.
BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES: Anon. 1988. Facts About Yogurt. National Dairy Council, London. Anon. 1996. Yogurt: A Technical Profile. National Dairy Council, Education Department. Bylund, G. 1995. Diary Processing Handbook. Tetra Pak Processing Systems AB, Sweden. Prentice, J. 1992. Dairy Rheology A Concise Guide. VCH Publishers, USA. Tamime, A. and Robinson R. 1985. Yogurt Science and Technology. Pergamon Press Ltd., Oxford. Varnam. A. and Sutherland, J. 1994.
READING: F X Quantity of Fractures Y Hardness (H1) Calculate mean of all values (HAV) Fracture Point Final Distance H1/HAV = Indication of Crispiness (Crispiness becomes a function of hardness) Relate the mean value of peaks obtained to the original hardness value. Empirically our investigations highlighted that higher values of the ratio were indicative of increased crispiness.
CONCLUSIONS: Crispiness is an extremely complex parameter to quantify being a function of many artifact attributes. This investigation has excluded the inclusion of number of peaks in order to simplify the equation employed, however, it should be noted that the number of internal factors is an important consideration when evaluating the force:deformation profiles formed.
READING: F HARDNESS Peak +ve Force CONSISTENCY Total +ve Area D 4mm 2mm ADHESION Total -ve Area ADHESION FORCE Peak -ve Force Note: Graph shows continuation of penetration at 2mm, 4mm and 6mm parameter values recorded at set points for each penetration depth. DISCUSSION: Force: deformation curves generated indicate a linear relationship between forces generated and depth of penetration.
A penetration depth of 4mm (approx. 50% deformation or strain) was considered optimum in generating key profile data and is recommended for future investigation using the 1500g CT3 where prevention of upload forces is critical. EMPIRICAL FACTORS: Test conditions will be affected by: 1. Sample temperature 2. Proximity of test holes within sample 3. Ambient temperatures 4. Base effects where probe compresses against analyzer test bed Rheology of chocolate is influenced by: 1.
Appendix A - Probes, Fixtures, Calibration Accessories and Gelatin Accessories This section provides part numbers and detailed descriptions for the test probes and fixtures that can be used with your CT3 Texture Analyzer. Also included is information on calibration accessories and the equipment used to perform gelatin Bloom tests. A-1 Probes SELECTED PROBE KITS TA-P-KIT2 RECOMMENDED GENERAL PROBE KIT Includes the following probes: 60 degree cone TA2/1000; 12.
TA11/100 TA11/1000 25.4mm AOAC STANDARD CYLINDER PROBE Clear Acrylic. 35mm Long. (Low mass for CT3100) * 25.4mm AOAC STANDARD CYLINDER PROBE Clear Acrylic 21g. 35mm Long. TA19 1cm² KOBE TEST PROBE Stainless Steel. 11.3mm Diameter. 25mm Long. TA24 4mm DIAMETER ROD PROBE Black Delrin. 20mm Long, Flat End TA25/1000 * 50.8mm DIAMETER CYLINDER PROBE Clear Acrylic 23g. 20mm Long. Rad .35 - .43mm. TA35 5mm DIAMETER CYLINDER PROBE Black Delrin. 20mm Long.
TA15/100 TA15/1000 45º CONE PROBE Clear Acrylic. 30mm Diameter. (Low mass for CT3100) * 45º CONE PROBE Clear Acrylic 13g. 30mm Diameter, 40mm L TA16 40º CONE PROBE Clear Acrylic. 29mm Diameter 41mm L TA17 * 30º CONE PROBE Clear Acrylic 8g. 24mm Diameter, 46mm L TA27 20º CONE PROBE Clear Acrylic. 12.4mm Diameter. TA29 15º CONE PROBE Stainless Steel. 8mm Diameter. TA32/100 90º CONE PROBE Clear Acrylic. 30mm Diameter. (Low mass for CT3100) TA32/1000 90º CONE PROBE Clear Acrylic. 30mm Diameter.
TA43 * 25.4mm DIAMETER BALL PROBE Nylon 14g TA49 25.4mm DIAMETER ROUND END Clear Acrylic. TA50 5mm DIAMETER BALL PROBE Surimi application MISCELLANEOUS PROBES * included in TA-P-KIT2 ** included in TA-P-KIT3 TA-DGA DUAL GRIP ASSEMBLY These are multipurpose general grips for tensile type testing. The 25mm wide grips are fitted with rubber inserts to maximise contact adhesion with sample and are capable of holding rectangular samples up to 5mm thick.
TA52 TA53 Small Scale MOHRS Shear Blade Includes one blade holder and five blades. Blades are 9mm Wide x 35mm Length x .5mm Thick * 33mm D Cutting Wire Probe, 40 mm L, Connects to M6 Female Thread A-2 Fixtures ACCESSORIES FOR ROTARY BASE TABLE TA-RT-KIT ROTARY BASE TABLE Round base table provides quick and easy height adjustment to accommodate various samples. Accessories listed below are mounted onto this table to facilitate special sample holding requirements.
ACCESSORIES FOR FIXTURE BASE TABLE TA-BT-KIT TA-BT-3KY TA-BT-2KY TA-BT-7KY TA-BT-8KY TA-BT-6KY FIXTURE BASE TABLE Rectangular base table with removable insert, which is used as a test surface. All accessories listed below mount into this table when the insert is removed. Pair of T-Bolts for securing the table are included. Four sets of extension legs (1, 1.5, 2 & 4 Inches) are supplied. Extra extension legs may be purchased separately. Set of four 1 inch table leg extensions Set of four 1.
TA-CTP COMPRESSION TOP PLATE Rectangular plate 150mm X 100mm, used for compressing large samples. Fixture Base Table TA-BT-KIT is normally used to support sample while testing with this large compression plate. TA-DE DOUGH EXTENSIBILITY JIG This fixture is used for holding a sheet of raw dough or flat bread to measure the breaking point of the stretched sample. Consisting of 2 aluminum plates, one plate with 25.4mm hole and the other with 38.
TA-GPJ GENERAL PEELING JIG This fixture measures the adhesive strength needed to remove the lid froma sealed container at 0˚, 45˚, and 90˚ angles. Requires Fixture Base Table TA-BT-KIT. TA-HCF HAIR COMBABILITY TEST FIXTURE This fixture measures the effect of products, such as shampoo and conditioners, on the combability of hair.
TA-MTP MAGNUS TAYLOR PROBE KIT This probe kit is used for puncture tests to measure the hardness of fresh fruit and vegetables. This kit includes the following probes: Flat End Probe, 3mm TA-MTP-3F; Round End Probe, 3mm TA-MTP-3R; Flat End Probe, 4mm TAMTP-4F; Round End Probe, 4mm TA-MTP-4R; Flat End Probe, 5mm TA-MTP5F; Radius End Probe, 5mm TA-MTP-5R; Flat End Probe, 6mm TA-MTP-6F; Radius End Probe, 6mm TA-MTP-6R; Flat End Probe, 7mm TA-MTP-7F; Radius End Probe, 7mm TA-MTP-7R.
TA-SBA SET OF 4 SHEAR BLADES Including Warner Bratzler test jig complete with slotted base. The blade set includes four shear blades, firmly held within a specially designed blade holder. The jig is utilized in the measurement of shearing and cutting forces, as the blades pass through a sample. Requires Fixture Base Table TA-BT-KIT. TA-SFF SPAGHETTI FLEXURE FIXTURE This fixture is used to quantify flexure characteristics of uncooked spaghetti and other dry pastas.
TA-VBJ VOLODKEVITCH BITE JAWS Compression test used to simulate the shearing action of the front incisors as they bite through a food item, generating an indication of sample toughness or fibrousness. Consisting of both upper and lower jaws, the compressive movement of the travelling beam imitates the human “biting action”. Requires Fixture Base Table TA-BT-KIT. TA-WSP WIRE SHEAR PLATE This fixture is an aluminium plate with aperture to pass wire cutting blade through a sample for shear type testing.
TA-CW-10KGC CALIBRATION WEIGHT SET, 10kg WITH CASE & CERTIFICATE Set of weights (total mass 10kg) to be used to check calibration of the 10kg CT3 Texture Analyzer. Includes verification certificate traceable to NIST standards. TIA-8013 HANGER MOUNTING RING Used to hang calibration weights. Included with each weight set. Replacements may be ordered with this number. Included with all weight sets up to 10kg.
Appendix B - Troubleshooting If no power to the instrument: Check: • User replaceable fuses: two (2) fuses, 4 amp, 5 x 20 mm, time-lag located behind removable red color panel just above switch. • Fuses located within power entry module on the rear of the instrument. • If the fuses blow continually, serious damage to the instrument could result. Contact repair services immediately. Probe won’t attach: • Check the thread on probe and probe shaft - remove any dirt.
Appendix C - Texture Loader Programming OVERVIEW Texture Loader software is provided to allow you to create on a PC and download into the CT3 up to ten test methods specific to your product. You may set up any CT3 test (Normal, Hold Time, Cycle, TPA or Tension) with test parameters specific to your product. Your product name may even appear as the test name, subject to an eight character limit. There are ten memory slots for such programs available in the CT3, labeled 0-9.
User defined test window 1) Test mode: Choose the type of test you wish to create. 2) Test Number.: Select from the list the number of the memory slot in the CT3 where you wish to load the test. 3) Name: Enter the name of test as you wish it to appear on the screen of the CT3. Test Parameters window Enter the desired test parameters. The specific test parameters available will vary depending upon the test mode chosen.
Appendix D - CT3 Connector Wiring Serial (RS-232) Communications Parameters Baud Rate Data Bits Stop Bits Parity Handshake No Connection Receive Data (RxD) 115200 8 1 None None 1 6 2 7 3 Serial Ground No Connection 8 Transmit Data (TxD) Cable Sensing No Connection No Connection 4 9 Cable Sensing 5 Pins 4 and 5 are used to sense presence of serial cable.
Appendix E - Online Help and Additional Resources www.brookfieldengineering.com** The Brookfield website is a good resource for additional and self-help whenever you need it. Our website offers a selection of “how-to” videos, application notes, conversion tables, instructional manuals, material safety data sheets, calibration templates and other technical resources. http://www.youtube.com/user/BrookfieldEng Brookfield has its own YouTube channel.
Appendix F - Warranty and Repair Service Brookfield Texture Analyzers are guaranteed for one year from date of purchase against defects in materials and workmanship. The Texture Analyzer must be returned to Brookfield Engineering Laboratories, Inc. or the Brookfield dealer from whom it was purchased for no charge warranty service. Transportation is at the purchaser’s expense. For repair or service in the United States return to: Brookfield Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
