PCE-PTR 200 penetrometer
for measuring firmness in fruit and
to test the grade of maturity,
with measurement
range of up to 20kg, RS-232 port and optional
software
The PCE-PTR
200 penetrometer is highly useful in testing the
maturity of many types of fruit. This digital
penetrometer offers a higher accuracy and resolution
than any other analogue device. With the PCE-PTR 200
penetrometer you will obtain valuable information,
no only about the optimum time for picking fruit,
but about the progress of the fruit from when it is
picked until it is consumed, including when it is
being stored and shipped.
The PCE-PTR 200 penetrometer is controlled by a
microprocessor, is easy to read an accurate and can
be fixed to an optional test position. It is powered
by batteries or by a mains adaptor (300mA power
source available seperately). The display of the
penetrometer can be turned 180° to allow for better
visibility when taking measurements.
To transfer data from the penetrometer to a
computer, you need the optional software pack with
data cable.
Data transfers to a computer, using the
software, at a rate of one reading every 2
seconds. The test position is ideal for
measuring in quality control and in laboratory
experiments. This
link
shows an overview of penetrometers more suitable to
your needs.
Maximum value for readings
of traction and compression
Zero reset by way of keypad, if required
Peak Hold function
Auto shut-off
Mounting
holes on the back of the device when it
needs to be fixed into place while measuring
Battery level indicator
Overload protection = 150%
View or print the user's
manual
The importance of
measuring the firmness of fruit for testing
maturity.
To
talk about the maturity of fruit, its important to
distinguish between physical maturity and commercial
maturity. Physiological maturity can only transpire
while the fruit is still on the plant and is the
last moment when the fruit can be picked to be sold.
Commercial maturity occurs later, and indicates the
best time to consume the fruit, when its colour,
flavour and texture are ideal for the consumer. In
the case of the
climatic
fruit, the commercial maturity of the
fruit can occur some time after it has been picked.
While fruit is maturing, important changes occur
inside, such as changes in colour, form and texture.
It's important to have objective values available
with those that evaluate the changes in the fruit as
it matures, to allow for decisions to be made as to
when the fruit should be picked and processed (to
determine the quality of fruit from the moment it
becomes a product to its final consumption). The
firmness of the fruit, measured by the penetrometer,
one of the most objective parameters in relation to
the fruits maturity and as such is one of the most
common techniques used in testing. Other methods are
to determine the colour or the content of soluables
using a refractometer (this technique is
proportional to measuring total sugar and thus the
sweetness of the fruit). If you are looking for
refractometers to measure the sugar content of
fruit, you can see them at this
link.
Generally, the firmness or hardness of fruit
measured by a penetrometer decreases as the maturity
process occurs. Of course, you have to take into
account that the firmness of the same fruit can
vary, in general terms such as fruit variety or the
region where it is cultivated,
or due to its size or the temperature of the fruit
when it is being measured by the penetrometer (the
higher the temperature, the less firm the fruit is).
Important information you
should know about the PCE-PTR 200 penetrometer
The PCE-PTR 200
penetrometer provides the force exerted upon the
fruit in grams (1g = 0.001kg),
with which the pressure exerted in kg/cm² can be
obtained, taking into account the size of sensor
being used. For example, for the same value obtained
by a penetrometer of 4320g, for each sensor used,
the real exterted pressure will be the value in kg
divided by the diameter of the sensor that took the
measurement:
nominal
diameter
of sensor (mm)
Effective
area of
the sensor (cm²)
Exerted
pressure
(Kg/cm²)
6
0.28
15.43
8
0.5
8.64
11.3
1
4.32
Here
are link to provide access to function tables for
recommended ranges for different types of fruit:
*
Range of 0 - 1kg. (Appropriate for fruits such as grapes or cherries),
with the 6mm diameter sensor
(Range 0
- 1kg. 6mm).
* Range of 0 - 5kg. (Appropriate for plums, lemons
and other medium hard fruits) using the 6mm
diameter sensor (Range 0
- 5kg. 6mm) or the 8mm diameter sensor. (Range 0
- 5kg. 8mm).
*
Range of 0 - 13kg. (Appropriate for fruits such as apples, pears,
peaches or kiwis) using the 8mm
diameter sensor (Range
0 - 13kg. 8mm) or the 11.3mm diameter sensor. (Range
0 - 13kg. 11.3mm).
*
Range of 0 - 20kg. (Appropriate for very hard fruits) using the
11.3mm diameter sensor
(Range 0 - 20kg.
11.3mm).
This
link has more detailed information
about the tables and graphs showing the equivalence
between the force measured by the penetrometer and
the pressure applied to the sensor (in ranges
according to DIN).
This digital penetrometer offers the best accuracy
and resolution available compared to analogue
penetrometers. On important advantage, aside from
having three different penetrating sensors, it
eliminates the need to purchase multiple analogue
devices required to perform the same functions as
this PCE-PTR 200 digital penetrometer.
Technical
specifications
Model
PCE-PTR 200
Maximum measurement load
20 kg / 196 N
Resolution
10
g / 0.05 N
Accuracy
±0.5%, +2 digit
Units of measurement
grams /
Newton
Maximum overload
30
kg
Interface
RS-232
Software and cable
optional
Data transmission
View
or print the user's manual for the software
Data transfers to a computer, using the
software, at a rate of one reading every 2
seconds. The penetrometer can trasfer
data at a quicker rate when transferring
from memory to a computer, one reading every
0.25 seconds using
Windows hyper terminal.
Display
5 digit
LCD; 10mm high
Measurement functions
measures firmness of
fruit with Peak Hold function
Power
6 AA batteries or mains
adaptor
Dimensions
227 x 83 x 39mm
Weight
550g
Examples of use for the PCE-PTR 200 penetrometer
The PCE-PTR 200 penetrometer
measuring the firmness of a plum in the fields
How to measure the
firmness of a piece of fruit using the PCE-PTR 200
penetrometer:
Choose to most
appropriate sensor for the type of fruit
that is going to be measured.
Remove the skin
of the fruit.
Position the
sensor perpendicular.
Press the sensor
until it penetrates up to the indicating
mark on the sensor.
View the value
measured as shown on the display of the
penetrometer.
Penetrometer
measuring the firmness of an apple with an 11mm
sensor
Penetrometer measuring the firmness of a potato with
an 8mm sensor
Software
Readings
can be transferred to a computer by way of the
RS-232 connection and software. The following
link has information pertaining to the software
pack.
Software
Software
indicating the time interval in which the device
shows and adjusts measurement values. Can
indicate digitally and with graphic curves.
Software with the value curves for
the penetrometer: Can choose between representation
in analogue or digital.
Image
of software with digital representation which
provides a higher accuracy of data reading.
Contents
PCE-PTR 200 penetrometer
User's manual
Sensor with 6mm diameter
Sensor with 8mm diameter
Sensor with 11mm diameter
Two spacing washers
Carrying case
PCE-PTR 200 penetrometer with its sensor
Optional accessories
Software and cable
to trasnfer data to a computer
Mains adaptor (230V /
50Hz)
Calibration
certificate
Test Position
The force meter can be combined with any of the
three test positions we have available.
Two test positions are equipped with a crank and
one the third has a motor.
The effective use of the test position is in
daily testing of materials in a laboratory and
you wish to maintain the same conditions,
eliminating the possibility of human error.
The technical specifications for the different
positions are available at this link:Test Positions.
Descriptions of test positions can be found
within the corresponding on-line category:penetrometers.
If you wish to take a perfect
measurement of firmness, the penetrometer should be mounted to a
fixed position to guarantee that pressure is applied slowly and
evenly with a constant angle in respect to the fruit. The manual
test position for the PCE-PTR 200 penetrometer is operated by a
lever and offers the ideal solution. This also guarantees
accuracy between the model and the device. It has screws for
making fine adjustements to ensure the best accuracy. There are
hidden holes in the back of the penetrometer allowing for the
test position to be attached to the device.
Technical data for the test position:
- Maximum length of 345mm
- Total length of 530mm (without manual wheel)
- Manual wheel diameter of 120mm
- Diameter of the adjusting bolt: 15mm
- Length of the base of 250mm
- Width of the base of 230mm
- Base plate upon the foot (145 x 100mm)
- Approximate weight of 7kg
