ASD Inc. (ASD), working together
with the USDA, is revolutionizing beef tenderness
measurement utilizing near-infrared (NIR) technology.
ASD’s QualitySpec® BT system empowers meat
processors to analyze beef carcasses for predicted
tenderness right on-line, at the grading
stand, real-time and non-destructively.
The U.S. Meat Animal Research Center has developed
a model using ASD technology to
predict the slice shear force of
longissimus muscle at 14 days
postmortem in Bos taurus cattle
(British and Continental breeds),
thereby enabling beef processors to now
predict tenderness more accurately on nearly 100% of the carcasses on-line,
and to ship meat with increased confidence of quality.
The scan takes approximately three (3) seconds to perform and the data are instantly displayed to the operators. The system, capable of integration into the plant’s information system, allows for monitoring of the tenderness result and reporting right along with all of the other parameters used in the facility. Reports are easy to generate and keep on file for all internal and external audits. With the QualitySpec® BT system, beef processors now have the added advantage of identifying tender carcasses on the spot, providing for more valued product realization, and subsequently more improved profitability.
The QualitySpec® BT system, typically located on the grading stand, uses a halogen light to analyze the portion of ribeye exposed to the graders. Pass/Fail prediction result indicators located directly on the handpiece enable the operator to mark the carcasses in a streamlined fashion,
uninterrupted by turning to look at a computer screen. Additionally, prediction result information is viewable via Ethernet communications at designated monitors throughout the plant. ASD proprietary software, Indico™ iP, is configureable and allows adjustments to tenderness set points as needed. With QualitySpec® BT, experience the freedom and flexibility to make changes easily as requirements change, based on contracts or other customer parameters, store data, display the data, and create reports to fit process needs.
The QualitySpec® BT system is housed in a NEMA 4X (IP-65) rated enclosure, designed specifically for the plant environment,
for a streamlined solution that’s adaptable and easy to use:
User-friendly Windows® style set-up menus for easy changes
Internal instrument diagnostics for efficient and continuous monitoring of instrument performance
Internal calibration mechanism allows for automated calibration without operator involvement
Modular component design for quick and simple maintenance
In a competitive environment, controlling costs and improving product quality is an
absolute necessity. The QualitySpec® BT provides all of the advantages of Near-Infrared
(NIR) technology, in a modular and customizable package that works in just about any
plant environment. Non-destructive NIR analysis is a rapid, accurate, real-time
technology long trusted in the laboratory setting. ASD’s QualitySpec® BT
moves this trusted method onto the process line where
it maximizes the plant process and eliminates
delays and guesswork. QualitySpec® BT
is the must-have tool to get ahead
of the competition.
Physical Specifications
Size: instrument enclosure 24” x 24” x 8” (61 cm x 61 cm x 20.3 cm)
Weight: instrument enclosure approximately 40 lbs (18.1 kg), hand-held probes less than 10 lbs. (4.5 kg)
Interface Options
Standard TCP/IP Ethernet 10 BaseT
Compatible with a wide variety of IT communications protocols:
4-20 mA
4-20 mA HART
Fieldbus
Modbus
Profibus
Ethernet protocols
PLC interfaces
Other - can be configured to almost any other protocol
Computer/Software Requirements
Computer: minimum of 500 MHz Pentium or better notebook or PC-w/monitor, 800 MB Hard Disk, 128 MB RAM,
Windows® 95, 98, 2000, XP Operating System, 10/100 Ethernet port (two
Ethernet ports needed for tie-in to plant network)
Computer location and enclosure determined by application needs
System Operation
3 second scan time
Configurable display screens and reports
Information can be stored easily on servers or other computers
Remote display of analysis (control room, etc.)
Alpha numeric text
Trend charts
Settings changeable by user in software (sampling time intervals, automatic
calibration intervals, calibration models in use, and others)
Software is fully customizable to fit customer requirements
Environmental Specifications
Standard QualitySpec® iP: operating and storage temperature -23º C to 40º C Ambient (-9º F to 104º F)
Humidity 5 to 95% non-condensing
Extreme environment Quality Spec® iP: cold operations down to -45º C with optional integrated heating system;
hot operations up to 50º C with optional integrated air conditioning system
Enclosure is a 304 stainless steel NEMA 4X (IP-65) construction, resistant to vibration and changes in temperature or humidity
Power Requirements
AC input to instrument enclosure: 110 to 240 VAC @ 50 – 60 Hz to internal switching power supply that provides 12 VDC to instruments
DC input to probes: 12VDC via switching power supply located in instrument enclosure
In a competitive environment, controlling costs and improving product quality is an
absolute necessity. The QualitySpec® BT provides all of the advantages of Near-Infrared
(NIR) technology, in a modular and customizable package that works in just about any
plant environment. Non-destructive NIR analysis is a rapid, accurate, real-time
technology long trusted in the laboratory setting. ASD’s QualitySpec® BT
moves this trusted method onto the process line where
it maximizes the plant process and eliminates
delays and guesswork. QualitySpec® BT
is the must-have tool to get ahead
of the competition.