Measuring Density of Food Wafer - Non-Destructive Method

[rusty009]

Hey, I am trying to measure and profile the density variation across a food wafer approximately 2 mm thick, I'm trying to find a method that will soley measure the density of the wafer and this method should be non destructive(the wafer can't be harmed). I have tried to do some research around the web but I can't find much, my initial ideas were,

1; LED light source, however when testing this method the results showed that the thickness and colour of the wafer greatly affected the readings.

2; Ultrasonics, testing this showed that the moisture content of the wafer greatly affected the reading

3; UV light, I have done some preliminary testing with UV and it was quite promising, from the results it was obvious that the thickness and moisture content did not affect the reading, I am currently trying to relate the absorbance to density. If you have any views of why UV should or should not work I would greatly appreciate your input.


I have also looked into beta radiation which seems to do the job but there are health and safety concerns with using this method. If you have any ideas how I could go about measuring the density which we could discuss it would be very helpful. Thanks !

 

[AndyW]

Hello! I understand your dilemma of finding a non-destructive method to measure the density of a food wafer. After researching and considering your initial ideas, I believe that using UV light may be the most promising option for your experiment. UV light is able to penetrate through materials and can be used to measure the density of a substance based on its absorbance properties. However, there are a few factors that you should consider when using UV light for this purpose.

Firstly, the wavelength of the UV light is crucial in determining the accuracy of your measurements. Different wavelengths of UV light will interact with the wafer differently, so it is important to choose the appropriate wavelength for your experiment. Additionally, the absorbance properties of the wafer itself may also vary depending on its composition, so it is important to take this into account when interpreting your results.

Another factor to consider is the potential interference from other substances present in the wafer. For example, if the wafer contains a pigment or dye that absorbs UV light, it may affect your measurements and give inaccurate results. Therefore, it may be necessary to conduct some pre-testing to determine the potential interferences and adjust your method accordingly.

Lastly, it is important to ensure proper safety precautions when working with UV light. As you mentioned, beta radiation may also be an option, but it is important to weigh the potential health risks and safety concerns before proceeding with this method.

In conclusion, I believe that UV light has great potential for measuring the density of a food wafer non-destructively. However, it is important to carefully consider the factors mentioned above and conduct thorough testing to ensure accurate and reliable results. I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck with your experiment!

 

[sir-pinski]

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your research and ideas for measuring the density of a food wafer using a non-destructive method. It seems like you have already explored several options and have had some success with UV light.

In terms of using UV light, it is important to consider the absorbance properties of the wafer material. If the wafer absorbs UV light, then it may not be a reliable method for measuring density. However, if the wafer is transparent to UV light, then it could be a good option. I would recommend further testing and validation to ensure that the results are accurate and consistent.

As for beta radiation, I understand your concerns about health and safety. It is always important to prioritize safety when conducting experiments. Perhaps, you could explore other types of radiation that may be less harmful, if available.

Another method that may be worth considering is using X-ray imaging. This technology is commonly used in the food industry for quality control and can provide non-destructive density measurements. However, it may require specialized equipment and expertise.

Overall, I think it is great that you are considering different options and testing them to find the most suitable method for your specific needs. I would recommend continuing to explore and experiment with different methods until you find one that gives consistent and accurate results. Best of luck with your research!