The Next Generation Tobacco Moisture Transmitter

Utilizing Advanced Near Infrared (NIR) Technology provides an Extensive
Range of Features

Smart Sensor Technology - The MCT360-T is a true stand-alone NIR transmitter. A single, proprietary circuit board drives the measurement along with all analog and digital communication. Includes 4-20 mA, 0-10 volts, RS-232/485 or network interfaces such as Ethernet, Profibus, etc. There is no requirement for any intermediary electronics.

Optical Path Compensation - The MCT360-T’s dual beam, single detector configuration monitors the source lamp and all other optical elements, ensuring that the calibration is unaffected by long term component age.

Wide Spectrum Referencing - The MCT360-T incorporates a unique reference filter to monitor the tobacco reflectance properties across the complete near infrared (NIR) spectrum. The filter minimizes the influence of tobacco color, blend or type on the Transmitter’s reading.

Measurement Speed - A proven, reliable high speed filter wheel assembly is combined with a state-of-the-art proprietary single detector optical system. This fast sampling technique reduces measurement noise and produces an accurate and repeatable on-line signal.

Product Temperature Monitor - The MCT360-T can be configured to monitor and display tobacco temperature in Fahrenheit or Centigrade. The temperature sensor is contained in the MCT360-T housing. No additional hardware or wiring is required.

MCT360-T Features

• Single board, full surface mount electronics
• On-board temperature control circuit for PbS detector
• Profibus, Ethernet, Devicenet, Profinet, Modbus TCP-IP, Modbus RTU, Wireless
• Dual Micro Technology
• Dual Gain Filter Processing
• Product Temperature Measurement
• Improved A/D converters for improved measurement signal to noise ratio
• Air purge assembly included as standard
• Cooling panel included as standard

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How is the MCT360-T different from its predecessor, the MCT101-T?
A: The primary difference is the implementation of improved circuitry, including full surface mount electronics, superior A/D converters to increase signal to noise ratios, and dual micro technology on the operating board for increased memory and processing speeds.

Q: Is the fundamental measurement produced by the MCT360-T different from the MCT101-T?
A: NO! The measurement technology is the same. Moisture measurement with NIR filter technology is very well understood and documented. The MCT360-T employs the same measurement and reference filters as the MCT101-T. The measurement algorithms and math treatments are the same for both Transmitters.

Q: Do I need to calibrate the MCT360-T?
A: NO, the MCT360-T is delivered from PSC with the calibration stored in the Transmitter’s memory. An offset adjustment can be made on the processing line if necessary.

Q: Does a single calibration cover all types & blends of tobacco?
A: Similar types and blends will be measured with a single calibration. Widely different types and blends may need an offset adjustment.

Q: Is the MCT360-T affected by changes in the processing environment?
A: NO, the MCT360-T is not affected by ambient light, changes in humidity or temperature fluctuations.

Q: Can I install the MCT360-T at any stage of tobacco processing?
A: YES, the MCT360-T measures linearly up to 50% moisture making it suitable for all leaf and primary processing applications.

Q: How often do I need to re-calibrate the MCT360-T?
A: Due to the exceptional long-term stability of the MCT360-T, no re-calibration is required. Calibration Check Standards allow a rapid check of the Transmitter’s stability whenever needed.

Q: Are all MCT360-T Transmitters identical?
A: YES, all MCT360-T transmitters are matched to have the same sensitivity to moisture in tobacco.

Q: Can the MCT360-T be serviced by a user’s maintenance staff?
A: YES, the MCT360-T is totally modular and any component can be changed in 5 minutes with no effect on the measurement calibration.

Q: Is the Transmitter available in languages other than English?
A: Yes, indeed. For example: Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Polish, Russian, Chinese and more.

MCT360