Schmidt + Haensch Saccharoflex 2020 Reflective Colorimeter for Refined Sugar

Overview

The Schmidt + Haensch Saccharoflex 2020 is a dedicated reflective colorimeter engineered for the precise, rapid, and standardized determination of color in refined crystalline sucrose—commonly referred to as white sugar—in accordance with internationally recognized ICUMSA (International Commission for Uniform Methods of Sugar Analysis) protocols. Its measurement principle is based on dual-wavelength reflectance photometry at 495 nm and 620 nm, corresponding to spectral bands critical for distinguishing subtle chromatic deviations in highly purified sugar crystals. The instrument computes the ratio of these two reflectance values and applies the Taylor series-based algorithm specified in ICUMSA GS2-11 (1994), converting raw optical data into ICUMSA Color Units (CU)—a traceable, industry-standard metric used globally for quality grading, process control, and regulatory compliance in sugar refining and food ingredient manufacturing. Designed for high reproducibility under routine laboratory or production-floor conditions, the Saccharoflex 2020 features an enlarged sample aperture to mitigate variability induced by granular heterogeneity—including differences in crystal size distribution and surface packing density—ensuring robustness across diverse batch morphologies.

Key Features

• Dual-wavelength optical architecture optimized for ICUMSA-compliant sugar color assessment at 495 nm and 620 nm
• Integrated Taylor-series calculation engine implementing GS2-11 (1994) and referencing GS2-13 (1994) calibration guidance
• Large-area sample port minimizing sensitivity to particle size distribution and surface irregularity
• Stable halogen illumination system (12 V / 20 W) with intelligent thermal management to prevent lamp drift and overheating during extended operation
• Modular, field-replaceable light source assembly supporting long-term operational continuity and serviceability
• Backlit LCD display with intuitive 4-button keypad interface—no external PC required for basic operation
• Dual communication interfaces: RS-232C for legacy printer integration and USB-B for modern data capture and firmware updates
• Wide-input universal power supply (100–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz) enabling global deployment without voltage conversion
• Bilingual firmware (English/German) supporting multilingual operator environments in international refineries and QC labs

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Saccharoflex 2020 is validated exclusively for dry, free-flowing, crystalline sucrose samples meeting ICUMSA specification criteria for particle size and moisture content (<0.05 % w/w). It is not intended for syrups, molasses, liquid sugars, or non-sucrose matrices. Calibration relies on traceable ceramic reference standards—specifically Brunswick-certified tiles at CU 0 and CU 6—providing metrological traceability to national standards bodies. The instrument’s design and verification protocol align with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for testing laboratories, and its measurement output satisfies reporting obligations under ICUMSA GS2-11, EU Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (for food-grade sugar), and relevant sections of FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with compliant data logging software. Routine performance verification is supported via documented standard operating procedures (SOPs) compatible with GLP and GMP audit frameworks.

Software & Data Management

While the Saccharoflex 2020 operates autonomously via its embedded firmware, optional PC-based software enables automated data logging, statistical trend analysis (e.g., X-bar/R charts), and electronic record generation compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 requirements—including user authentication, electronic signatures, and full audit trail functionality. Raw reflectance values (R₄₉₅, R₆₂₀) and derived CU results are exportable in CSV and XML formats for integration into LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) or enterprise QA databases. Firmware updates are delivered via secure USB-B channel and include version-controlled release notes traceable to ICUMSA method revisions.

Applications

• Final product release testing of white sugar in refinery QC laboratories
• In-process monitoring at crystallization and centrifugation stages to optimize bleaching and washing efficiency
• Supplier qualification and incoming raw material inspection for sucrose-based excipients in pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Stability studies evaluating color shift during long-term storage under controlled humidity and temperature
• Method transfer validation between sites using identical ICUMSA traceable instrumentation
• Supporting technical documentation for BRCGS Food Safety, FSSC 22000, and ISO 22000 certification audits

FAQ

What ICUMSA methods does the Saccharoflex 2020 implement?
It fully conforms to ICUMSA GS2-11 (1994) for color unit calculation and follows GS2-13 (1994) recommendations for calibration and measurement practice.
Can the instrument measure brown sugar or raw sugar?
No—it is specifically designed and validated for refined, crystalline sucrose with low color intensity (0–19.99 CU); higher-absorbing matrices fall outside its linear dynamic range and spectral calibration scope.
Is NIST-traceable calibration available?
While the instrument uses Brunswick ceramic standards (CU 0 and CU 6) certified per ICUMSA guidelines, direct NIST-traceable calibration is provided optionally through accredited third-party service providers upon request.
Does the Saccharoflex 2020 support automated pass/fail decision logic?
Yes—threshold limits can be preconfigured in firmware, triggering visual alerts on the LCD and ASCII-coded status flags via RS-232/USB for PLC or SCADA integration.
How often must the instrument be recalibrated?
Initial calibration with CU 0 and CU 6 standards is performed at installation; subsequent verification is recommended before each analytical shift or every 8 hours of continuous use, per ICUMSA GS2-13 guidance.