Yuntang YT-YMT Fish Surimi Gel Strength Tester & Gelatin Bloom Strength Analyzer

Overview

The Yuntang YT-YMT Fish Surimi Gel Strength Tester & Gelatin Bloom Strength Analyzer is a dedicated texture analysis instrument engineered for objective, standardized mechanical evaluation of thermo-induced protein gels—primarily surimi-based seafood products (e.g., fish balls, fish cakes, fish sausages, and fish rolls) and gelatinous hydrocolloid systems. It operates on the principle of uniaxial compression testing in accordance with ASTM F2982-15 and ISO 11357-3 (for thermal gelation behavior context), adapted to meet the specific geometric and rheological requirements defined in GB/T 36187–2018, “Determination of Gel Strength of Frozen Surimi.” During testing, a calibrated 5 mm spherical probe uniformly compresses a cylindrical sample (typically 25 mm diameter × 10 mm height) at a controlled rate; the system records the maximum force (peak load, in newtons) and deformation distance at rupture. The instrument automatically computes gel strength using the standardized formula: Gel Strength (g·cm) = Peak Force (N) × 101.97 × Sample Height (cm), enabling direct comparison against regulatory thresholds and quality benchmarks across production batches.

Key Features

• High-precision load cell with ±1% full-scale accuracy and 0.01 N resolution, traceable to national metrological standards.
• Brushless DC motor coupled with precision ground ball-screw drive mechanism, ensuring consistent velocity control (0–1.3 mm/s adjustable) and minimal mechanical hysteresis.
• Integrated 7-inch capacitive touchscreen interface with embedded firmware supporting Chinese/English bilingual operation, pre-programmed test methods per GB/T 36187–2018, and real-time force–distance curve visualization.
• Automated test sequence: zero calibration → sample positioning → compression → peak detection → data logging → report generation — all executed without manual intervention.
• Onboard statistical engine for batch-level analysis: mean, SD, CV%, min/max, and pass/fail flagging relative to user-defined specification limits.
• Thermal-stable aluminum alloy frame (70 kg mass) minimizes vibration-induced noise and supports long-term repeatability under ambient laboratory conditions (20–25°C, <65% RH).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The YT-YMT accommodates standard cylindrical specimens (Ø25 mm × H10 mm) prepared per GB/T 36187–2018, as well as alternative geometries (e.g., Ø12.7 mm × H12.7 mm for Bloom gelatin testing) via interchangeable fixtures. It is validated for use with heat-set myofibrillar protein gels (surimi), collagen-derived gelatin gels, alginate-calcium matrices, and carrageenan-based thermoreversible systems. Instrument compliance includes adherence to ISO/IEC 17025 general requirements for testing laboratories, alignment with GLP documentation workflows, and support for audit-ready data export (CSV, PDF). While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–certified out-of-the-box, raw test files retain immutable timestamps, operator ID fields, and full metadata—enabling integration into validated LIMS or electronic lab notebook (ELN) platforms.

Software & Data Management

The embedded firmware stores up to 10,000 test records locally with automatic time/date stamping, operator code input, and sample ID tagging. Data export is supported via USB 2.0 to CSV (tabular force–displacement arrays), PNG (annotated curves), and printer-ready PDF summaries (including pass/fail status per GB/T 36187–2018 Class I/II thresholds). Optional PC software (Yuntang TextureSuite v3.2) provides advanced post-processing: derivative analysis (strain rate sensitivity), area-under-curve (toughness index), and multi-sample comparative overlays. All exported files include embedded EXIF-style metadata: instrument serial number, calibration certificate expiry, probe geometry, test speed, and environmental log (optional external hygrothermograph integration).

Applications

• QC release testing of frozen surimi raw material and finished fish analogs against national gel strength specifications (≥500 g·cm for premium-grade surimi).
• R&D optimization of salt concentration, cryoprotectant blends (sucrose/sorbitol), and transglutaminase dosing in surimi formulation trials.
• Bloom strength verification of pharmaceutical and food-grade gelatins (equivalent range: 50–300 Bloom).
• Stability assessment of plant-based seafood alternatives undergoing thermal gelation (e.g., soy globulin or pea protein gels).
• Correlation studies between instrumental gel strength and sensory panel scores for springiness, cohesiveness, and chewiness (Texture Profile Analysis mapping).
• Supplier qualification audits requiring documented mechanical consistency across lot-to-lot deliveries.

FAQ

What standards does the YT-YMT directly support?
It implements the full test protocol and calculation logic of GB/T 36187–2018, including probe geometry, sample dimensions, compression speed (60 mm/min), and the g·cm output unit definition.
Can the instrument measure gelatin Bloom strength?
Yes—when configured with the standard 5 mm spherical probe and 12.7 mm diameter gelatin cylinders, it delivers results correlatable to ASTM D5261 Bloom values via linear regression calibration.
Is calibration traceable to international standards?
Load cell calibration is performed using NIST-traceable deadweight standards; annual recalibration certificates are provided with documented uncertainty budgets.
Does the system support networked data transfer?
Local USB export is standard; Ethernet/Wi-Fi connectivity and OPC UA server functionality are available via optional Yuntang Connect Module (sold separately).
What maintenance is required for long-term accuracy?
Biannual verification of probe alignment and load cell linearity is recommended; no lubrication or consumable parts are required within the first 5 years of normal operation.