PCE force gauge / penetrometer PCE-PTR 200N

The penetrometer PCE-PTR 200N is a practical hand-held measuring device for checking the degree of ripeness of different types of fruit. In contrast to an analogue penetrometer, this digital measuring device offers higher accuracy. The penetrometer gives you valuable information about the optimal harvest time. In addition, the quality can also be monitored during storage, transport and distribution. The penetrometer has an internally installed measuring cell and is controlled by a microprocessor. This microprocessor allows for a fast and accurate reading. The device is provided with a mounting device for a test stand and, if one is available, can be mounted on it. This minimizes user errors and allows serial measurements. The penetrometer is operated via an internally installed battery, which can be charged via a 240 V mains plug. The display can be rotated 180°, which makes it easier to read during the measurement. The software and the data cable are used to transfer the measured values from the penetrometer to a computer. Measurements can be carried out in the units N, kg and lb. A special advantage of the penetrometer PCE-PTR 200N is the large measuring range with high resolution and accuracy at the same time. Normally, a measurement of all types of fruit occurring is only possible if three conventional penetrometers are available. This is the only way to measure accurately according to DIN, regardless of type and diameter. By using the penetrometer, no additional devices are required, as the three measuring adapters are included in the scope of delivery. They can be easily screwed on and off. Info Fruit firmness / degree of ripeness When talking about the course of ripening in fruit, a distinction must be made between physiological ripeness and ripeness for distribution. The physiological maturity is only reached in the tree and it corresponds to the earliest harvest time for the distribution of this type of fruit. Maturity for distribution is reached later and indicates the best time to consume (when the colour, flavor and firmness are ideal for the end consumer). The climate-dependent fruits later reach maturity for distribution because they continue to ripen after harvest. During ripening, an intense internal change is noted in the fruit. This change is reflected in its colour, shape and firmness. It is necessary to obtain objective values with which you can follow the development of the ripening process. This enables you to determine the right measures for the best harvest time and subsequent processes (e.g. for determining the quality of the fruit, the value for market distribution or for the end consumer), especially for climate-dependent fruit. Measuring the firmness or toughness in the fruit with the penetrometer gives you information about the degree of ripeness, so it is the most used method for checking. But there are also other methods that are used, for example, by the refractometer.

The refractometers use the colorimetric method or they measure the content of soluble solids in the fruit (this method allows you to determine the total sugar content). The firmness and toughness measured with the penetrometer decreases with ripening, but we have to take into account that the firmness of a fruit variety changes under general conditions (the fruit variety or the growing zone) or under specific conditions (size, temperature, etc.). can. The firmness of the fruits decreases the larger they are and the higher the temperature. Important information about the penetrometer The penetrometer PCE-PTR shows the force in grams that is exerted on the fruit on its display. In order to obtain the force exerted in kg/cm² it is necessary to know the diameter of the chosen indenting point. For example, for a given value of 4,320 g measured with the penetrometer, you need to calculate the actual force exerted depending on the penetration point. This force is equal to the value in kg divided by the corresponding selected indenting tip surface area: actual indenting tip diameter (mm): 6, 8, 11.3 actual indenting tip surface area (cm²): 0.28, 0.5, 1 applied force (kg/cm²): 15.43, 8.64, 4.32 In contrast to the analog penetrometer, this digital penetrometer offers a higher accuracy and a higher resolution in the measurement. Also, the ability to select the penetration tip (with three different diameters) for the penetrometer saves you from purchasing multiple analog penetrometers. Each of the analog devices has only a specific range and penetration point for a specific type of fruit, so you need a device for each type of fruit.

The digital penetrometer gives you the opportunity to carry out different measurements with the same device. You only have to change the measuring tip. Calibration The quality management standard DIN EN ISO 9001 prescribes test equipment management including regular testing of the test equipment. However, there are no specifications for the type of calibration, the certification from the calibration laboratory and the scope of the calibration service. DAkkS calibrations meet the requirements unconditionally. For cost reasons, however, an ISO calibration is often carried out on a penetrometer. PCE Instruments offers an ISO calibration for the penetrometer, so you as a customer can always rely on compliance with the values specified in the technical data and look forward to the next ISO audit for the penetrometer with peace of mind.