Mobile quality control clears the final hurdle: Gas analysers now with Bluetooth

WITT has further improved its established Oxybaby 6.0 handheld gas analyser
with the addition of a Bluetooth interface and a built-in bar code reader.
Companies involved in the modified atmosphere packaging of foods can now
perform quality control checks that are 100% mobile.

This development makes quality controllers entirely autonomous in their
work – the analyser weighs just 580 grams and, measuring 187 x 106 x 91 mm,
is even small enough to fit in a jacket pocket. The Oxybaby uses a needle
to take random samples and measure the concentration of the industrial gases
carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen (O2) in packages. The measurement results
appear instantly on the illuminated graphics display and are stored in the
circulating memory, which has a capacity of 500 measurements. Using the
Bluetooth connection the readings can be printed out on an ultra compact
label printer that the controller wears on their belt. The adhesive
printouts can then be attached to the test record or the outer packaging,
or can be put in with the products right away. “Workflows in this area have
never been as mobile, as quick and as straightforward as they are now,”
sums up WITT’s head of marketing Alexander Kampschulte. Controllers can
transfer the readings to a Windows PC for further processing via Bluetooth,
either right away or at the end of their shift.

WITT has also successfully incorporated a bar code reader into the
analyser’s slimline casing, resulting in even faster workflows. A
controller can use it to assign their own name, a line of packaging or a
product to a measurement, simply by scanning the relevant bar code. The
analyser is able to distinguish between up to 25 users, 50 lines of
packaging and 100 products. Technologically speaking, this diminutive
testing device is almost on a par with larger, stationary gas analysers. It
takes just six seconds to determine the gas concentration, which is then
displayed in increments of 0.1 per cent. Measurements are taken in a range
between 0 and 100 per cent. It even recognises when the measuring needle is
obstructed, thus ruling out any measuring errors.

The casing of the Oxybaby 6.0 is ergonomically shaped, hygienic and impact-

resistant. The integrated software includes the menu navigation in a number
of languages. Bluetooth and the bar code reader are optional extras, but
the basic version of the gas analyser is highly versatile too. In addition
to wireless technology, every Oxybaby can as well be attached to a printer
or a PC via its USB port, while bar code readings can be replaced by manual
selection via the menu. And WITT has also incorporated an SD card slot with
future product updates in mind, allowing the user to install new firmware
without further ado. The Oxybaby 6.0 comes in a protective case with a
charger and is available from specialist retailers or directly from the
manufacturer. For more information, go to www.wittgas.com.