Hach Ultra's updated Orbisphere 510 has been designed for the liquid and gas phase of drinks production and can be installed in breweries, wineries and soft drinks factories, including mineral water, the firm claimed.

Accurately measuring O

during production is critical for taste and shelf life, while CO

and N

can affect the texture and overall feel of the product.

Hach Ultra said its Orbisphere 510 could measure all three of these, allowing drinks makers to create more balanced products and even enable brewers to produce a creamier, smoother head on their beers.

The firm said its new analyser was cost effective because it can combine three measurements in one, while also providing accurate results quickly.

Software for the analyser is accessible through a full colour touch-screen, allowing drinks producers to easily configure the instrument to their needs.

Also, to assist with process monitoring, data can be easily transferred using one of the digital communication standard protocols such as RS 485, Ethernet, USB or Profibus DP in addition to traditional analog outputs, the firm said.

Hach Ultra is part of the water quality division of the Danaher Corporation.

Its exising Orbisphere analysers are already installed in major breweries, wineries, and soft drink and mineral water facilities around the globe. They are used in-line, at-line and in the laboratory to measure both process and final package parameters.

Analysis equipment that is low-cost but can provide on-the-spot, accurate results has become increasingly important for drinks makers.

Strict quality standards mean producers must monitor drinks through every stage of processing and storage. Intense competition on drinks markets, meanwhile, means producers cannot afford to slip up.