Reference Laboratory

The laboratory holds the following equipment:

	Sinar 6310 GrainPro Moisture Analyser
	Sinar 6230 Acoustic Modem
	Sinar 19006309 Moisture Net Communications Software

The 6310 GrainPro is held at the Laboratory and becomes the MASTER INSTRUMENT for the network. It is used to generate all calibrations for the network AND it is also used as a reference point on a regular basis. Samples are analyzed in the Laboratory for Moisture using the REFERENCE oven method. These samples are then passed through the Sinar 6310 GrainPro and an electrical reading (a capacitance measurement) is taken on the sample. From this data, calibrations are made for the relevant commodities being tested.

The Laboratory inputs the calibration data into the Moisture Net Communications Software. This easy to use software uses the data to automatically plot calibration curves for the relevant commodities. Once calibrations are made they are transferred into the Sinar 6310 GrainPro in the laboratory as a set where they can then be checked and tested against known oven tested samples. If results are acceptable, the Laboratory is then in a position to give these calibrations to the outlying testing stations. The Moisture Net software can export the calibration curve set into a *.cvs file for use in the Sinar F4 email package. This package enables the central laboratory to email the calibration curve set to the outlying stations. Once received, the remote stations simply download the calibrations into their analyzer from the PC.

Testing Stations
Each testing station holds the following equipment:

	Sinar AP6060 Moisture Analyzer
	Sinar F4 email package

Once the laboratory has prepared suitable calibrations, they can be transferred to the testing station. Via email, the testing station can receive NEW or UPDATED calibrations directly from the reference laboratory. Each calibration curve set has a unique code or `checksum’. The centralized laboratory can confirm that the testing station has received the curve set correctly by examining the checksum inside the remote unit.

This method of updating the calibrations can then be followed for all testing stations until every point in the measurement chain has the CORRECT and CURRENT calibration data.

Additional Notes

The MASTER Sinar Grainpro held at the Reference Laboratory must obviously be kept in good working order and checked regularly for mechanical performance. This can be done easily by use of reference check samples as supplied by sinar Technology - part no 19006352. Such checks should be performed on at least a monthly basis if the machine is in constant use, or before any calibration work is begun.

The reference laboratory may also see fit to set up a regular check scheme to guarantee the accuracy of the instruments in the outlying Testing Stations. A monthly or quarterly check sample can be posted to the member Testing Stations. These samples can be Reference Check Samples as supplied by sinar Technology (part no. 1900-6352) OR known Moisture and Weight samples as supplied by the reference laboratory. If any instrument falls outside of acceptable tolerances the machine can be removed from the network and the problem possibly resolved via remote connection through the Sinar 6320 Acoustic Coupler.