Fruit Penetrometer PCE-PTR 200N

Penetrometer / Fruit Penetrometer with 3 different tips

The fruit penetrometer is a portable and practical device for checking the degree of ripeness of different types of fruit. Unlike analog models, this digital fruit penetrometer gives you greater precision and resolution when measuring.

It provides you with valuable information on the ideal time of picking and on the process of maturation in the chamber, transport and sale. The penetrometer has a microprocessor for fast and accurate reading. It has holes that allow it to be installed on a test bench (optional accessory). This minimizes human error and enables serial measurements. It incorporates an accumulator that you can charge using a mains adapter, included in delivery. It is also possible to rotate the screen of the penetrometer by 180º, which facilitates reading during the measurement.

We include a data cable and downloadable software to view the real-time measurement values ​​of the penetrometer on the computer or make recordings directly on the PC. The test benches are ideal for quality controls and for laboratory test analyses. One of the advantages of this device is that it has high resolution and precision with sampling of up to 200 measurements per second.

If you were to measure fruit with a conventional penetrometer, you would need to acquire three measuring devices, according to DIN regulations, each with a specific penetration tip for a specific type of fruit. Our device replaces the 3 conventional penetrometers. Delivery includes 3 different penetration tips (for different types of fruit), which are easily screwed on.

Information on the texture of the fruit and its degree of ripeness
When we talk about fruit ripening, it is necessary to distinguish between physiological ripening and commercial ripening. Physiological ripening is only achieved when the fruit ripens on the plant, and this corresponds to the earliest moment when the fruit can be harvested for marketing. Commercial ripening is then reached, and it indicates the ideal moment for the consumption of the fruit (when its color, taste, texture, etc., are the best for the final consumer). In the case of climacteric fruits, commercial ripening is reached some time later, since they continue to ripen after harvest. During the ripening of the fruit, it shows intense internal activity, manifested by changes in its color, shape, texture, etc. It is necessary to have objective values ​​with which to evaluate the evolution of the ripening of the fruit. This will allow you to make the right decisions about the best time for harvesting and further processing (for example, to determine the quality of the fruit, its value on the market or for the final consumer), especially in the case of climacteric fruits. The measurement of the texture or hardness of the fruit, carried out by the fruit penetrometer, will provide you with information on the degree of ripeness. In fact, it is the most used technique for its control. There are other techniques, such as that used by a refractometer.

In general, the texture or hardness of a fruit measured with a fruit penetrometer decreases as its ripening process progresses. However, it should not be forgotten that the texture of the same type of fruit can vary, either because of very general conditions (such as the variety of fruit or the growing area), or for more specific reasons such as size or the fruit temperature at the time of fruit penetrometer measurement. The larger the size of the fruit or the higher its temperature, the less texture the fruit will have.

Essential indications on the penetrometer
The fruit penetrometer indicates the force exerted on the fruit in grams (1 g = 0.001 kg), therefore, if you want to obtain the pressure exerted in kg/cm², you will have to take into account the radius of the penetration tip selected. For example, if we carry out a measurement with the fruit penetrometer for a value of 4320 g, you will have to calculate this real force exerted according to the tip you have selected. This force corresponds to the value in kg divided by the corresponding radius of the selected bit:

Nominal diameter of the bit (mm) 6, 8, 11.3
Effective area of ​​the bit (cm²) 0.28, 0.5, 1
Pressure exerted ( kg/cm) 15.43, 8.64, 4.32

Unlike an analog fruit penetrometer, this digital fruit penetrometer offers you greater accuracy and resolution in measurement. The fact that it has 3 penetration tips with different diameters is another advantage which avoids having to acquire several types of analog fruit penetrometer. Each analogue fruit penetrometer has a single model of tip corresponding to a specific type of fruit. Accordingly, you need a device for each type of fruit. However, the fruit penetrometer allows you to perform different measurements with one device. You just need to change the tip.

– Combines 3 conventional devices in 1
– Short sampling time
– PEAK / MIN / MAX / Average functions
– Automatic shutdown
– Holes for mounting on test benches
– Battery powered
– 180º screen rotation
– Protection against overload = 150%
– Includes analysis software (downloadable)
– Optional: ISO calibration certificate