SDMATIC

Working Principle Of SDmatic

The SDmatic measures starch damage on flour based on the amperometric method (Medcalf & Gilles). The amperometric method basically involves measuring the iodine absorption in a diluted flour suspension. This is because the rate of iodine absorption by a starch suspension depends on the characteristics of the granules. Damaged granules absorb iodine at a faster rate than the ones that are not.

Determination Of Starch Damage In Flour Using SDmatic

The SDmatic provides a simple, rapid, and accurate measurement of starch damage in flour. To begin the test, an acid solution is prepared with 1.5 grams of citric acid mixed with 3 grams of potassium iodide and 120 grams of water. 1 drop of sodium thiosulphate is added to this solution.This acid solution is the then added to the device reaction bowl.

Before introducing the flour to the acid solution, continuous rotation of the device’s electrode produces iodine from the acid solution. The device continuously measures the electric current that is proportional to the quantity of free iodine in the solution. Iodine has the property of rapidly binding with damaged starch granules. Once the flour is added to the solution, the iodine in the solution binds with the damaged starch granules of the flour added, thus causing reduction in number of iodine free ions. This directly results in lesser electric current being produced.The greater the reduction in current intensity, the greater the starch damage in the flour. Finally, the SDmatic displays the result as a percentage of the iodine absorbed or also in other international units.