Milk sampling system comprising a self cleaning filter device

Abstract

A system (100) comprising a milk sampling device (110) configured to extract a milk sample from a milk line; a first fluid connection line (115) attached to the milk sampling device (110) and configured to receive the milk sample; a milk analytic instrument (120); a filter holder (130) arranged to hold a filter device (140), wherein the filter holder (130) is connected to the first fluid connection line (115), to a second fluid connection line (135), which in turn is con- nected to a drain (150); a first pump (160) operable to transport the milk sample to the second fluid connection line (135); and the filter device (140) When the filter device (140) is hold in the filter holder (130), a fluid passing from the first fluid connection line (115) to the second fluid connection line (135) rinsing over the first side (141) of the filter device (140).

Description

[0001] MILK SAMPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SELF CLEANING FILTER DEVICE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] This document discloses a system comprising a filter device according to the appended claims.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] On a dairy farm, it is sometimes desired to analyse a milk sample of milk from a particular animal in a milk analytic instrument. The reason may be to investigate whether the animal is suffering from Mastitis, Ketosis, or some decease or condition that may affect the milk yield and / or milk quality; or measuring a parameter reflecting milk quality itself, for example percentage of fat.

[0006] A convenient way of extracting the milk sample is when the animal is being milked in a milking station, for example by a milking robot, or in a rotary parlour. A milk sampling device may then extract the milk sample from a milk line comprising milk of the animal and provide the milk sample to the milk analytic instrument.

[0007] There may be undesired impurities in the milk sample to be removed before analysing the milk sample, such as for example hair, fodder, or bedding particles. An often used solution to this problem is to apply a filter, filtering the milk sample before reaching the milk analytic instrument. The currently used filters are made of paper and require frequent exchange, i.e. , between each milk sample, to disallow carry-over effect between animals, but also for assuring that the milk flow through the filter is not blocked by filtered particles, and / or that bacteria are allowed to grow in the residues in the filter, which would influence the outcome of the milk analysis. Paper filters may also bring other problems, they may for example break in case they have not been stored and / or handled appropriately (due to humidity / liquid, or rough handling etc.).

[0008] The frequent filter exchanges are time consuming for the farmer; consequences of forgetting to change filters are severe, and the consumption of paper material adds over time, wasting natural resources.

[0009] Metal filters made of a mesh of stainless steel wires may be used instead of the paper filters. Thereby, paper material is saved. The metal filter may be reused, but then has to be cleaned, preferably between each animal to avoid the above-mentioned carry-over effect. This is unfortunately even more time consuming for the farmer than to just exchange the paper filter. It would be desired to reassuringly solve the issue of filtering undesired particles from milk to be analysed in a milk analytic instrument, while reducing maintenance requirements and save labour, time and money for the farmer.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] It is therefore an object of this invention to solve at least some of the above problems and facilitate filtering of milk, in particular in association with milk sample analysis.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by a system comprising a milk sampling device, configured to extract a milk sample from a milk line comprising milk. The system also comprises a first fluid connection line attached to the milk sampling device. The first fluid connection line is configured to receive the milk sample from the milk sampling device. Also, system comprises a milk analytic instrument, configured to receive the milk sample and perform an analysis on the received milk sample.

[0013] In addition, the system also comprises a filter holder, arranged to hold a filter device. The filter holder is connected to the first fluid connection line, and to a second fluid connection line. The system also comprises a first pump, operable to transport the milk sample from the milk sampling device along the first fluid connection line, to the second fluid connection line.

[0014] The filter device comprises a first side and a second side, which is opposite to the first side. A fluid that passes from the first fluid connection line to the second fluid connection line performs a rinse action over the first side of the filter device, when the filter device is hold in the filter holder.

[0015] By flushing the first side of the filter, i.e. , the outside of the filter, with milk, particles / residue on the outside of the filter is washed away.

[0016] Optionally, the filter holder may be connected to a third fluid connection line, which in turn may be connected to the milk analytic instrument. A fluid that passes from the first fluid connection line through the filter device, from the first side of the filter device to the second side of the filter device, to the third fluid connection line will be filtered by the filter device.

[0017] Thereby, particles in the milk sample are filtered away before being provided to the milk analytic instrument. Optionally, the system may comprise a second pump operable to transport the milk sample from the first side of the filter device to the second side of the filter device along the third fluid connection line, to the milk analytic instrument.

[0018] The second pump assures a reliable regulation of milk passage through the filter and the third fluid connection line, to the milk analytic instrument.

[0019] Optionally, the system may comprise a drain, connected to the second fluid connection line.

[0020] By connecting a drain to the second fluid connection line, milk that has rinsed the outside of the filter, and any eventual flushed particles is / are evacuated from the system.

[0021] Optionally, the system may comprise a controller communicatively connected to the milk sampling device, to the first pump, and to the milk analytic instrument. The controller may be configured to send a control signal to the milk sampling device, to extract the milk sample. Also, the controller may be configured to send a control signal to the first pump, to transport the milk sample along the first fluid connection line and the second fluid connection line to the drain.

[0022] Thanks to the controller, a reliable automatization of the system may be made.

[0023] Optionally, the controller may be communicatively connected to the second pump. The controller may also be configured to send a control signal to the second pump, to transport a part of the milk sample from the first side of the filter device to the second side of the filter device along the third fluid connection line to the milk analytic instrument. Thereby, the milk analytic instrument is enabled to analyse the part of the milk sample.

[0024] The controller thereby assures, via the second pump, a reliable regulation of milk passage through the filter device and the third fluid connection line, to the milk analytic instrument.

[0025] Optionally, the system may comprise a cleaning liquid inlet of the milk sampling device, configured to provide cleaning liquid via the milk sampling device to the first fluid connection line. The system may also comprise a cleaning liquid inlet regulating device, communicatively connected to the controller. The cleaning liquid inlet regulating device may be configured to adjust inlet of cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid inlet.

[0026] The controller may be configured to send a control signal to the cleaning liquid inlet regulating device, to allow inlet of cleaning liquid to the milk sampling device via the cleaning liquid inlet. Also, the controller may be configured to send a control signal to the first pump, to transport the cleaning liquid along first fluid connection line to the second fluid connection line, thereby performing a cleaning action over the first side of the filter device.

[0027] By cleaning the filter device with cleaning liquid, cleaning of the first side of the filter device is improved.

[0028] Optionally, the controller may be configured to send a control signal to the second pump, to transport the cleaning liquid from the first side of the filter device to the second side of the filter device along the third fluid connection line, thereby performing a cleaning action of the filter device and the third fluid connection line.

[0029] By cleaning the filter device with cleaning liquid, cleaning of the filter device and the third fluid connection line is improved.

[0030] Optionally, the system may comprise a second cleaning liquid inlet of the milk analytic instrument, wherein a second cleaning liquid inlet may be configured to provide cleaning liquid to the third fluid connection line. Also, the system may comprise the second cleaning liquid inlet regulating device communicatively connected to the controller, wherein the second cleaning liquid inlet regulating device is configured to adjust inlet of cleaning liquid via the second cleaning liquid inlet to the third fluid connection line.

[0031] The controller may be configured to send a control signal to the second cleaning liquid inlet regulating device, to allow inlet of cleaning liquid of the milk analytic instrument via the second cleaning liquid inlet. The controller may also be configured to send a control signal to the second pump, to transport the cleaning liquid, along the third fluid connection line via the second side of the filter device to the first side of the filter device.

[0032] By running the second pump backwards, towards the filter, the filter is cleaned in an efficient way.

[0033] Optionally, the controller may be configured to send a control signal to the first pump, to prevent transporting of cleaning liquid along the first fluid connection line to the milk sampling device, thereby causing the cleaning liquid to pass from the second side of the filter device to the first side of the filter device via the second fluid connection line to the drain. By preventing the cleaning liquid to flow through the first fluid connection line, the cleaning liquid is directed to the second fluid connection line to the drain.

[0034] Optionally, the filter device may be configured to filter a plurality of milk samples, extracted from distinct animals, wherein a cleaning action may be performed in between each respective milk sample.

[0035] By cleaning the filter device between handling of milk samples from different animals, the risks and problems of carry-over between milk samples of different animals is eliminated, or at least reduced.

[0036] Optionally, the filter device may comprise a wired mesh filter.

[0037] Optionally, the filter device may comprise an etched metal foil.

[0038] Optionally, the filter device may comprise openings of about 40-100 pm in diameter.

[0039] Fat particles of the milk have a dimension up to about 30 pm. Typically, it is desired to not filter out the fat particles from the milk. It has been found that filter openings in the interval of 40-100 pm is ideal for filtering out most impurities yet allowing (most of) the fat particles in the milk to pass through the filter device.

[0040] Optionally, the filter holder may be arranged to provide the milk sample from the first fluid connection line to the first side of the filter device at a first angle displacement in relation to a normal of the first side, thereby flushing away residues that are stuck on the first side of the filter device via the second fluid connection line.

[0041] The angular provision of fluid from the first fluid connection line assures an appropriate flushing of the external filter surface, i.e. , the first side of the filter device. A self-rinsing effect of the first side of the filter device is thereby provided.

[0042] Optionally, the first angle displacement in relation to the normal of the first side of the filter device may be at least 30 degrees.

[0043] Optionally, the first angle displacement in relation to the normal of the first side of the filter device may be at least 45 degrees but not exceeding 75 degrees. Optionally, the filter holder may be arranged to evacuate fluid after having rinsed the first side of the filter device via the second fluid connection line at a second angle displacement in relation to the normal of the first side of the filter device. The second angle displacement may be at least 30 degrees.

[0044] Optionally, the second angle displacement in relation to the normal of the first side of the filter device may be at least 45 degrees but not exceeding 75 degrees.

[0045] Optionally, the first angle displacement of the first fluid connection line and the second angle displacement of the second fluid connection line may be arranged substantially symmetrically in relation to the normal of the first side of the filter device.

[0046] Optionally, the filter holder may comprise a filter chamber arranged to fixate the filter device within the filter holder. The filter chamber may have a substantially curved funnel shape comprising an inlet ending for receiving fluid from the first fluid connection line, and an outlet ending for providing filtered fluid to the third fluid connection line. The inlet ending may have a diameter which is at least 3 times larger than the diameter of the outlet ending.

[0047] Thereby, thanks to the curved funnel shape of the filter chamber, fluid velocity while passing the filter device is increased, reducing risks of residue build-up in the filter device.

[0048] Optionally, the filter holder may be dividable in a first section and a second section. The first section and the second section may be releasably hold together by at least one holding means, thereby enabling exchange of the filter device.

[0049] Swift exchange of the filter device, and possibly repairment or manual cleaning of the filter holder is thereby enabled.

[0050] Thanks to the provided solution involving the filter device, operation of the system for milk sample extraction is greatly improved and fully automated. As the filter device is self-rinsing and reusable between milking sessions, and automated cleaning is enabled, maintenance requirements of the system are reduced while hygiene is improved. The farmer is relieved from manually monitoring and / or maintaining / cleaning / exchanging filter between each milking session, allowing him / her to focus on animal comfort and well-being, which in turn may lead to increased milk yield, increased milk quality, and / or reduced sickness absence among the animals. The self-rinsing filter device allows milk and / or a cleaning liquid to flush the outside of the filter during operation, effectively washing away any residue or contaminants. The flushing of the self-rinsing filter device helps in keeping the filter device clean and assure optimal functionality, preventing the build-up of stagnant residues, minimising the risk of contamination, and reducing the need for manual cleaning.

[0051] Other advantages and additional novel features will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description.

[0052] FIGURES

[0053] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0054] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a system, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0055] Figure 2A illustrates an example of a filter holder in a first view;

[0056] Figure 2B illustrates an example of a filter holder in a first cross section;

[0057] Figure 2C illustrates an example of a filter holder in a second cross section.

[0058] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Embodiments of the invention described herein are defined as a system, which may be put into practice in the embodiments described below. These embodiments may, however, be exemplified and realised in many different forms and are not to be limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, these illustrative examples of embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete.

[0060] Still other objects and features may become apparent from the following detailed description, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the herein disclosed embodiments, for which reference is to be made to the appended claims. Further, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and, unless otherwise indicated, they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein.

[0061] Figure 1 illustrates a system 100 in a scenario wherein a milk sample is extracted from a milk line comprising milk. The milk is extracted from an animal. The animal may be comprised in a herd of animals for dairy farming at a farm. The system 100 may with advantage, although not necessarily, be implemented in an automatic milking facility such as a milking robot, rotary milking parlour, or similar arrangement. The system 100 may alternatively be applied during manual milking in a milking parlour.

[0062] “Animal” may be any arbitrary type of domesticated female mammal such as e.g., cow, goat, sheep, camel, horse, dairy buffalo, donkey, yak, etc.

[0063] The system 100 may be configured to orchestrate the extraction of the milk sample of the animal during regular milking of the animal, via a milk sampling device 110. The milk sampling device 110 is configured to extract a milk sample from a milk line comprising milk, i.e. , the milk that has been extracted from one individual animal during the milking session. The extracted milk sample may be for example some few centilitres, or some millilitres.

[0064] The purpose is to analyse the milk sample, or a part thereof, in a milk analytic instrument 120. The milk analytic instrument 120 is configured to receive the milk sample and perform an analysis on the received milk sample, for example concerning Mastitis, Ketosis, somatic cell count, etc.

[0065] To avoid that any impurities such as dirt, hair, pieces of bedding / fodder and other particles in the extracted milk is forwarded to the milk analytic instrument 120, the system 100 comprises a filter device 140 and a filter holder 130, arranged to hold the filter device 140. The filter holder 130 and the therein maintained filter device 140 are arranged between the milk sampling device 110 and the milk analytic instrument 120.

[0066] The filter holder 130 is connected to a first fluid connection line 115, and to a second fluid connection line 135.

[0067] The first fluid connection line 115 is also attached to the milk sampling device 110 and configured to receive the milk sample from the milk sampling device 110.

[0068] The system 100 also comprises a first pump 160 operable to transport the milk sample from the milk sampling device 110 along the first fluid connection line 115, to the second fluid connection line 135. The first pump 160 may be for example a peristaltic pump, hose pump, roller pump, tube pump, or similar arrangement.

[0069] The filter device 140 comprises a first side 141 and a second side 142, which is opposite to the first side 141. A fluid that passes from the first fluid connection line 115, to the second fluid connection line 135 performs a rinse action over the first side 141 of the filter device 140 when the filter device 140 is hold in the filter holder 130.

[0070] The filter device 140 may have a substantially circular cross section comprising a closed curve in substantially one plane, for example in shape of a circle, an oval, an ellipse, etc. An advantage by the substantially circular cross section is that there are no corners where dirt / impurities etc., may hide and require dedicated cleaning.

[0071] However, other shapes may be applied in other embodiments, such as quadratic, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.

[0072] Residues and particles which has been caught on the (surface of the) first side 141 is thereby flushed away with milk, via the second fluid connection line 135, for example to a drain 150, connected to the second fluid connection line 135. Alternatively, the flushed milk may be transported to a main milk tank or a separate milk container via the second fluid connection line 135.

[0073] The filter holder 130 may be connected to a third fluid connection line 145, which in turn may be connected to the milk analytic instrument 120. Thereby, a fluid that passes from the first fluid connection line 115 through the filter device 140, from the first side 141 of the filter device 140 to the second side 142 of the filter device 140, to the third fluid connection line 145 will be filtered by the filter device 140.

[0074] The fluid connection lines 115, 135, 145 may comprise a respective piece of elastic hose comprising or being fabricated of for example plastic (e.g., nylon, polyurethane, polyethylene, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)); or synthetic or natural rubber. The fluid connection lines 115, 135, 145 may have a substantially circular cross section. The inner diameter of the fluid connection lines 115, 135, 145 may be for example between 1-5 mm, preferably about 2-3 mm.

[0075] The filter holder 130 may be arranged to provide the milk sample from the first fluid connection line 115 to the first side 141 of the filter device 140 at a first angle displacement a in relation to a normal N of the first side 141 , thereby flushing away residues that are stuck on the first side 141 of the filter device 140 via the second fluid connection line 135.

[0076] The first angle displacement a in relation to the normal N of the first side 141 of the filter device 140, may be at least 30 degrees. In some embodiments, the first angle displacement a may be at least 45 degrees but not exceeding 75 degrees.

[0077] The applied first angle displacement a supports flushing of the first side 141 of the filter device 140, with fluid at an enhanced velocity, thereby improving the rinsing.

[0078] The filter holder 130 may be arranged to evacuate fluid after having rinsed the first side 141 of the filter device 140 via the second fluid connection line 135 at a second angle displacement p in relation to the normal N of the first side 141 of the filter device 140. The second angle displacement may be at least 30 degrees.

[0079] The second angle displacement p in relation to the normal N of the first side 141 of the filter device 140, may be at least 45 degrees but not exceeding 75 degrees.

[0080] The first angle displacement a of the first fluid connection line 115 and the second angle displacement p of the second fluid connection line 135 may be arranged substantially symmetrically in relation to the normal N of the first side 141 of the filter device 140.

[0081] The filter device 140 may be configured to filter a plurality of milk samples, extracted from distinct animals. A cleaning action may be performed in between each respective milk sample. Thereby, carry-over effect of milk samples from distinct animals is avoided.

[0082] The filter device 140 may comprise wired mesh filter, an etched metal foil, or similar solution. The openings in the filter device 140 may be about 40-100 pm in diameter.

[0083] In some embodiments, all filter openings in the filter device 140 may be of the same size.

[0084] Also, filter devices 140 with different sizes of the filter openings (within the interval of 40-100 pm) may be provided, enabling the farmer to select filter granularity depending on dirtiness of the milk samples and / or the type of test that will be performed by the milk analytic instrument 120.

[0085] The selection of size of the filter openings is a balance between desire to filter out impurities, and passage speed of the milk sample.

[0086] By providing a selection of filter devices 140 with different sizes of the filter openings, an optimal filter opening size may be selected by the farmer, allowing for the best possible compromise between filtered out impurities and milk sample through put. The system may comprise a second pump 170 operable to transport the milk sample from the first side 141 of the filter device 140 to the second side 142 of the filter device 140 along the third fluid connection line 145, to the milk analytic instrument 120. The second pump 170 may be for example a peristaltic pump, hose pump, roller pump, tube pump, or similar arrangement.

[0087] The system 100 may in some embodiments comprise a means for regulating, i.e., allow / disallow passage of milk / fluid along the third fluid connection line 145, such as a valve. However, an advantage with using a pump is that the pump could provide a very precise dosage of milk / fluid. Also, the pump could be run in both directions which in turn enable cleaning / rinsing of the fluid connection lines 115, 135, 145 and the filter 140.

[0088] The system 100 may also comprise a controller 200, communicatively connected to the milk sampling device 110, to the first pump 160, and to the milk analytic instrument 120.

[0089] The controller 200 may be configured to send a control signal to the milk sampling device 110, to extract the milk sample. Also, the controller 200 may be configured to send a control signal to the first pump 160, to transport the milk sample along the first fluid connection line 115 and the second fluid connection line 135 to the drain 150.

[0090] The controller 200 may be communicatively connected to the second pump 170, in embodiments comprising any second pump 170. The controller 200 may be configured to send a control signal to the second pump 170, to transport a part of the milk sample from the first side 141 of the filter device 140 to the second side 142 of the filter device 140 along the third fluid connection line 145 to the milk analytic instrument 120. The milk analytic instrument 120 may thereby be enabled to analyse the part of the milk sample, upon reception of the milk sample.

[0091] The controller 200 may comprise one or more instances of a processing circuit configured for performing various calculations for controlling the operations of the first pump 160 and / or the second pump 170. The controller 200 may also comprise a memory in some embodiments. The optional memory may comprise a physical device utilised to store data or programs, i.e., sequences of instructions, on a temporary or permanent basis. According to some embodiments, the memory may comprise integrated circuits comprising silicon-based transistors. The memory may comprise e.g., a memory card, a flash memory, a USB memory, a hard disc, or another similar volatile or non-volatile storage unit for storing data such as e.g., ROM (Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable PROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM), etc. in different embodiments.

[0092] The system 100 may also comprise a cleaning liquid inlet 181 of the milk sampling device 110, configured to provide cleaning liquid via the milk sampling device 110 to the first fluid connection line 115.

[0093] The system 100 may also comprise a cleaning liquid inlet regulating device 180, communicatively connected to the controller 200. The optional cleaning liquid inlet regulating device 180 may be configured to adjust inlet of cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid inlet 181.

[0094] The controller 200 may also be configured to send a control signal to the cleaning liquid inlet regulating device 180, to allow inlet of cleaning liquid to the milk sampling device 110 via the cleaning liquid inlet 181.

[0095] Also, the controller 200 may be configured to send a control signal to the first pump 160, to transport the cleaning liquid along first fluid connection line 115 to the second fluid connection line 135, thereby performing a cleaning action over the first side 141 of the filter device 140.

[0096] The controller 200 may in some embodiments be configured to send a control signal to the second pump 170, to transport the cleaning liquid from the first side 141 of the filter device 140 to the second side 142 of the filter device 140 along the third fluid connection line 145, thereby performing a cleaning action of the filter device 140 and the third fluid connection line 145.

[0097] The system 100 may comprise a second cleaning liquid inlet regulating device 190 of the milk analytic instrument 120, wherein a second cleaning liquid inlet 191 is configured to provide cleaning liquid to the third fluid connection line 145.

[0098] The cleaning liquid may comprise a detergents, acid-based cleaners, sanitizers or disinfectants, and / or possibly enzymatic cleaners.

[0099] Detergents are cleaning agents that may be used to remove organic and inorganic material from the system 100. They work by dissolving and lifting away dirt, grease, and other contaminants in the interior of the fluid connection lines 115, 135, 145 and the filter device 140, and possibly also other parts of the system 100 where cleaning is desired, such as the milk sampling device 110 and / or the milk analytic instrument 120.

[0100] Acid-based cleaners may be used to remove mineral deposits (scale) that may build up in the system 100 over time.

[0101] Sanitizers or disinfectants may be used to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that may contaminate the system 100, or parts thereof, and / or the milking equipment. Sanitizers / disinfectants may thereby assure the high hygiene standards that is expected on a product used for human consumption. Sanitizers / disinfectants may for example comprise iodine-based or chlorine-based products, as well as peracetic acid and / or hydrogen peroxide.

[0102] Enzymatic cleaners may occasionally be used to break down biofilm or protein deposits that may be resistant to regular detergents. These cleaners comprise enzymes that break down the protein structures in biofilms or deposits, making them easier to remove.

[0103] The controller 200 may be configured to perform a Cleaning-ln-Place (CIP) protocol in some embodiments, which enables for the cleaning and disinfection of the entire system 100 without need to disassemble it, or requirement of human interaction by the farmer during the process.

[0104] The CIP protocol may for example comprise pre-rinsing (with cold / lukewarm and / or hot water), detergent wash, post-rinsing (with water), acid rinse, and sanitizing stages. The type of detergent, acid, or sanitizer used may depend on the specific needs of the system 100 and the water quality (hardness) at the dairy farm, for example. Also, the CIP protocol may specify usage of different types of cleaning liquid at different moments in time, for example rinsing with water and detergent between each milk sample; application of acid once every second hour and application of sanitizer once a day, for example.

[0105] The system 100 may also comprise a second cleaning liquid inlet regulating device 190 communicatively connected to the controller 200. The second cleaning liquid inlet regulating device 190 may be configured to adjust inlet of cleaning liquid via the second cleaning liquid inlet 191 to the third fluid connection line 145.

[0106] The controller 200 may be configured to send a control signal to the second cleaning liquid inlet regulating device 190, to allow inlet of cleaning liquid of the milk analytic instrument 120 via the second cleaning liquid inlet 191.

[0107] Also, the controller 200 may be configured to send a control signal to the second pump 170, to transport the cleaning liquid, along the third fluid connection line 145 via the second side 142 of the filter device 140 to the first side 141 of the filter device 140.

[0108] Thus, by reversing the second pump 170, cleaning liquid is provided to the filter device 140 and made flowing through the filter device 140, thereby removing any particles that has been stuck in the filter device 140.

[0109] The controller 200 may also be configured to send a control signal to the first pump 160, to prevent transporting of cleaning liquid along the first fluid connection line 115 to the milk sampling device 110, thereby causing the cleaning liquid to pass from the second side 142 of the filter device 140 to the first side 141 of the filter device 140 via the second fluid connection line 135 to the drain 150.

[0110] The cleaning liquid provided by running the second pump 170 in reverse direction, when having passed the filter device 140 has no alternative other than to evacuate via the second fluid connection line 135 to the drain 150, bringing any captured particles or residues of the filter surface to the drain 150.

[0111] Figures 2A-2C illustrate an example of the filter holder 130 and how it may be implemented. Figure 2A illustrates the filter holder 130 as regarded from a first side. Figure 2B illustrates a first cross section A-A of the filter holder 130, as regarded from a second side. The second side is substantially perpendicular to the first side.

[0112] Figure 2C illustrates a third cross section B-B of the filter holder 130, as regarded from a third side. The third side is substantially perpendicular to the second side.

[0113] The filter holder 130 may comprise a filter chamber 131 arranged to fixate the filter device 140 within the filter holder 130. The filter chamber 131 may have a substantially curved funnel shape comprising an inlet ending for receiving fluid from the first fluid connection line 115, and an outlet ending for providing filtered fluid to the third fluid connection line 145. The inlet ending may have a diameter which is at least 3 times larger than the diameter of the outlet ending.

[0114] Thereby, fluid velocity while passing the filter device 140 is increased, reducing risks of residue build-up in the filter device 140.

[0115] The filter holder 130 may be dividable in a first section 210 and a second section 220, wherein the first section 210 and the second section 220 are releasably hold together by at least one holding means 139a, 139b. Thereby, exchange of the filter device 140 is enabled.

[0116] The holding means 139a, 139b may for example comprise fasteners such as screw / bolt used in conjunction with a corresponding nut, or possibly a threaded insert, a snap fastener, quick-release pins, clamps, magnets, etc.

[0117] Although the filter device 140 may be repeatedly reused with only a cleaning action in between provision of two distinct milk samples, the filter device 140 may have to be exchanged at a predetermined service interval. Thanks to the dividable filter device 140 and the releasable holding means 139a, 139b, a swift exchange of filter devices 140 may be made by the farmer, at a minimum expenditure of time.

[0118] The above-described methodology and process to be performed by the controller 200 may be implemented through the one or more processing circuits, together with a computer program for performing at least some of the functions of the described method steps. Thus, the computer program comprises instructions which, when the computer program is executed by the controller 200 in the system 100, cause the controller 200 to carry out the method steps.

[0119] The computer program mentioned above may be provided for instance in the form of a computer-readable medium, i.e. , a data carrier carrying computer program code for performing at least some of the described method steps according to some embodiments when being loaded into the one or more processing circuits of the controller 200. The data carrier may be, e.g., a hard disk, a CD ROM disc, a memory stick, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device or any other appropriate medium such as a disk or tape that may hold machine readable data in a non-transitory manner. The computer program may furthermore be provided as computer program code on a server and downloaded to the controller 200 remotely, e.g., over an Internet or an intranet connection.

[0120] The terminology used in the description of the embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the described system 100. Various changes, substitutions and / or alterations may be made, without departing from invention embodiments as defined by the appended claims. As used herein, the term “and / or” comprises any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The term “or” as used herein, is to be interpreted as a mathematical OR, i.e. , as an inclusive disjunction; not as a mathematical exclusive OR (XOR), unless expressly stated otherwise. In addition, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are to be interpreted as “at least one”, thus also possibly comprising a plurality of entities of the same kind, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes”, “comprises”, “including” and / or “comprising”, specifies the presence of stated features, actions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, actions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. A single unit such as e.g., a processor may fulfil the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures or features are recited in mutually different dependent claims, illustrated in different figures or discussed in conjunction with different embodiments does not indicate that a combination of these measures or features cannot be used to advantage. A computer program may be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware but may also be distributed in other forms such as via Internet or other wired or wireless communication system.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS1. A system (100) comprising: a milk sampling device (110) configured to extract a milk sample from a milk line comprising milk; a first fluid connection line (115) attached to the milk sampling device (110) and configured to receive the milk sample from the milk sampling device (110); a milk analytic instrument (120) configured to receive the milk sample and perform an analysis on the received milk sample; a filter holder (130) arranged to hold a filter device (140), wherein the filter holder (130) is connected to the first fluid connection line (115), and to a second fluid connection line (135); a first pump (160) operable to transport the milk sample from the milk sampling device (110) along the first fluid connection line (115), to the second fluid connection line (135); and the filter device (140) comprising a first side (141) and a second side (142), which is opposite to the first side (141); wherein, when the filter device (140) is hold in the filter holder (130), a fluid that passes from the first fluid connection line (115) to the second fluid connection line (135) performs a rinse action over the first side (141) of the filter device (140).

2. The system (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the filter holder (130) is connected to a third fluid connection line (145), which in turn is connected to the milk analytic instrument (120); and wherein a fluid that passes from the first fluid connection line (115) through the filter device (140), from the first side (141) of the filter device (140) to the second side (142) of the filter device (140), to the third fluid connection line (145) will be filtered by the filter device (140).

3. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: a second pump (170) operable to transport the milk sample from the first side (141) of the filter device (140) to the second side (142) of the filter device (140) along the third fluid connection line (145) to the milk analytic instrument (120).

4. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: a drain (150), connected to the second fluid connection line (135).

5. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: a controller (200) communicatively connected to the milk sampling device (110), to the first pump (160), and to the milk analytic instrument (120); and wherein the controller (200) is configured to send a control signal to the milk sampling device (110), to extract the milk sample; and send a control signal to the first pump (160), to transport the milk sample along the first fluid connection line (115) and the second fluid connection line (135) to the drain (150).

6. The system (100) according to any one of claims 3-5, wherein the controller (200) is communicatively connected to the second pump (170); and wherein the controller (200) is configured to send a control signal to the second pump (170), to transport a part of the milk sample from the first side (141) of the filter device (140) to the second side (142) of the filter device (140) along the third fluid connection line (145) to the milk analytic instrument (120), thereby enabling the milk analytic instrument (120) to analyse the part of the milk sample.

7. The system (100) according to any one of claims 5-6, comprising: a cleaning liquid inlet (181) of the milk sampling device (110), configured to provide cleaning liquid via the milk sampling device (110) to the first fluid connection line (115); a cleaning liquid inlet regulating device (180) communicatively connected to the controller (200), wherein the cleaning liquid inlet regulating device (180) is configured to adjust inlet of cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid inlet (181); and wherein the controller (200) is configured to send a control signal to the cleaning liquid inlet regulating device (180), to allow inlet of cleaning liquid to the milk sampling device (110) via the cleaning liquid inlet (181); send a control signal to the first pump (160), to transport the cleaning liquid along first fluid connection line (115) to the second fluid connection line (135), thereby performing a cleaning action over the first side (141) of the filter device (140).

8. The system (100) according to any one of claims 5-7, wherein the controller (200) is configured to send a control signal to the second pump (170), to transport the cleaning liquid from the first side (141) of the filter device (140) to the second side (142) of the filter device (140) along the third fluid connection line (145), thereby performing a cleaning action of the filter device (140) and the third fluid connection line (145).

9. The system (100) according to any one of claims 5-8, comprising: a second cleaning liquid inlet (191) of the milk analytic instrument (120), wherein a second cleaning liquid inlet (191) is configured to provide cleaning liquid to the third fluid connection line (145); the second cleaning liquid inlet regulating device (190) communicatively connected to the controller (200), wherein the second cleaning liquid inlet regulating device (190) is configured to adjust inlet of cleaning liquid via the second cleaning liquid inlet (191) to the third fluid connection line (145); and wherein the controller (200) is configured to send a control signal to the second cleaning liquid inlet regulating device (190), to allow inlet of cleaning liquid of the milk analytic instrument (120) via the second cleaning liquid inlet (191); and send a control signal to the second pump (170), to transport the cleaning liquid, along the third fluid connection line (145) via the second side (142) of the filter device (140) to the first side (141) of the filter device (140).

10. The system (100) according to any one of claims 7-9, wherein the controller (200) is configured to send a control signal to the first pump (160), to prevent transporting of cleaning liquid along the first fluid connection line (115) to the milk sampling device (110), thereby causing the cleaning liquid to pass from the second side (142) of the filter device (140) to the first side (141) of the filter device (140) via the second fluid connection line (135) to the drain (150).

11. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the filter device (140) is configured to filter a plurality of milk samples, extracted from distinct animals, wherein a cleaning action is performed in between each respective milk sample.

12. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1-11 , wherein the filter device (140) comprises a wired mesh filter.

13. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1-11 , wherein the filter device (140) comprises an etched metal foil.

14. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein the filter device (140) comprises openings of about 40-100 pm.

15. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein the filter holder (130) is arranged to provide the milk sample from the first fluid connection line (115) to the first side (141) of the filter device (140) at a first angle displacement (a) in relation to a normal (N) of the first side (141), thereby flushing away residues that are stuck on the first side (141) of the filter device (140) via the second fluid connection line (135).

16. The system (100) according to claim 15, wherein the first angle displacement (a) in relation to the normal (N) of the first side (141) of the filter device (140), is at least 30 degrees.

17. The system (100) according to any one of claims 15-16, wherein the first angle displacement (a) in relation to the normal (N) of the first side (141) of the filter device (140) is at least 45 degrees but not exceeding 75 degrees.

18. The system (100) according to any one of claims 15-17, wherein the filter holder (130) is arranged to evacuate fluid after having rinsed the first side (141) of the filter device (140) via the second fluid connection line (135) at a second angle displacement (P) in relation to the normal (N) of the first side (141) of the filter device (140); and wherein the second angle displacement (P) is at least 30 degrees.

19. The system (100) according to claim 18, wherein the second angle displacement (P) in relation to the normal (N) of the first side (141) of the filter device (140) is at least 45 degrees but not exceeding 75 degrees.

20. The system (100) according to any one of claims 15-19, wherein the first angle displacement (a) of the first fluid connection line (115) and the second angle displacement (P) of the second fluid connection line (135) are arranged substantially symmetrically in relation to the normal (N) of the first side (141) of the filter device (140).

21. The system (100) according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the filter holder (130) comprises a filter chamber (131) arranged to fixate the filter device (140) within the filter holder (130); wherein the filter chamber (131) has a substantially curved funnel shape comprising an inlet ending for receiving fluid from the first fluid connection line (115), and an outlet ending for providing filtered fluid to the third fluid connection line (145); and wherein the inlet ending has a diameter which is at least 3 times larger than the diameter of the outlet ending.

22. The system (100) according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the filter holder (130) is dividable in a first section (210) and a second section (220), wherein the first section (210) and the second section (220) are releasably hold together by at least one hold- ing means (139a, 139b), thereby enabling exchange of the filter device (140).

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