Device for quantitative and qualitative analysis of milk

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for analysing milk, comprising: a line section (2) with an inlet (12) and an outlet (16), a light source unit (5) that emits light into the line section (4), a detection unit (6) for the spectrally resolved detection of light emerging from the line section (4), a measuring device (8) with a sensor (9) for detecting a mass flow of the milk, and, in particular, an evaluation unit (7) designed to analyse the milk for ingredients on the basis of signals from the detection unit (6) and to determine a mass flow of the milk on the basis of signals from the sensor.

Description

[0001] Device for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of milk

[0002] The invention relates to a device for analyzing milk.

[0003] Raw milk is an important foodstuff and a relevant raw material for the food industry. Particularly for consumer protection, technical processing capabilities, and market regulation, raw milk must meet certain international and national quality requirements.

[0004] Extended functionalities play a crucial role in milking equipment and processes, particularly in automatic, automated, and semi-automatic milking systems. Ensuring milk quality standards, especially testing for significant alterations, is paramount. It is known to analyze milk for its constituents spectroscopically, either directly or indirectly after milking. This analysis utilizes the characteristic absorption spectrum of the constituents. When light of a specific wavelength is introduced into the milk, it is absorbed if the milk contains a constituent that absorbs that wavelength.

[0005] A device for analyzing milk is known from publication WO 2022 / 189227 A1. The device comprises a conduit section for the milk, a light source unit which emits light into the conduit section, and a detection unit for spectrally resolved detection of milk exiting the conduit section. The device particularly includes an evaluation unit which is suitable and configured to analyze the milk for its constituents based on signals from the detection unit.

[0006] The known device is used for the analysis of milk, particularly cow's milk, which is analyzed directly or indirectly after milking. Milk analysis involves examining the milk's composition. This includes testing for constituents such as fat, protein, and lactose, as well as for contaminants like antibiotics, dipping agents, cleaning agents, or water. It can also determine whether the milk contains foam and / or bubbles. Based on this, the present invention aims to further develop the known device to improve the analysis even more effectively. A further objective of the invention is to enable the determination of constituent quantities in a flow-through process.

[0007] This problem is solved by the device according to the independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0008] According to the invention, a device for analyzing milk is presented. The device comprises

[0009] a section of pipe with an inlet and an outlet,

[0010] a light source unit which emits light into the conductor section, a detection unit for spectrally resolved detection of light which emerges from the conductor section,

[0011] a measuring device with a sensor for recording the mass flow of milk.

[0012] The described device is used in particular for the automated analysis and quantitative and qualitative determination of quality characteristics of milked milk, especially cow's milk, which is analyzed directly or indirectly after milking. The milk can be not only pure milk but also contaminated milk. A mixture of pure milk and blood or chemicals, cleaning agents, or dipping agents constitutes contaminated milk and is also referred to here as milk. The term "analysis" refers to an examination of the milk's composition. It is also possible to compare the currently milked milk with historical data, especially data from at least one previous milking, in order to identify any changes in the milk and, if necessary, to take appropriate measures based on the comparison.

[0013] In particular, the conduit section is designed such that it has an inlet leading substantially tangentially into the interior of the conduit section, a section whose axis is inclined to the vertical in front of the sensor of the measuring device, and the section in front of the sensor is designed to be substantially rotationally symmetrical, and in particular an evaluation unit which is configured to analyze the milk for constituents on the basis of signals from the detection unit and to determine a mass flow rate of the milk on the basis of signals from the sensor.

[0014] The analysis of the milk, particularly its composition, is further improved by enhancing the mixing of the milk's foam and liquid components. Specifically, this mixing prevents foam from remaining on the liquid surface, resulting in a more accurate analysis of the milk's constituents.

[0015] The measuring device for recording the milk mass flow rate can also be used to derive the milk quantity. The device according to the invention allows the milk quantity and the quantities of the components to be determined cumulatively from the temporal correlation of the milk mass flow rate with spectrally determined concentrations of the same components over the milking period.

[0016] This also has the advantage that sampling processes can be eliminated. A sampling process is understood to be a procedure in which a sample containing a predetermined amount of milk is taken during milking. It is known that approximately 2% of the total milk yield is taken as a sample. Depending on regulatory requirements, a portion of the taken sample cannot be returned to the system, so this amount of milk, which is approximately 200 to 500 ml, represents a loss. The invention reduces this milk loss through sampling. A milking process with sampling results in increased time expenditure compared to a regular milking process without sampling. Furthermore, manual intervention is necessary during sampling. The device according to the invention saves process time and manual intervention.Furthermore, the equipment required can be reduced, as, for example, intermediate storage for the milked milk can be eliminated. Eliminating intermediate storage also reduces the process time, since hygienic cleaning of the sampling equipment is no longer necessary. Sampling can lead to contamination of the milk already in the milking system, for example, through the transfer of germs. The invention avoids this risk of milk contamination during sampling.

[0017] It should be noted that, in particular, a strong accumulation of the foam component of the milk during the main milking phase reliably prevents the mixing of the foam component with the liquid component of the milk.

[0018] It is known that during the milking process itself, air is periodically or continuously introduced to transport the milk. Depending on the milk flow rate, this leads to significant foaming due to a considerable proportion of air in the milk being transported, which makes measuring the milk flow rate considerably more difficult. The device according to the invention is designed to overcome these disadvantages as well.

[0019] It is specifically proposed that the pipe section towards the outlet comprises a first section, a transition section, and a second section. The first section, the transition section, and the second section share a common base, which preferably slopes monotonically towards the outlet. The transition section is reduced in width from the first section to the second section. This results in higher measurement accuracy of the milk volume, as the influence of standing foam on the flowing milk in the area of ​​the measuring device is reduced. This is particularly advantageous when the flowing milk volume is low. A low milk flow can occur, in particular, at the beginning and / or end of a milking process.

[0020] If the bottom is preferably designed as a sloping, and in particular monotonically sloping, bottom towards the outlet, the milk can flow due to gravity. The advantage here is that the milk can flow through the device even without a vacuum.

[0021] To reduce foam buildup in particular, it is proposed that the flow cross-section of the first section be continuously reduced towards the second section. This should prevent flow separation in the transition zone.

[0022] The conductor cross-section is preferably made of an electrically non-conductive material. In particular, the conductor section can be made of a non-conductive plastic. It is proposed that the second section, i.e., the section containing the electrodes, be detachably connected to the other component(s) of the conductor section. The electrode is preferably an integral part of the second section. Preferably, at least one electrode has an L-shaped or U-shaped cross-section.

[0023] A preferred embodiment includes the detection unit located in the base. In particular, it is proposed that the light source unit and the detection unit be located in the second section.

[0024] In particular, to further increase the accuracy of milk quantity measurements, the distance between the electrodes increases in a vertical direction when viewed from the ground, which corresponds to a V-shaped opening between the electrodes through which the milk flows.

[0025] Further advantages and embodiments of the invention are explained with reference to the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing, without limiting the explanation to this specific embodiment. The drawing shows:

[0026] Fig. 1: schematically a first embodiment of a device according to the invention,

[0027] Fig. 2: schematically a second embodiment of a device according to the invention,

[0028] Fig. 3: a pipe section with a measuring device for measuring the mass flow in perspective view,

[0029] Fig. 4: a sectional view along line AA according to Fig. 3 and

[0030] Fig. 5: a section view along line BB according to Fig. 3.

[0031] Fig. 1 schematically shows a milking device 1 connected to a milk tank 2 via a line 3. The milking device 1 is designed, in particular, for the automatic milking of a milk-producing animal. Arrow F indicates the direction of flow of the milk from the milking device 1 through the line 3 to the milk tank 2. A section 4 is provided within the line 3. A device comprising a light source unit 5 is provided for analyzing the milk flowing through the section 4 during a milking process. The light source unit 5 emits light with a broadband wavelength spectrum into the section 4. A preferred embodiment includes a halogen lamp as the light source unit 5. The device also comprises a detection unit 6.The detection unit 6 is designed and intended to detect spectrally resolved light exiting line section 4. The detection unit 6 is connected to an evaluation unit 7 via a signal transmission system. The evaluation unit 7 is configured to analyze the milk flowing through line section 2 for its constituents based on signals from the detection unit 6. This arrangement allows milk to be analyzed as it passes through line section 2 from the milking unit 1. The analysis determines whether at least one predefined component in the milk exceeds a specific limit value.

[0032] Figure 1 shows that, viewed in the direction of milk flow F, a measuring device 8 is arranged upstream of the milk analysis device. This is a preferred arrangement of the measuring device 8 with respect to the milk analysis device. The measuring device 8 has a sensor 9 for detecting the mass flow rate of the milk. The measuring device 8 is also arranged in the pipe section 4. During a milking process, milk flows from the milking unit 1 to the milk tank 2. The milk flows through the pipe section 4. In the pipe section 4, the mass flow rate of the milk is first detected by the measuring device 8, and then the milk is subjected to spectroscopic analysis. The milk spectroscopic analysis device and the measuring device 8 together form a device 10, which can be designed as a single unit.

[0033] The measuring device 8 is connected to the evaluation unit 7 via signal technology, so that the evaluation unit 7 can determine the mass flow of the milk based on the signals from the sensor 9 of the measuring device 8.

[0034] From the time course of the mass flow measurement and the analysis of the milk, a quantitative and qualitative statement about the milk's composition can be made. Figure 2 schematically shows a second embodiment of the device 10, which is similar to that shown in Figure 1. Identical components are designated with the same reference numerals. Unless otherwise specified below, the description of the device 10 shown in Figure 1 also applies to Figure 2. The difference between the two devices 10 according to Figures 1 and 2 is that, in the second embodiment, the light source unit 5 and the detection unit 6 are arranged on opposite sides of the conductor section 4. According to Figure 2, the absorption of milk can thus be measured. According to Figure 1, the reflection of milk can be measured.

[0035] The milk analysis device and the mass flow meter preferably form a single unit. Figure 3 shows a perspective and schematic representation of such a unit. The device 10 comprises a multi-part housing 11. The housing 11 has an inlet 12. The inlet 12 is connected to a milking device (not shown in Figure 3) via a milk hose (not shown). The inlet 12 is arranged such that the milk flow enters a housing part 11.1 of the housing 11 substantially tangentially. The housing part 11.1 has a substantially circular cross-section. A knee-shaped housing 11.2 adjoins the housing part 11.1. The housing part 11.2 has a first and a second section, both sections being arranged at an angle to each other. The angle is preferably between 10° and 60°, and in particular, it is 45°.In the transition area between the first and second sections of the housing part 11.2, a baffle plate 13 is provided, as can be seen in Figure 4. The substantially tangentially arranged inlet 12 and the baffle plate 13 are intended to mix the foam component with the liquid component of the milk. The baffle plate 13 extends from an upper region of the housing part 11.2 towards a lower region. The baffle plate 13 is also intended to reduce the flow velocity of the milk.

[0036] Housing part 11.2 is adjoined by housing part 11.3, in which the measuring device 8 for determining the mass flow rate of the milk is essentially arranged. Housing part 11.3 is adjoined by housing part 11.4, which essentially contains the device for analyzing the milk. Housing part 11.4 is adjoined by housing part 11.5, which has an outlet 16. The housing parts 11.1-11.5 are fluid-tightly connected to one another. The housing parts 11.2-11.5 are essentially inclined relative to a horizontal plane so that milk can preferably flow from the inlet 12 to the outlet 16 under the influence of gravity.

[0037] The housing sections 11.2-11.5 each have a cross-sectional expansion 17.1-17.4 in their upper region. These expansions extend essentially from housing section 11.1, which has the inlet 12, to housing section 11.5, which has the outlet 16. The housing sections 11.2-11.5 are dimensioned such that even at the maximum expected milk flow during milking, the channel formed by the cross-sectional expansions 17.1-17.4, which opens into the outlet 16 and into a region of the inlet 12, remains essentially pressure-free within the housing 11. This ensures that the milk flow velocity is essentially independent of pressure differences between the inlet and outlet. The milk flowing through the housing 11 is primarily driven by gravity.

[0038] The housing part 11.3 has the sensor 9 adjacent to the housing part 11.4. The sensor 9 of the measuring device 8 for determining the mass flow rate of the milk is formed by two electrodes, a first electrode 9.1 and a second electrode 9.2, as shown in Figure 5. The electrodes 9.1 and 9.2 are shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 shows a sectional view along line AA according to Figure 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the first electrode 9.1 and the second electrode 9.2 lie in a common plane. It can be seen from the illustration in Figure 5 that the free flow cross-section 20 between the first electrode 9.1 and the second electrode 9.2 increases upwards from the bottom 21, so that a V-shaped free flow cross-section can be described between the two electrodes 9.1 and 9.2. The housing part 11.3 is designed such that the cross-section of the housing part 11.3, which corresponds to the housing part 11.2, adjacent to electrodes 9.1, 9.2, transitions from a circular cross-section to a V-shaped cross-section. The reduction of the flow cross-section in the housing part 11.3 occurs in the direction of milk flow, preferably gradually. However, a sudden change in the cross-section is also possible. The housing 11, with its housing parts, forms a conduit section comprising a first section, a transition region, and a second section. The first section, the transition region, and the second section share a common base that slopes monotonically downwards towards the outlet (16). In the transition region, the flow cross-section of the first section is reduced towards the second section, as exemplified in housing part 11.3.

[0039] The housing part 11.3 is made of an electrically non-conductive material. The first electrode and the second electrode 9.1, 9.2 are preferably integral components of the housing part 11.3.

[0040] When milk flows between the V-shaped electrodes 9.1 and 9.2, the milk level can be continuously measured. A potential is applied to one of the electrodes, which decreases almost linearly along the length of the electrode. The milk flowing between the electrodes creates a resistance. The magnitude of this resistance is integrally determined by the amount of milk between electrodes 9.1 and 9.2. The more milk present, the lower the resistance. Electrodes 9.1 and 9.2 are connected to an evaluation unit.

[0041] The housing part 11.4 is made of an opaque material. A light source unit 5 and a detection unit 6 for spectrally resolved light detection are provided in the base of the housing part 11.4. The light source unit, the detection unit, and an evaluation unit preferably form an assembly 21 that is detachably connected to the housing part 11.4. Reference numeral list

[0042] 1 milking device

[0043] 2 milk tanks

[0044] 3 lines

[0045] 4 Line section

[0046] 5 light source units

[0047] 6 detection unit

[0048] 7 Evaluation unit

[0049] 7.1 Evaluation unit

[0050] 8 Measuring device

[0051] 9 Sensor

[0052] 9.1 Electrode

[0053] 9.2 Electrode

[0054] 10 Device

[0055] 11 cases

[0056] 11.1-11.5 Housing part

[0057] 12 Admission

[0058] 13 Impact plate

[0059] 16 Outlet

[0060] 17.1-17.4 Cross-sectional expansion

[0061] 18 Narrowing

[0062] 21 building units

Claims

Claims 1. Device (10) for analyzing milk, comprising: a conductor section (2) with an inlet (12) and an outlet (16), a light source unit (5) which emits light into the conductor section (4), a detection unit (6) for spectrally resolved detection of light exiting the line section (4), a measuring device (8) with a sensor (9) for detecting a mass flow of the milk, and in particular an evaluation unit (7) which is set up to analyze the milk for ingredients based on signals from the detection unit (6) and to determine a mass flow rate of the milk based on signals from the sensor.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the line section (4) has an inlet leading substantially tangentially into an interior of the line section, a section whose axis is inclined to the vertical in front of the sensor (9) and the section in front of the sensor (9) is substantially rotationally symmetrical.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the line section in the direction of the outlet (16) has a first section, a transition area and a second section, wherein the first section, the transition area and the second section have a common bottom which is designed to slope monotonically downwards towards the outlet (16), in the transition zone the flow cross-section of the first section is reduced towards the second section.

4. Device according to claim 3, wherein the measuring device has a first (9.1) and a second (9.2) electrode spaced apart from each other, wherein at least one of the electrodes (9., 9.2) is arranged within the second section and in the flow direction (F) after and opposite to the transition area, a voltage source connected to two distant areas of the first electrode, and a detection device that is electrically connected to the first (9.1) and the second (9.2) electrode, wherein the detection device is suitable and intended to measure a voltage potential between the first electrode (9.1) and the second electrode (9.2), exhibits wherein the second section has a region made of an electrically non-conductive material, wherein the region is formed in front of the electrode when viewed in the direction of milk flow.

5. Device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein in the transition region the flow cross-section of the first section is continuously reduced towards the second section.

6. Device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the electrodes (9.1, 9.2) are an integral part of the second section.

7. Device according to claim 6, wherein at least one electrode has an L-shaped cross-section.

8. Device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein at least one electrode has a U-shaped cross-section.

9. Device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the distance between the electrodes (9.1, 9.2) from the ground increases in a vertical direction.

10. Device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the detection unit (6) is arranged on the ground.

11. Device according to claim 10, wherein the detection unit (5) is arranged after the transition area.

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