Online Milk Coagulation Analysis via Spectral Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing milk coagulation properties are destructive, time-consuming, and not suitable for real-time or on-line analysis, making it difficult to efficiently sort milk for cheese production and detect infected cows during milking sessions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system for on-line analysis using spectral analysis, such as NIR or visible light spectroscopy, to predict coagulation parameters like curd firmness and rennet coagulation time without adding a coagulant, allowing for real-time channeling of milk to different destinations based on predicted properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional destructive methods (formagraph/optigraph) are used to measure coagulation properties, then measurement accuracy is improved, but analysis time increases and real-time monitoring becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/chemical measurement systems (formagraph pendulum, optigraph with rennet addition) with optical spectroscopy systems. NIR and visible light spectroscopy detect coagulation properties through non-destructive optical measurements of light absorption, reflection, and scattering by milk components, eliminating the need for enzymatic coagulation induction and mechanical testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses light (electromagnetic radiation) as an intermediary to probe milk coagulation properties. By measuring how milk components interact with light at different wavelengths, the system indirectly determines coagulation characteristics without directly adding coagulants or mechanically disturbing the sample.
2Reliability
If rennet is added to milk samples for coagulation analysis, then coagulation properties can be measured, but the analysis becomes destructive and cannot be performed on-line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes chemical coagulation induction (rennet addition) with optical detection methods. Spectroscopy systems measure light interaction with milk proteins and fat globules to infer coagulation properties, maintaining detection reliability without requiring sample destruction or leaving the milking parlor environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the milk sample to 'self-reveal' its coagulation properties through its natural interaction with light. The optical properties of milk components (absorption, scattering, reflection) inherently contain information about coagulation characteristics, eliminating the need for external coagulant addition to make the properties measurable.
3Productivity
If spectral analysis is performed on flowing milk samples, then on-line real-time analysis is enabled, but measurement precision may be compromised due to sample movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous spectral analysis of milk as it flows through the system. Multiple detectors simultaneously measure light properties at different wavelengths and positions, capturing coagulation characteristics in real-time without interrupting milk flow or requiring sample stagnation, thereby maintaining both productivity and measurement quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures multiple spectral dimensions (different wavelengths, absorption, reflection, scattering angles) simultaneously to compensate for sample movement effects. By gathering comprehensive optical data across multiple parameters, the system maintains measurement precision even with flowing samples.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient on-line sorting of milk during milking sessions, improving cheese production yield and early detection of infected cows, thereby enhancing milk quality and economic value by allowing for real-time decision-making without disrupting milk flow.
Implementation Method 1
The methods described are based on physiochemical changes that occur in milk during rennet coagulation. Typically, rennet is added to milk samples extracted from a general collection tank in a dairy and coagulation properties of the coagulating milk are measured.
Implementation Method 2
performing spectral analysis of one or more of optical transmission, optical reflectance, scatter and fluorescence on the raw milk sample
Implementation Method 3
performing spectral analysis of one or more of optical transmission, optical reflectance, scatter and fluorescence on the raw milk sample
Implementation Method 4
performing spectral analysis of one or more of optical transmission, optical reflectance, scatter and fluorescence on the raw milk sample
Implementation Method 5
performing spectral analysis of one or more of optical transmission, optical reflectance, scatter and fluorescence on the raw milk sample
Data Source
AI summary
A method for on-line channeling of milk based on predicted coagulation properties where the method comprises sampling raw milk from a milk line between a milking station and a collection point, performing spectral analysis of one or more of optical transmission, optical reflectance, scatter and fluorescence on the raw milk sample, predicting at least one coagulation parameter on-line based on the spectral analysis, and channeling milk from the milking station on-line to one of a plurality of destinations based on the at least one coagulation parameter.