Optical Milk Measurement Channel Segmentation for Foam Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical measurement systems for milk during the milking process experience noisy and varying measured values, particularly when dealing with foamy milk, leading to unreliable results.
Innovation Solution
A measuring arrangement with a main channel and a measurement channel, where the measurement channel has a lower flow velocity than the main channel, achieving laminar flow and separating foam from the measurement stream, allowing for noise-free and reproducible measurements by using a screen and run-offs to manage foam and air bubbles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical measurements are performed on milk flowing through a single channel during milking, then the measurement can be carried out in situ during the milking process, but the measured values become noisy and vary significantly due to turbulence and foam
Solution Approach 1:
The single milk flow channel is divided into two separate channels: a main channel that carries the bulk milk flow and a measurement channel that provides a calm measurement region. This segmentation allows the milk stream to be split, with the measurement channel receiving a portion of the milk at reduced flow velocity, thereby eliminating turbulence and foam while maintaining continuous measurement capability during the milking process
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement function is extracted from the high-velocity main flow and placed into a separate, dedicated measurement channel. This extraction allows the measurement region to be isolated from the turbulent main stream, enabling stable optical measurements to be performed on a calm portion of the milk while the main channel continues to handle the bulk flow efficiently
2Measurement precision
If a single channel is used for milk flow, then the device structure remains simple, but foam and air bubbles cause noisy and varying measured values
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into a main channel and a measurement channel that are hydraulically connected through inlet and outlet regions. This segmentation creates distinct functional zones: the main channel handles bulk transport while the measurement channel provides a controlled environment for accurate optical measurements, separating the measurement function from the transport function
3Measurement precision
If the measurement channel has the same flow velocity as the main channel, then the measurement system remains simple, but turbulent flow and air bubbles disrupt the measurements
Solution Approach 1:
Different flow conditions are created in different parts of the system: the main channel maintains high flow velocity for efficient milk transport, while the measurement channel is designed with lower flow velocity to achieve laminar flow conditions. This local differentiation of flow characteristics allows each channel to optimize its specific function without compromising the other
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
The solution ensures stable and accurate optical measurements by minimizing turbulence and foam content in the measurement region, resulting in consistent and reliable data for milk composition analysis.
Implementation Method 1
Due to the low flow velocity, a laminar flow is achieved and air bubbles can rise
Implementation Method 2
air bubbles can rise
Data Source
AI summary
An optical milk measuring arrangement operative during a milking operation, and including an optical measuring device for measuring optical properties of milk in a measuring region, in which at least part of the milk fed to the measuring arrangement collects. The measuring arrangement includes a main channel and a measuring channel, and these channels are in fluid communication with one another in a region of a common inlet and a common outlet, and the measuring channel has a lower flow velocity than a flow velocity in the main channel.