Krohne Inc. unveiled its Optiquad Inline Protein Analysis unit at the Worldwide Food Expo in Chicago last month. The Optiquad can provide continuous analysis of protein content anywhere in the dairy process.
The new Optiquad makes it possible to measure the protein content of milk and other milk products directly in the process line. It can be easily integrated into control loops as it continually determines the current protein content and provides that information to the control system. The unit features non-contact measurement of protein content in the process, extremely accurate measurement every second, up to four optical sensors in one device, including scatter, fluorescence, refraction and transmission, and up to 12 different wavelengths from ultraviolet to infrared. Optiquad requires no daily cleaning or recalibration.
The Optiquad is ideal for use in control loops and process monitoring. Typical applications include strategic increase in protein content in kettle milk by adding protein concentrate as retentate from an ultrafiltration (UF) plant, protein standardization of kettle milk by setting a constant fat to protein ratio, and measurement and control of protein content in UF membrane plants when concentrating whey. Other uses include measurement and setting of the protein content in the liquid phase during the manufacture of protein concentrate through evaporation and spray drying, and measurement and setting of protein content in the production of ultra-high temperature processing (UHT) milk and evaporated milk.
In field trials, the Optiquad’s extremely accurate analysis was shown to be equivalent to that of laboratories’. No sampling is needed for the analysis, so the sample cannot be affected by transport or lab sample preparation.
Optiquad has a number of innovative design features that enhance its performance. Its hygienic process connection is easy to clean, and the measuring section is certified to both 3-A Sanitary Standards Inc. and European Hygienic Engineering Design Group (EHEDG) standards, and also conforms to FDA regulations. The compact electronic unit is extremely flexible and can be installed anywhere, thanks to a serial interface – either in its own stainless-steel housing or integrated into a control cabinet on site. The unit also features long-term stability and low maintenance, since there are no moving parts. Its operation does not require any consumables or daily calibrations.
Krohne is a worldwide technological leader in the development, manufacture and distribution of accurate, reliable and cost-effective measuring instruments for the process industries.
Krohne
800/FLOWING
www.KROHNE.com/northamerica.
