Digital Imaging Based Spectrometry for Analysis of Emulsions
This technology can be applied for quality control and assurance within the supply chain of various process industries, encompassing applications such as analyzing milk on a dairy farm, food and beverage processing, chemical plants, and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.
Researchers
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fluid analysis using digital imagery
United States of America | Granted | 10,145,776
Figures
Raw milk (a - left) and processed milk (b - right) viewed under an optical microscope with 40X magnification (The two images are at the same scale.)
Extinction of a beam passing through an infinitesimal mass of optical thickness dτ (a - left); Extinction of a beam passing through a finite plane-parallel system of optical thickness τ1 (b - right)
Major components of the experimental setup (Illustration not to scale with actual dimensions)
Technology
This technology uses optical measurements on milk through ultraviolet/visible spectrophotometry for estimating the physical and chemical composition. The absorption and scattering characteristics of the sample shows close and unique correlation with the constituent properties essential for the required quantification. Usage of LEDs as the light source and conventional digital cameras to capture the data for subsequent analysis makes the method low cost, high throughput, and easy for maintenance.
Problem Addressed
In-process quality control in a processing industry is critical for meeting standards of the finished product, reducing waste, and optimizing the process flow. For example, in a dairy supply chain, quantification of constituents in milk is important at an early stage for elimination of abnormal milk prior to pooling and for proper management of cattle feed and health. Existing off-line methodologies are time consuming and prone to human error, while the on-line techniques provide poor results due to the composition of milk that has constituents of varying form, size, and concentration.
Advantages
- Rapid online analysis
- Low cost
- Non-destructive
- No sample preparation/wastage
- Ease of maintenance
Publications
Jain, P., & Sarma, S. E. "Light Scattering and Transmission Measurement Using Digital Imaging for Online Analysis of Constituents in Milk." In Optical Measurement Systems for Industrial Inspection IX, Vol. 9525, p. 95254A. SPIE, 2015. doi: 10.1117/12.2184903.
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