News: Yogurt Viscosity Measurement During Batching
Problem: Quality of Product Not Stable
The client suspected that the quality of the white mass yogurt, produced in batches, was not stable particularly after the maturation process as well as the cooling at 24°C processes. The viscosity measures were done by sampling several production batches and the results showed signifi cant fluctuations particularly between the beginning, the middle and the end of a batch's transfer process.
Mandate: Continuously Monitor Viscosity
To continuously measure the viscosity during a batch transfer, after its cooling process, on a 3-inch diameter main production line.
The reading of the viscosity measure must not have an affect on the product's texture and must have an accuracy of at least 1 centipoise over a full scale of 1000 CP (0.1% minimum).
Solution: Viscoline CVL030S & Smoothing Valve
The client had the yogurt's viscosity analyzed in a laboratory to measure the level of viscosity reached during the transfer process; thereby determining the appropriate dimension of the Viscoline.
A Viscoline was designed to control the smoothing valve so that the shear rate applied by the Viscoline does not exceed that of a 3-inch conduit, in order not to affect the product's texture; thereby creating a measuring process that is totally non-intrusive.
Finally, the device was installed on the main production line, which, therefore, requires no modifi cation to the operating procedure, and most importantly especially during the washing process.
Results: Reduced Texture Fluctuations and Protein Consumption
The electrical and mechanical installations were completed in one day. The viscosity measurements are continuously being recorded by the factory's control system.
After a week of operation, the device was approved, based on the following benefits:
- Texture fluctuations have been reduced to a tenth of what they were due to the fact that the smoothing valve is controlled by the viscosity measures taken by the Viscoline
- Protein consumption is optimized by reducing texture fluctuations and by attaining the minimal required specifications
Learn more about our Viscosity Measuring System...
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