The study was carried out with an optical sensor from the Finnish company SATRON Instruments, for the improvement and optimization of resources associated with the ripening/pasteurization line, complementing the existing control by conductivity.
The results obtained, extrapolated to one year, were as follows:
Savings of more than:
- 744 m3 of water
- 2,868 liters of ice cream mix
- 62 hours
The amortization of the sensor, based solely on the cost of ice cream mix, was 6 days.
DETAILS OF THE PROCESS:
- Pasteurization stage: The ice cream mix is conveyed to the pasteurizer, by centrifugal pump, to reduce the presence of pathogenic agents (such as certain bacteria, protozoa, molds, yeasts, etc.) that it may contain. It is then accumulated in a tank for the maturation process.
- Maturation phase: Consists of leaving the ice cream mixture in a cold place, between 2ºC and 5ºC, for a certain time to rest and hydrate some ingredients.Slow stirring should be applied at intervals, so that suspended solids do not precipitate. It cannot be kept for more than 72 hours. It can be done in the same pasteurizer, or in a maturation vat.
- Transport phase: After the necessary time, the mix is transported to the different processing lines such as packaging or packaging. The mix pushes are carried out with water.
- End of cycle: Immediately after the end of the production cycle, rinse with water, otherwise the milk residues will dry and stick to the surfaces quickly, making cleaning more difficult. This is followed by washing with an alkaline solution and a final rinse. This is done with potable water for sufficient time to eliminate any traces of NaOH, since otherwise, it could contaminate the milk processed later. The correct functioning of this phase is essential for the product to meet the necessary hygienic characteristics.
Characteristics of the optical sensor used:
- Measurement by light scattering.
- Measuring range: 0-1,000 to 5,000 NTU or FNU
- Accuracy: 0.1% of calibrated range
- Integrated temperature measurement.
- Temperature measurement of the electronics.
- Simple calibration (from 2 to 16 points).
- Analysis damping: from every 60″ to 100 per second
- Up to 4 calibrations can be stored. Allows remote calibration change (relay contact).
- Output: 2 outputs 4-20mA (turbidity + Temperature) + HART.
- EHEDG and 3A certified
Other applications:
- Phase separation
- Discharge to sewage treatment plant
- Control in exchangers
- Milk fat monitoring
- Color control
For further information please contact MATELCO, S.A from the contact section.
