3-Dimensional spatial monitoring of tanks for the milk processing industry using electrical resistance tomography

Abstract

The novel application of Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT) in monitoring milk solutions could have potential applications in various stages of the milk processing industry for monitoring and control of crucial parameters. In this study, Electrical Resistance Tomography has been applied for the first time in 3-dimensional visualization of milk holding tanks for analysis of overall homogeneity or non-homogeneity, total solids content monitoring, adulteration, cream separation, aeration and object/powder lump detection which are parameters requiring monitoring and control in the current milk processing industry. Although sensors for in-line and online point measurement of physical and physical–chemical properties, such as temperature, pressure, flow and levels in tanks are commercially available at present, sensors for the determination of concentration are not yet much developed, let alone providing dynamic, spatially-distributed information of the data variation.