Food & Beverages - Extraction
In many food industry processes, such as the production of fruit juices, (instant) coffee and tea, gelatine and pectin, food supplements or vitamins, extraction is an important step. Extraction involves the removal of substances from a solid substance (e.g. pulp) in a solvent (often water) whereby the concentration increases. And concentrations, we're able to measure them!
UV-VIS absorption
In some extractions, as the process progresses, the colour intensity increases. By measuring the absorption of light in the visual area, you can determine the intensity directly. Measuring the absorption of UV light provides information about the amount of organic substances in the solution.
Conductivity measurement
When salts or minerals are extracted, the conductivity of the solution increases. An inductive conductivity sensor that is insensitive to the solids present is ideal in this application.
pH measurement
Organic acids or bases can be extracted from plant substances. A pH electrode gives you information about this process.
Refractometry
Using an inline refractometer (or brix meter) you measure the refractive index of a solution. This is proportional to the concentration. The great advantage of a refractometer in an extraction process is that this measurement technique is not disturbed by undissolved particles.
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