Materials analysis firm helps reduce the variability of cheese yields by a factor of 1%, in a new study whose findings could benefit cheesemakers globally.
Rheolution Instruments has partnered with Canadian dairy plant operator Chalifoux to study the control of cheese yield using the firm’s ElastoSens X3.
The X3 is designed for real-time, non-destructive and contactless viscoelasticity characterisation during kinetics of gelation, polymerisation and coagulation of industrial and biological materials.
The pilot study involved a comparison of Rheolution’s ElastoSens X3 with standard rotational rheometry equipment.
The two main objectives of the study were to stabilise the elasticity of curds when cut, using an ElastoSens X3, and to measure the effect on the variability of cheddar cheese yield.
The Canadian plant processes 600,000 litres of milk per day across six tanks.
Prior to the implementation of Rheolution’s ElastoSens X3, the plant was sustaining a mean yield for cheddar cheese of 11.6%.
However, once introduced, the X3 improved final optimised yield by 0.2% which translates into an annual saving on the mean price of milk of $2.1 million.
A full account of the study can be found by downloading the PDF file in the link above.
Want to find out more and view a video? If you are interested in measuring viscoelasticity, please contact Meritics.
