CA2122824C - Process and device for taking representative milk samples - Google Patents
Process and device for taking representative milk samplesInfo
- Publication number
- CA2122824C CA2122824C CA002122824A CA2122824A CA2122824C CA 2122824 C CA2122824 C CA 2122824C CA 002122824 A CA002122824 A CA 002122824A CA 2122824 A CA2122824 A CA 2122824A CA 2122824 C CA2122824 C CA 2122824C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- milk
- delivery
- filling
- detecting
- degree
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01J—MANUFACTURE OF DAIRY PRODUCTS
- A01J5/00—Milking machines or devices
- A01J5/04—Milking machines or devices with pneumatic manipulation of teats
- A01J5/045—Taking milk-samples
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
- G01F1/002—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow wherein the flow is in an open channel
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
- G01F1/56—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using electric or magnetic effects
- G01F1/58—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using electric or magnetic effects by electromagnetic flowmeters
- G01F1/588—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using electric or magnetic effects by electromagnetic flowmeters combined constructions of electrodes, coils or magnetic circuits, accessories therefor
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
- G01F23/22—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
- G01F23/24—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring variations of resistance of resistors due to contact with conductor fluid
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
- G01N1/02—Devices for withdrawing samples
- G01N1/10—Devices for withdrawing samples in the liquid or fluent state
- G01N1/20—Devices for withdrawing samples in the liquid or fluent state for flowing or falling materials
- G01N1/2035—Devices for withdrawing samples in the liquid or fluent state for flowing or falling materials by deviating part of a fluid stream, e.g. by drawing-off or tapping
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
- G01N1/02—Devices for withdrawing samples
- G01N1/10—Devices for withdrawing samples in the liquid or fluent state
- G01N1/20—Devices for withdrawing samples in the liquid or fluent state for flowing or falling materials
- G01N1/2035—Devices for withdrawing samples in the liquid or fluent state for flowing or falling materials by deviating part of a fluid stream, e.g. by drawing-off or tapping
- G01N2001/2071—Removable sample bottle
- G01N2001/2085—Non-pre-evacuated septum closed bottles
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
- G01N33/02—Food
- G01N33/04—Dairy products
Abstract
A process and device are disclosed for taking a representative milk sample during the delivery of an amount of milk supplied by a supplier from a container into a collecting container. In order to obtain a representative sample even in the case of foaming milk, for example, the pump of a sampling device fortaking a representative milk sample is operated as a function of the momentary actual volume of the amount of milk pumped. The actual volume is detected by sensors capable of detecting the milk delivery rate and the degree of filling in the delivery line of the quantity of milk delivered.
Description
3 ~ 3 ~ ~
-PROCESS AND DEVICE FOR TAKING
REPRESENTATIVE MILK SAMPLES
The invention relates to a process for taking a representative milk sample during delivery of a milk charge of a supplier from a tank via a deliveryline into a collecting tank, and also to a device for performing this process.
In a process and device of this kind it is important to take milk samples which are representative and have a reproducible volume. In order to do so it isnecessary to know the amount of milk supplied by the respective supplier, and to input this amount into a data acquisition means so that the sample bottle forreceiving a milk sample is constantly filled as a result of this parameter.
As the aim is to take a representative milk sample for the entire milk charge supplied, the milk sample removal process must be controlled as a function of the total milk charge volume. The term: "representative milk sample"is understood to mean that only a maximum volume is available in the sample bottle intended for the milk sample and that, if possible, the milk sample should have a roughly constant volume, independently of whether a small volume milk charge or a very large milk charge is delivered. A constant volume for the milk sample is necessary because certain minimum quantities are required for investigating and testing the milk sample.
However, another objective of obtaining a representative milk sample is to draw the sample over the entire delivery and suction cycle of the corresponding milk charge. However, since, as a function of the volume, the milkcharges are suctioned with different delivery capacities, e.g. from a tank and pumped into the milk collecting truck, so that different delivery times occur, which must also be taken into account when obtaining a representative milk sample.
Another aspect of taking a milk sample relates to the entrainment-free sampling, which is substantially guaranteed by taking the sample via a suction line.
DE 35 02 858 A1 discloses a milk sampling process and device which partially take into account the above-mentioned aspects. Measurement of the delivery flow is carried out with the help of a magnetic-inductive flow meter (MID).
' - -An air detector is also provided, which switches off the device or signals a malfunction when a pre-determined amount of air in the delivery line is exceeded.
A conductivity switch serves as signal transmitter for a mechanism by which an outlet funnel can be adjusted to perform a programmed rinsing of the milk line at 5 the beginning of a milk sample removal.
In this process and device, however, one does not account for the fact that the delivered milk charge contains quantitatively differing air admixtures as a function of the delivery time. This is particularly the case at the end of a delivery when, as in the case of fat milk, the cream portion floating on top of the 10 milk, which represents an important quality characteristic for the supplier, is suctioned off. With this type of sampling, however, this cannot be performed in the desired way due to air bubbles.
Further, the generation of air bubbles in the milk depends on the skill and constancy of the staff member suctioning off the milk at the time. Human 15 error sources strongly influence the delivery capacity and time, when taking over a milk charge from a tank into the milk collecting truck or into another tank, and also affect the relevance of the information obtained from the sampling.
Further, it is known from DE 40 18 468 A1 to determine the delivery capacity of a peristaltic pump for the sampling means by taking into account an 20 acceptance characteristic for the particular pump.
DE 37 37 607 A1 discloses a flow measuring method for milk, which employs a relatively expensive device in which an inlet and a measuring chamber are separated from each other by a partition wall with slots or sieves. The measuring chamber is continuously supplied with milk, which can continuously 25 flow off via a substantially vertical slot. In the measuring chamber, a backplate electrode and a plurality of vertically arranged measuring electrodes are provided, which serve to detect milk quantity by determining the specific density of the milk-air mixture as a function of altitude. The entire volume in the measuring chamber is subdivided into layers and is measured in altitude levels with the same mutual 30 altitude distances and the same cross-section individual parameters, such as electric conductivity, thermal conductivity or infrared absorption capacity, and an $ -2 -.~
equivalent is formed of the measured value of each altitude level and a measuredreference value.
The reference value is measured at the bottom of the measuring chamber in the vicinity of the air-free, vented milk. For determining the conductivity, punctual measuring electrodes are used. This relatively expensive measuring means, however, does not guarantee consistently representative milk sampling, in particular not when the milk is very foamy and fat at the end of delivery.
A measuring system described in DE 41 08 138 A1 for measuring liquids, in particular waste water, provides a magnetic-inductive flow meter, which operates like a normal MID when the line pipe is full. If the filling height decreases in the pipe, additional electrodes, which have been installed in the lower half of the pipe, can be used for measured value determination. In this system, a flow along the wall and air bubbles in the liquid, which are unavoidable with milk, have not been adequately taken into account.
A method for measuring a prerinsing volume is disclosed in DE 39 38 076 A1. The untested prerinsing volume, which passes a branch-off point at the sample-prerunning vessel, is measured via the distance between a detection point, which is formed by a signal transmitter, and the branch-off point. The signal transmitter reacts on the arrival of the boundary layer between the gas and liquid flow and starts a predeterminable prerinsing time. The rinsing of the pipe takes place at the beginning of the milk removal.
The apparatus described in DE-PS 1 224 522 provides the arrangement of at least two hollow needles for removal, which are distributed over the pipe cross-section and which from the beginning to the end of the flow branch off a milk quantity independently of the pressure in the pipe into a sampling vessel. The actual milk sample is taken from a measuring chamber of the sampling vessel at the end of the delivery process and after a mixing process.
Further, a volume measuring unit for milk collection trucks having a pulse-controlled sampling means is known from DE 35 28 827 A1. A constant sample volume is obtained independent of the delivery quantity because a ~ 7 ~
.. ,..~
constant pulse number is predetermined, while the volume per pulse is calculatedas a function of the delivery quantity.
It is the object of the invention to provide a process and a device for obtaining a representative milk sample under consideration of the practical 5 conditions and for obtaining an almost faultless quantitative and qualitative milk determination.
According to the invention this object is achieved through a process for taking a representative milk sample during the delivery of a milk charge of a supplier from a tank via a delivery line into a collecting tank, comprising the steps 10 of:
a) continuously detecting milk delivery rate in an intake portion of the delivery line by means of a sensor;
b) continuously detecting the degree of filling of the delivery line by 15 means of a sensor;
c) inputting supplier data, desired milk charge data, continuously detected data concerning milk delivery rate, and continuously detected data concerning degree of filling of the delivery line into a data acquisition means;d) supplying said data to a control means for controlling a pump of a 20 sampling means;
e) determining the actual volume of milk delivered as a function of the data concerning milk delivery rate and the data concerning degree of filling of the delivery line;
fl taking a representative milk sample out of the delivery line, from a 25 location in the vicinity of the delivery line bottom spaced from a detecting location, by a sampling means comprising a pump; and g) controlling the pump as a function of the momentary actual volume of milk delivered.
30 There is also provided an apparatus for taking a representative milk sample during the delivery of a milk charge of a supplier from a tank via a delivery line into a collecting tank, comprising:
, ;,~i~
~F~
=W_ a) a sensor for detecting the milk delivery rate, arranged in the intake portion of the delivery line and having a planar sensing organ;
b) a sensor for detecting the degree of filling of the delivery line, having a planar sensing organ;
c) data acquisition means for the desired milk charge data and for inputting actual data of the supplier as well as for continuously detected data concerning the milk delivery rate and the degree of filling, which is designed to detect the actual volume of milk delivered from the continuously detected milk delivery rate data and degree of filling data;
d) control means connected to the data acquisition means for controlling a pump of a sampling means; and e) sampling means comprising a pump for taking the representative milk sample as a function of the detected data and removal means with an opening arranged closely above the bottom of the delivery line.
According to the invention, the controlling of the pump of the sampling means takes place on the basis of the actual volume of the milk delivered. In other words, control of the pump is based on the momentary and actual milk quantity delivered, and it is consequently of no importance how much air is added to the milk and which persons carry out the milk delivery. According to the invention, the detection of the actual value of the delivered milk quantity takes place by continuous detection of the degree of filling of the milk in the delivery line in addition to the continuous detection of the delivery rate in this line. The differences in consistency of the flowing milk during a sampling in a pipe line has been taken into account by way of the degree of filling. For example, a wall flow covering the entire interior pipe as well as a foamed milk flow having different air bubbles and a flow covering the bottom are likewise detected. According to the invention the degree of filling and consequently also the level as well as the delivery rate are each detected with planar sensors, e.g. rectangular or square electrodes. In order to completely account for the milk portion with a high percentage of cream during sampling, according to the invention a sampling is taken in the vicinity of the bottom of the delivery line, however, spaced from the latter. Since the sampling takes place some distance away from the bottom of the delivery line, it is guaranteed that the residual milk of the previous supplier is not detected. This is advantageously realized through time control, by way ofwhich the sampling is only released from a predetermined degree of filling, which 5 is in each case determined by the filling degree sensor, after the expiration of a predetermined time interval.
A representative milk sample is consistently obtained even under the most unfavourable conditions in practice, and also when peristaltic pumps are used for the sampling means or other pulse-controlled or mainly continuously 10 driven sample pumps, which are characterized by differing suction capacity.
As is well-known, volume measurements are dependent on various parameters, such as temperature. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, these directive values are considered in a simple and effective manner in that a calibration of the detected volume, in particular concerning the 15 temperature-dependence of the directive value of the milk, is performed at a pre-determined moment during removal when the line is completely filled. A
corresponding automatic calibration routine (autocalroutine) takes place in a time-controlled manner during the suction at the supplier's.
In order to avoid delay times during the detection of the milk volume, 20 it is provided in an advantageous embodiment of the invention to account for the distance between the place of sampling and the measuring place for the momentary actual volume of the supplied milk quantity in the form of a time constant. Accordingly, this embodiment of the invention provides a process wherein the filling level is additionally detected and the detection of the milk25 delivery rate, the degree of filling and the filling level takes place at a detecting location positioned upstream of the sampling location, wherein the distance between sampling and detecting locations is considered in controlling the pump of the sampling means in the form of a time constant.
Further, the practical requirements are met according to the invention 30 in that predetermined data, such as the suction output detected in the days before, are considered in the sampling. Immediately after the detection of the .~.~. - 6 -momentary actual milk charge or milk quantity volume begins, this predetermined value is replaced by the actual data.
In order to be able to account for production variations of the supplier, namely various supplied milk quantities, it is advantageously provided to calculate 5 with a predetermined tolerance when considering previous data which corresponds to the milk quantity, such as the data of the day before. For example, if on the previous day, a total of 100 litres of milk had been suctioned off from a certain supplier, the following day up to 120 litres, for instance, are accepted as a result of the tolerance, without which this excessive quantity could 10 lead to invalid sampling.
The problem concerning residual milk can also be avoided because a short rinsing takes place via the pump of the sampling means at the end of a sampling and therefore at the end of the suction action from the sheet iron can of the supplier so that the tube line for the sampling is free of residual milk. If 15 only small suction quantities are available, it is at least possible to dispense with the corresponding prerinsing process, in which at first a partial sample is taken in via the sample line but is not placed in the sampling bottle.
The apparatus, which is particularly suitable for performing the process according to the invention, but is also suitable for attaining precise control in 20 sampling other liquids, has a sensor for detecting the milk delivery rate and a sensor for detecting the conductivity of the milk charge, a data acquisition means and a control means connected thereto for controlling a pump for the sampling as a function of the detected data. In addition to said sensor for detecting themilk delivery rate the device is provided with a conductivity sensor for detecting 25 the filling level and/or the degree of filling, which is also positioned in the inlet passage of the delivery line.
Advantageously, the sensor for detecting the delivery rate as well as the conductivity sensor for detecting the degree of filling are mechanism-free sensors, and more specifically, are sensors without movable sensing organs.
30 Thus, the measured values are not influenced in an unfavourable manner by thesensors themselves. A magnetic-inductive flow meter is preferably provided as a sensor for detecting the delivery rate. For an almost flawless detection of the ,~,~.
~ - 7 -.~.
momentary actual value of the milk delivery quantity both the sensor for detecting the delivery rate and the sensor for detecting the degree of filling are constructed as planar sensing organs, in particular as rectangular or square electrodes.
It is appropriate to arrange the sensing elements in a correspondingly 5 designed measuring chamber so that the entire chamber and consequently the entire volume can be detected in the measurement. Preferably, the measuring chamber has a rectangular or square cross-section. The geometry of the measuring chamber guarantees in connection with the electrode geometry the sought precise detection of the actual milk volume.
The apparatus according to the invention further provides a removal means, the opening of which is positioned closely above the bottom of the delivery line, in particular an intake cannula with an opening inclined towards the direction of delivery. The opening may also be straight.
With respect to the delivery direction, both sensors are preferably 15 arranged in series, the order of the sensors being basically random. It is appropriate to integrate both sensors in a common casing and also to arrange theelectrodes of said sensors in a common measuring chamber. In order to precisely detect the degree of filling, it is useful to fix the planar electrodes in a vertical arrangement within the measuring chamber. In view of a flawless 20 calibration it is favourable to provide additional electrodes in positions above and below the central axis of the delivery line so that the bottom covering of the line and the complete filling can be detected across the entire cross-section.
If the cross-section of the line is not rectangular in form, it may be appropriate to adapt the geometry of the electrodes independent of the line cross-25 section in order to achieve a precise and genuine measured-value detection. For example, with a circular cross-section it is advantageous to arrange the electrodes in the central area with a constriction in order to obtain a precise measured-value detection.
In this geometrical adaption of the electrodes it is supposed to arrange 30 the electrodes in a substantially vertical manner (Figure 4).
The invention is described in greater detail hereinafter relative to the drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of an arrangement for the suction of milk with the apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention for taking a representative milk sample;
Figure 2 is a plan view of the embodiment of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a vertical longitudinal section through a delivery pipe line in the vicinity of the sensors;
Figure 4 is a cross-section along the line IV-IV in Figure 3; and Figure 5 is a velocity diagram of a milk charge delivered with the arrangement of Figure 1 from, for example, two 40 litre tanks.
The milk-delivery arrangement shown in Figure 1 comprises a tank (1) with milk supplied by the supplier and a means for suctioning milk as well as for taking a sample e.g. provided at a milk collection truck, a container (not shown) on the milk collection truck for taking over the milk from tank (1).
The manifold (2) of a delivery pipe line (3) projects into the tank (1) and the opposite end of the manifold is connected to the storage tank or tanks of the milk collection truck. A sampling means (4) which is designed for representative milk sampling and comprises a tube pump (5), which is driven via an electric motor (6), is connected for transmission with the intake of the delivery Iine (3). The pump (5) is connected at its intake end via a pipe line (7) to an intake cannula (8), which projects into the delivery line (3). At the opposite end of the pump (5), a tube line (9) ends in a sampling tank (10). The tank (10) is arranged on a carrier (11), which can be moved upwards and downwards in the direction of the double arrow (12) in order to position a sampling bottle (10) opposite to the line (9), i.e. to lower the bottle (10) out of this position and to hand it over to a delivery means not shown. With the delivery means, both the filled sampling bottle and a new sampling bottle are delivered. The sampling bottles are preferably hermetically sealed by means of a plug. At its free end, the tube line (9) has a stationary needle, which may penetrate the plug when the carrier (11) is lifted. In order to support this process, the bottle (10) is fixed on the carrier (11) and the carrier (11) rotates both during its upwards and its downwards movement so as to facilitate the penetration process of the needle or the pulling off of the bottle with the plug from the needle, respectively.
,.~ g The pump (5) of the sampling means (4) is controlled as a function of the momentary actual volume of milk delivered. Therefore, a control means (13) is provided, which is connected to the motor (6) of pump (5) via a control line (14). At its input side the motor control means (13) is connected to an arithmetic 5 and logical unit (15), which forms part of a data acquisition unit, by way of which, among other things, the data of the supplier as well as desired data concerning the milk charge can be input via an input means, such as e.g. via a keyboard (16). Apart from that, signals from sensors (17), (18) are transmitted to the arithmetic and logical unit (15), the sensors being installed in the delivery line (3).
10 The output signals from the sensors are processed via lines (19), (20) in circuits (21), (22) before being transmitted via lines (23), (24) to the arithmetic and logical unit (15), which at its input side additionally comprises analog/digital converters for converting the processed analog sensor signals into digital signals.
The sensors subsequently arranged in the line (3) are a sensor (17) 15 for detecting the delivery rate, which is preferably constructed as magnetic-inductive flow meter (MID), and a sensor (18) for detecting the filling degree in the delivery line (3), which is constructed as a conductivity sensor (G-sensor).It is beneficial for the precision of the detected delivery rate and the detected filling degree that both sensors are constructed without mechanical detecting 20 organs. The sensors (17), (18) are basically arranged such that they do not project into the flow and thus do not impair the flow concerning turbulences or the like. In particular, the sensors (17), (18) do not have movable sensing organs.
Further, it is essential for precision in the data acquisition that both sensors (17), (18) have planar electrodes (25), (26) for measured-value detection, 25 which are arranged in a rectangular or square chamber, (27 and/or 28) of the sensor casing or in or at the faces of a rectangular cross-section of suction line (3).
Thus, the sensors (17), (18) precisely and continuously detect the milk flow and the filling degree as well as the filling level in the line (3), wherein these 30 measured values are linked with each other in order to represent the momentary actual volume of milk delivered, after having passed the signal processing steps(21), (22) in the arithmetic and logical unit (15). As a function of the detected .~
.J 4 c~
momentary actual volume of the milk delivered, the controlling of the motor (6) for the pump (5) takes place via the motor control (13) while taking into account the data of the supplier and the desired data concerning the milk charge such that a representative milk sampling is obtained. In doing so, it is of special 5 importance to take the milk sample exclusively as a function of the delivered actual volume of milk so that, for example, the air contained in the milk cannotinfluence the sampling in an unfavourable manner. Dependencies on disturbances, such as air contained in the milk or a flow in the vicinity of a wall, which leads to incorrect measuring results in a filling-level measurement, are 10 consequently eliminated. In an alternative arrangement shown in Figures 3 and4 are provided a MID (37) as flow meter and a conductivity sensor (38) for detecting the filling degree in a common casing (30). Rectangular electrodes (35), (36), which are virtually identically constructed, are used as planar sensing organs. In a slightly tapered area of the delivery line (3) the electrodes (35) and (36), which are each arranged in parallel, of both sensors (37 and (38) are positioned in such a manner that almost the entire pipe cross-section is detected during measurements. Sensors (37) and (38) also permit the detection of the filling level in the delivery line (3). For additional safety in the preferably automatic calibration routine are also provided additional electrodes (39), (40)20 with a relatively small surface in an upper and lower centrical arrangement in the almost square measuring chamber (34). Electrodes (39) and (40) particularly supply data concerning the bottom covering and a flow over the entire cross-section of the line. In this embodiment the electrodes (36) of the conductibility sensor (38) for detecting the degree of filling are arranged in flow direction 25 upstream of the MID (37).
Figure 5 shows a velocity diagram of the milk delivered in the delivery line, the delivery being subsequently performed from two tanks (1). In Figure 5,the time axis runs along the abscissa from right to left, and the first pulse train corresponds to the velocity diagram of the milk delivery from the first tank, and 30 the second pulse train to the velocity diagram of the delivery from the second tank.
It becomes clear that, at first, the suction volume rises steeply and becomes flatter during the course of the delivery. Incisions in the delivery volume, which are detected by the filling degree sensor, indicate the presence of air in the milk.
As is obvious from Figure 1, the end portion of the cannula (8) runs inclined opposite to the milk delivery direction. The cannula portion ends with its opening spaced from the bottom of the line (3). Said squaring off of the removalcannula (8) guarantees that even at the relatively lowest level of the sucked milk in the pipe a sample can be taken. On the other hand, the suction cannula is positioned with its opening so high above the lowest dead point of the pipe thataccount is not being taken of the residual milk in the line (3) of a previous supplier for the representative sample of the following supplier. Apart from that, as a result of the particularly inclined arrangement of the cannula (8) and the large-surfaced construction of the electrodes of the sensors for detecting the delivery rate and the degree of filling it is achieved that also very fat or creamy milk can be detected representatively.
~1~
~ - 12-
-PROCESS AND DEVICE FOR TAKING
REPRESENTATIVE MILK SAMPLES
The invention relates to a process for taking a representative milk sample during delivery of a milk charge of a supplier from a tank via a deliveryline into a collecting tank, and also to a device for performing this process.
In a process and device of this kind it is important to take milk samples which are representative and have a reproducible volume. In order to do so it isnecessary to know the amount of milk supplied by the respective supplier, and to input this amount into a data acquisition means so that the sample bottle forreceiving a milk sample is constantly filled as a result of this parameter.
As the aim is to take a representative milk sample for the entire milk charge supplied, the milk sample removal process must be controlled as a function of the total milk charge volume. The term: "representative milk sample"is understood to mean that only a maximum volume is available in the sample bottle intended for the milk sample and that, if possible, the milk sample should have a roughly constant volume, independently of whether a small volume milk charge or a very large milk charge is delivered. A constant volume for the milk sample is necessary because certain minimum quantities are required for investigating and testing the milk sample.
However, another objective of obtaining a representative milk sample is to draw the sample over the entire delivery and suction cycle of the corresponding milk charge. However, since, as a function of the volume, the milkcharges are suctioned with different delivery capacities, e.g. from a tank and pumped into the milk collecting truck, so that different delivery times occur, which must also be taken into account when obtaining a representative milk sample.
Another aspect of taking a milk sample relates to the entrainment-free sampling, which is substantially guaranteed by taking the sample via a suction line.
DE 35 02 858 A1 discloses a milk sampling process and device which partially take into account the above-mentioned aspects. Measurement of the delivery flow is carried out with the help of a magnetic-inductive flow meter (MID).
' - -An air detector is also provided, which switches off the device or signals a malfunction when a pre-determined amount of air in the delivery line is exceeded.
A conductivity switch serves as signal transmitter for a mechanism by which an outlet funnel can be adjusted to perform a programmed rinsing of the milk line at 5 the beginning of a milk sample removal.
In this process and device, however, one does not account for the fact that the delivered milk charge contains quantitatively differing air admixtures as a function of the delivery time. This is particularly the case at the end of a delivery when, as in the case of fat milk, the cream portion floating on top of the 10 milk, which represents an important quality characteristic for the supplier, is suctioned off. With this type of sampling, however, this cannot be performed in the desired way due to air bubbles.
Further, the generation of air bubbles in the milk depends on the skill and constancy of the staff member suctioning off the milk at the time. Human 15 error sources strongly influence the delivery capacity and time, when taking over a milk charge from a tank into the milk collecting truck or into another tank, and also affect the relevance of the information obtained from the sampling.
Further, it is known from DE 40 18 468 A1 to determine the delivery capacity of a peristaltic pump for the sampling means by taking into account an 20 acceptance characteristic for the particular pump.
DE 37 37 607 A1 discloses a flow measuring method for milk, which employs a relatively expensive device in which an inlet and a measuring chamber are separated from each other by a partition wall with slots or sieves. The measuring chamber is continuously supplied with milk, which can continuously 25 flow off via a substantially vertical slot. In the measuring chamber, a backplate electrode and a plurality of vertically arranged measuring electrodes are provided, which serve to detect milk quantity by determining the specific density of the milk-air mixture as a function of altitude. The entire volume in the measuring chamber is subdivided into layers and is measured in altitude levels with the same mutual 30 altitude distances and the same cross-section individual parameters, such as electric conductivity, thermal conductivity or infrared absorption capacity, and an $ -2 -.~
equivalent is formed of the measured value of each altitude level and a measuredreference value.
The reference value is measured at the bottom of the measuring chamber in the vicinity of the air-free, vented milk. For determining the conductivity, punctual measuring electrodes are used. This relatively expensive measuring means, however, does not guarantee consistently representative milk sampling, in particular not when the milk is very foamy and fat at the end of delivery.
A measuring system described in DE 41 08 138 A1 for measuring liquids, in particular waste water, provides a magnetic-inductive flow meter, which operates like a normal MID when the line pipe is full. If the filling height decreases in the pipe, additional electrodes, which have been installed in the lower half of the pipe, can be used for measured value determination. In this system, a flow along the wall and air bubbles in the liquid, which are unavoidable with milk, have not been adequately taken into account.
A method for measuring a prerinsing volume is disclosed in DE 39 38 076 A1. The untested prerinsing volume, which passes a branch-off point at the sample-prerunning vessel, is measured via the distance between a detection point, which is formed by a signal transmitter, and the branch-off point. The signal transmitter reacts on the arrival of the boundary layer between the gas and liquid flow and starts a predeterminable prerinsing time. The rinsing of the pipe takes place at the beginning of the milk removal.
The apparatus described in DE-PS 1 224 522 provides the arrangement of at least two hollow needles for removal, which are distributed over the pipe cross-section and which from the beginning to the end of the flow branch off a milk quantity independently of the pressure in the pipe into a sampling vessel. The actual milk sample is taken from a measuring chamber of the sampling vessel at the end of the delivery process and after a mixing process.
Further, a volume measuring unit for milk collection trucks having a pulse-controlled sampling means is known from DE 35 28 827 A1. A constant sample volume is obtained independent of the delivery quantity because a ~ 7 ~
.. ,..~
constant pulse number is predetermined, while the volume per pulse is calculatedas a function of the delivery quantity.
It is the object of the invention to provide a process and a device for obtaining a representative milk sample under consideration of the practical 5 conditions and for obtaining an almost faultless quantitative and qualitative milk determination.
According to the invention this object is achieved through a process for taking a representative milk sample during the delivery of a milk charge of a supplier from a tank via a delivery line into a collecting tank, comprising the steps 10 of:
a) continuously detecting milk delivery rate in an intake portion of the delivery line by means of a sensor;
b) continuously detecting the degree of filling of the delivery line by 15 means of a sensor;
c) inputting supplier data, desired milk charge data, continuously detected data concerning milk delivery rate, and continuously detected data concerning degree of filling of the delivery line into a data acquisition means;d) supplying said data to a control means for controlling a pump of a 20 sampling means;
e) determining the actual volume of milk delivered as a function of the data concerning milk delivery rate and the data concerning degree of filling of the delivery line;
fl taking a representative milk sample out of the delivery line, from a 25 location in the vicinity of the delivery line bottom spaced from a detecting location, by a sampling means comprising a pump; and g) controlling the pump as a function of the momentary actual volume of milk delivered.
30 There is also provided an apparatus for taking a representative milk sample during the delivery of a milk charge of a supplier from a tank via a delivery line into a collecting tank, comprising:
, ;,~i~
~F~
=W_ a) a sensor for detecting the milk delivery rate, arranged in the intake portion of the delivery line and having a planar sensing organ;
b) a sensor for detecting the degree of filling of the delivery line, having a planar sensing organ;
c) data acquisition means for the desired milk charge data and for inputting actual data of the supplier as well as for continuously detected data concerning the milk delivery rate and the degree of filling, which is designed to detect the actual volume of milk delivered from the continuously detected milk delivery rate data and degree of filling data;
d) control means connected to the data acquisition means for controlling a pump of a sampling means; and e) sampling means comprising a pump for taking the representative milk sample as a function of the detected data and removal means with an opening arranged closely above the bottom of the delivery line.
According to the invention, the controlling of the pump of the sampling means takes place on the basis of the actual volume of the milk delivered. In other words, control of the pump is based on the momentary and actual milk quantity delivered, and it is consequently of no importance how much air is added to the milk and which persons carry out the milk delivery. According to the invention, the detection of the actual value of the delivered milk quantity takes place by continuous detection of the degree of filling of the milk in the delivery line in addition to the continuous detection of the delivery rate in this line. The differences in consistency of the flowing milk during a sampling in a pipe line has been taken into account by way of the degree of filling. For example, a wall flow covering the entire interior pipe as well as a foamed milk flow having different air bubbles and a flow covering the bottom are likewise detected. According to the invention the degree of filling and consequently also the level as well as the delivery rate are each detected with planar sensors, e.g. rectangular or square electrodes. In order to completely account for the milk portion with a high percentage of cream during sampling, according to the invention a sampling is taken in the vicinity of the bottom of the delivery line, however, spaced from the latter. Since the sampling takes place some distance away from the bottom of the delivery line, it is guaranteed that the residual milk of the previous supplier is not detected. This is advantageously realized through time control, by way ofwhich the sampling is only released from a predetermined degree of filling, which 5 is in each case determined by the filling degree sensor, after the expiration of a predetermined time interval.
A representative milk sample is consistently obtained even under the most unfavourable conditions in practice, and also when peristaltic pumps are used for the sampling means or other pulse-controlled or mainly continuously 10 driven sample pumps, which are characterized by differing suction capacity.
As is well-known, volume measurements are dependent on various parameters, such as temperature. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, these directive values are considered in a simple and effective manner in that a calibration of the detected volume, in particular concerning the 15 temperature-dependence of the directive value of the milk, is performed at a pre-determined moment during removal when the line is completely filled. A
corresponding automatic calibration routine (autocalroutine) takes place in a time-controlled manner during the suction at the supplier's.
In order to avoid delay times during the detection of the milk volume, 20 it is provided in an advantageous embodiment of the invention to account for the distance between the place of sampling and the measuring place for the momentary actual volume of the supplied milk quantity in the form of a time constant. Accordingly, this embodiment of the invention provides a process wherein the filling level is additionally detected and the detection of the milk25 delivery rate, the degree of filling and the filling level takes place at a detecting location positioned upstream of the sampling location, wherein the distance between sampling and detecting locations is considered in controlling the pump of the sampling means in the form of a time constant.
Further, the practical requirements are met according to the invention 30 in that predetermined data, such as the suction output detected in the days before, are considered in the sampling. Immediately after the detection of the .~.~. - 6 -momentary actual milk charge or milk quantity volume begins, this predetermined value is replaced by the actual data.
In order to be able to account for production variations of the supplier, namely various supplied milk quantities, it is advantageously provided to calculate 5 with a predetermined tolerance when considering previous data which corresponds to the milk quantity, such as the data of the day before. For example, if on the previous day, a total of 100 litres of milk had been suctioned off from a certain supplier, the following day up to 120 litres, for instance, are accepted as a result of the tolerance, without which this excessive quantity could 10 lead to invalid sampling.
The problem concerning residual milk can also be avoided because a short rinsing takes place via the pump of the sampling means at the end of a sampling and therefore at the end of the suction action from the sheet iron can of the supplier so that the tube line for the sampling is free of residual milk. If 15 only small suction quantities are available, it is at least possible to dispense with the corresponding prerinsing process, in which at first a partial sample is taken in via the sample line but is not placed in the sampling bottle.
The apparatus, which is particularly suitable for performing the process according to the invention, but is also suitable for attaining precise control in 20 sampling other liquids, has a sensor for detecting the milk delivery rate and a sensor for detecting the conductivity of the milk charge, a data acquisition means and a control means connected thereto for controlling a pump for the sampling as a function of the detected data. In addition to said sensor for detecting themilk delivery rate the device is provided with a conductivity sensor for detecting 25 the filling level and/or the degree of filling, which is also positioned in the inlet passage of the delivery line.
Advantageously, the sensor for detecting the delivery rate as well as the conductivity sensor for detecting the degree of filling are mechanism-free sensors, and more specifically, are sensors without movable sensing organs.
30 Thus, the measured values are not influenced in an unfavourable manner by thesensors themselves. A magnetic-inductive flow meter is preferably provided as a sensor for detecting the delivery rate. For an almost flawless detection of the ,~,~.
~ - 7 -.~.
momentary actual value of the milk delivery quantity both the sensor for detecting the delivery rate and the sensor for detecting the degree of filling are constructed as planar sensing organs, in particular as rectangular or square electrodes.
It is appropriate to arrange the sensing elements in a correspondingly 5 designed measuring chamber so that the entire chamber and consequently the entire volume can be detected in the measurement. Preferably, the measuring chamber has a rectangular or square cross-section. The geometry of the measuring chamber guarantees in connection with the electrode geometry the sought precise detection of the actual milk volume.
The apparatus according to the invention further provides a removal means, the opening of which is positioned closely above the bottom of the delivery line, in particular an intake cannula with an opening inclined towards the direction of delivery. The opening may also be straight.
With respect to the delivery direction, both sensors are preferably 15 arranged in series, the order of the sensors being basically random. It is appropriate to integrate both sensors in a common casing and also to arrange theelectrodes of said sensors in a common measuring chamber. In order to precisely detect the degree of filling, it is useful to fix the planar electrodes in a vertical arrangement within the measuring chamber. In view of a flawless 20 calibration it is favourable to provide additional electrodes in positions above and below the central axis of the delivery line so that the bottom covering of the line and the complete filling can be detected across the entire cross-section.
If the cross-section of the line is not rectangular in form, it may be appropriate to adapt the geometry of the electrodes independent of the line cross-25 section in order to achieve a precise and genuine measured-value detection. For example, with a circular cross-section it is advantageous to arrange the electrodes in the central area with a constriction in order to obtain a precise measured-value detection.
In this geometrical adaption of the electrodes it is supposed to arrange 30 the electrodes in a substantially vertical manner (Figure 4).
The invention is described in greater detail hereinafter relative to the drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of an arrangement for the suction of milk with the apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention for taking a representative milk sample;
Figure 2 is a plan view of the embodiment of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a vertical longitudinal section through a delivery pipe line in the vicinity of the sensors;
Figure 4 is a cross-section along the line IV-IV in Figure 3; and Figure 5 is a velocity diagram of a milk charge delivered with the arrangement of Figure 1 from, for example, two 40 litre tanks.
The milk-delivery arrangement shown in Figure 1 comprises a tank (1) with milk supplied by the supplier and a means for suctioning milk as well as for taking a sample e.g. provided at a milk collection truck, a container (not shown) on the milk collection truck for taking over the milk from tank (1).
The manifold (2) of a delivery pipe line (3) projects into the tank (1) and the opposite end of the manifold is connected to the storage tank or tanks of the milk collection truck. A sampling means (4) which is designed for representative milk sampling and comprises a tube pump (5), which is driven via an electric motor (6), is connected for transmission with the intake of the delivery Iine (3). The pump (5) is connected at its intake end via a pipe line (7) to an intake cannula (8), which projects into the delivery line (3). At the opposite end of the pump (5), a tube line (9) ends in a sampling tank (10). The tank (10) is arranged on a carrier (11), which can be moved upwards and downwards in the direction of the double arrow (12) in order to position a sampling bottle (10) opposite to the line (9), i.e. to lower the bottle (10) out of this position and to hand it over to a delivery means not shown. With the delivery means, both the filled sampling bottle and a new sampling bottle are delivered. The sampling bottles are preferably hermetically sealed by means of a plug. At its free end, the tube line (9) has a stationary needle, which may penetrate the plug when the carrier (11) is lifted. In order to support this process, the bottle (10) is fixed on the carrier (11) and the carrier (11) rotates both during its upwards and its downwards movement so as to facilitate the penetration process of the needle or the pulling off of the bottle with the plug from the needle, respectively.
,.~ g The pump (5) of the sampling means (4) is controlled as a function of the momentary actual volume of milk delivered. Therefore, a control means (13) is provided, which is connected to the motor (6) of pump (5) via a control line (14). At its input side the motor control means (13) is connected to an arithmetic 5 and logical unit (15), which forms part of a data acquisition unit, by way of which, among other things, the data of the supplier as well as desired data concerning the milk charge can be input via an input means, such as e.g. via a keyboard (16). Apart from that, signals from sensors (17), (18) are transmitted to the arithmetic and logical unit (15), the sensors being installed in the delivery line (3).
10 The output signals from the sensors are processed via lines (19), (20) in circuits (21), (22) before being transmitted via lines (23), (24) to the arithmetic and logical unit (15), which at its input side additionally comprises analog/digital converters for converting the processed analog sensor signals into digital signals.
The sensors subsequently arranged in the line (3) are a sensor (17) 15 for detecting the delivery rate, which is preferably constructed as magnetic-inductive flow meter (MID), and a sensor (18) for detecting the filling degree in the delivery line (3), which is constructed as a conductivity sensor (G-sensor).It is beneficial for the precision of the detected delivery rate and the detected filling degree that both sensors are constructed without mechanical detecting 20 organs. The sensors (17), (18) are basically arranged such that they do not project into the flow and thus do not impair the flow concerning turbulences or the like. In particular, the sensors (17), (18) do not have movable sensing organs.
Further, it is essential for precision in the data acquisition that both sensors (17), (18) have planar electrodes (25), (26) for measured-value detection, 25 which are arranged in a rectangular or square chamber, (27 and/or 28) of the sensor casing or in or at the faces of a rectangular cross-section of suction line (3).
Thus, the sensors (17), (18) precisely and continuously detect the milk flow and the filling degree as well as the filling level in the line (3), wherein these 30 measured values are linked with each other in order to represent the momentary actual volume of milk delivered, after having passed the signal processing steps(21), (22) in the arithmetic and logical unit (15). As a function of the detected .~
.J 4 c~
momentary actual volume of the milk delivered, the controlling of the motor (6) for the pump (5) takes place via the motor control (13) while taking into account the data of the supplier and the desired data concerning the milk charge such that a representative milk sampling is obtained. In doing so, it is of special 5 importance to take the milk sample exclusively as a function of the delivered actual volume of milk so that, for example, the air contained in the milk cannotinfluence the sampling in an unfavourable manner. Dependencies on disturbances, such as air contained in the milk or a flow in the vicinity of a wall, which leads to incorrect measuring results in a filling-level measurement, are 10 consequently eliminated. In an alternative arrangement shown in Figures 3 and4 are provided a MID (37) as flow meter and a conductivity sensor (38) for detecting the filling degree in a common casing (30). Rectangular electrodes (35), (36), which are virtually identically constructed, are used as planar sensing organs. In a slightly tapered area of the delivery line (3) the electrodes (35) and (36), which are each arranged in parallel, of both sensors (37 and (38) are positioned in such a manner that almost the entire pipe cross-section is detected during measurements. Sensors (37) and (38) also permit the detection of the filling level in the delivery line (3). For additional safety in the preferably automatic calibration routine are also provided additional electrodes (39), (40)20 with a relatively small surface in an upper and lower centrical arrangement in the almost square measuring chamber (34). Electrodes (39) and (40) particularly supply data concerning the bottom covering and a flow over the entire cross-section of the line. In this embodiment the electrodes (36) of the conductibility sensor (38) for detecting the degree of filling are arranged in flow direction 25 upstream of the MID (37).
Figure 5 shows a velocity diagram of the milk delivered in the delivery line, the delivery being subsequently performed from two tanks (1). In Figure 5,the time axis runs along the abscissa from right to left, and the first pulse train corresponds to the velocity diagram of the milk delivery from the first tank, and 30 the second pulse train to the velocity diagram of the delivery from the second tank.
It becomes clear that, at first, the suction volume rises steeply and becomes flatter during the course of the delivery. Incisions in the delivery volume, which are detected by the filling degree sensor, indicate the presence of air in the milk.
As is obvious from Figure 1, the end portion of the cannula (8) runs inclined opposite to the milk delivery direction. The cannula portion ends with its opening spaced from the bottom of the line (3). Said squaring off of the removalcannula (8) guarantees that even at the relatively lowest level of the sucked milk in the pipe a sample can be taken. On the other hand, the suction cannula is positioned with its opening so high above the lowest dead point of the pipe thataccount is not being taken of the residual milk in the line (3) of a previous supplier for the representative sample of the following supplier. Apart from that, as a result of the particularly inclined arrangement of the cannula (8) and the large-surfaced construction of the electrodes of the sensors for detecting the delivery rate and the degree of filling it is achieved that also very fat or creamy milk can be detected representatively.
~1~
~ - 12-
Claims (17)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A process for taking a representative milk sample during the delivery of a milk charge of a supplier from a tank via a delivery line into a collecting tank, comprising the steps of:
a) continuously detecting milk delivery rate in an intake portion of the delivery line by means of a sensor;
b) continuously detecting the degree of filling of the delivery line by means of a sensor;
c) inputting supplier data, desired milk charge data, continuously detected data concerning milk delivery rate, and continuously detected data concerning degree of filling of the delivery line into a data acquisition means;
d) supplying said data to a control means for controlling a pump of a sampling means;
e) determining the actual volume of milk delivered as a function of the data concerning milk delivery rate and the data concerning degree of filling of the delivery line;
f) taking a representative milk sample out of the delivery line, from a location in the vicinity of the delivery line bottom spaced from a detecting location, by a sampling means comprising a pump; and g) controlling the pump as a function of the momentary actual volume of milk delivered.
a) continuously detecting milk delivery rate in an intake portion of the delivery line by means of a sensor;
b) continuously detecting the degree of filling of the delivery line by means of a sensor;
c) inputting supplier data, desired milk charge data, continuously detected data concerning milk delivery rate, and continuously detected data concerning degree of filling of the delivery line into a data acquisition means;
d) supplying said data to a control means for controlling a pump of a sampling means;
e) determining the actual volume of milk delivered as a function of the data concerning milk delivery rate and the data concerning degree of filling of the delivery line;
f) taking a representative milk sample out of the delivery line, from a location in the vicinity of the delivery line bottom spaced from a detecting location, by a sampling means comprising a pump; and g) controlling the pump as a function of the momentary actual volume of milk delivered.
2. A process according to claim 1, wherein the pump of the sampling means is a peristaltic pump.
3. A process according to claim 1 or 2, wherein calibration of the detected milk volume takes place at a predetermined moment during delivery of a milk charge when the delivery line is completely filled.
4. A process according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the filling level is additionally detected and the detection of the milk delivery rate, the degree offilling and the filling level takes place at a detecting location positioned upstream of the sampling location, wherein the distance between sampling and detecting locations is considered in controlling the pump of the sampling means in the form of a time constant.
5. A process according to claim 4, wherein the time constant is derived from the flow rate.
6. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pump is operated with a predetermined output during the period of time from the beginning of the milk charge delivery until the detection of the first value of actual volume of milk delivered.
7. An apparatus for taking a representative milk sample during the delivery of a milk charge of a supplier from a tank via a delivery line into a collecting tank, comprising:
a) a sensor for detecting the milk delivery rate, arranged in the intake portion of the delivery line and having a planar sensing organ;
b) a sensor for detecting the degree of filling of the delivery line, having a planar sensing organ;
c) data acquisition means for the desired milk charge data and for inputting actual data of the supplier as well as for continuously detected data concerning the milk delivery rate and the degree of filling, which is designed to detect the actual volume of milk delivered from the continuously detected milk delivery rate data and degree of filling data;
d) control means connected to the data acquisition means for controlling a pump of a sampling means; and e) sampling means comprising a pump for taking the representative milk sample as a function of the detected data and removal means with an opening arranged closely above the bottom of the delivery line.
a) a sensor for detecting the milk delivery rate, arranged in the intake portion of the delivery line and having a planar sensing organ;
b) a sensor for detecting the degree of filling of the delivery line, having a planar sensing organ;
c) data acquisition means for the desired milk charge data and for inputting actual data of the supplier as well as for continuously detected data concerning the milk delivery rate and the degree of filling, which is designed to detect the actual volume of milk delivered from the continuously detected milk delivery rate data and degree of filling data;
d) control means connected to the data acquisition means for controlling a pump of a sampling means; and e) sampling means comprising a pump for taking the representative milk sample as a function of the detected data and removal means with an opening arranged closely above the bottom of the delivery line.
8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the pump of the sampling means is a peristaltic pump.
9. An apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the planar sensing organs are rectangular electrodes arranged in a generally rectangular interior chamber.
10. An apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the sensors for detecting the delivery rate and the degree of filling are mechanism-free sensors.
11. An apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the sensors for detecting the delivery rate and the degree of filling are without movable sensing organs.
12. An apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the sensor for detecting the delivery rate and the sensor for detecting the degree of filling are arranged in a common casing.
13. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein additional electrodes are provided in positions above and below the central axis of the delivery line and between the planar electrodes of the sensors.
14. An apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the removal means of the sampling means comprises a connula with an opening which is either inclined towards the delivery direction or is straight.
15. An apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 14, wherein the sensor for detecting the milk delivery rate is a magnetic-inductive flow meter and the sensor for detecting the degree of filling is a conductivity sensor, both sensors being subsequently arranged in the delivery direction.
16. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the conductivity sensor is arranged in the delivery direction upstream of the magnetic-inductive flow meter.
17. An apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 16 for use in performing a process according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEP4142098.5 | 1991-12-19 | ||
| DE4142098 | 1991-12-19 | ||
| PCT/EP1992/002953 WO1993012413A1 (en) | 1991-12-19 | 1992-12-18 | Process and device for taking representative milk samples |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2122824A1 CA2122824A1 (en) | 1993-06-24 |
| CA2122824C true CA2122824C (en) | 1999-06-29 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002122824A Expired - Fee Related CA2122824C (en) | 1991-12-19 | 1992-12-18 | Process and device for taking representative milk samples |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0617789B1 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE150171T1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2122824C (en) |
| DE (2) | DE4243077C2 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1993012413A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (15)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE4317366C2 (en) * | 1993-05-25 | 1997-04-17 | Ultrakust Electronic Gmbh | Method and device for determining a volume flow |
| WO1995023959A1 (en) * | 1994-03-01 | 1995-09-08 | Tru-Test Limited | Proportional fluid sampler |
| CA2146090C (en) * | 1994-05-10 | 1998-11-24 | Mark E. Mitchell | Apparatus and method of mixing materials in a sterile environment |
| DE29825190U1 (en) * | 1998-08-27 | 2005-12-08 | Bartec Gmbh | System for determining filling level of medium in tank has conveying unit with pump transporting medium between container and tank and filling level measuring unit which includes at least one dipstick |
| EP1444486A1 (en) | 2001-11-16 | 2004-08-11 | WestfaliaSurge GmbH | Method and device for determining the volumetric flow rate of milk flowing during a milking process |
| DE102004018599A1 (en) | 2004-04-16 | 2005-11-03 | Bartec Gmbh | Arrangement for automatic sampling on milk collection trucks and milking parlors |
| DE102004018598B4 (en) | 2004-04-16 | 2006-04-27 | Bartec Gmbh | Arrangement and method for automatic sampling on milk collection trucks and milking machines |
| DE102004022560A1 (en) | 2004-05-07 | 2005-12-08 | Bartec Gmbh | Arrangement and method for automatic sampling on milk collection trucks and milking machines |
| DE102004063617A1 (en) | 2004-12-02 | 2006-06-08 | Krohne Ag | Magnetic-inductive flowmeter and method of manufacturing a magnetic-inductive flowmeter |
| WO2006081911A2 (en) * | 2005-02-04 | 2006-08-10 | Bartec Gmbh | Method for transporting and detecting a transported quantity of a liquid containing gas and corresponding device |
| DE102008059067A1 (en) * | 2008-11-26 | 2010-06-02 | Krohne Ag | Magnetic-inductive flowmeter |
| CN103913350B (en) * | 2014-03-28 | 2016-02-17 | 环境保护部华南环境科学研究所 | A kind of intelligent active cloud and mist drips sampling apparatus |
| CN104215475A (en) * | 2014-09-19 | 2014-12-17 | 国家深海基地管理中心 | Filtering and sampling device for microorganisms at deep-sea hydrothermal vent |
| US10159213B2 (en) | 2016-04-13 | 2018-12-25 | Beco Dairy Automation Inc. | Fluid measurement device and methods of making and using the same |
| DE102017214337A1 (en) * | 2017-08-17 | 2019-02-21 | Lactocorder Ag | Sampling device for taking a representative milk sample and method for taking representative milk samples |
Family Cites Families (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4091675A (en) * | 1974-03-08 | 1978-05-30 | United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority | Samplers |
| SE426103B (en) * | 1981-05-15 | 1982-12-06 | Arla Mjoelkcentralen | DEVICE FOR SAMPLING OF LIQUID IN CONNECTION WITH SCIENCE CONDUCTED BY A CONDUCT OR DIRECTLY |
| DE3502858A1 (en) * | 1985-01-29 | 1985-10-10 | Reinhold 4780 Lippstadt Helmig | Device for drawing off milk samples |
| DE3528827A1 (en) * | 1985-08-10 | 1987-02-12 | Diessel Gmbh & Co | VOLUME MEASURING SYSTEM FOR MILK COLLECTING VEHICLES |
| DE3737607A1 (en) * | 1987-11-05 | 1989-05-24 | Hoefelmayr Bio Melktech | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT MEASUREMENTS ON A FOAMING LIQUID |
| DE8915953U1 (en) * | 1989-11-16 | 1992-07-23 | Schwarte-Werk Gmbh, 2059 Buechen, De | |
| DE59008599D1 (en) * | 1990-04-09 | 1995-04-06 | Fischer & Porter Gmbh | Circuit arrangement for measuring the current of a liquid containing electrical charges. |
| DE4018468A1 (en) * | 1990-06-08 | 1991-12-12 | Ultrakust Electronic Gmbh | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TAKING A REPRAESENTATIVE MILK SAMPLE |
-
1992
- 1992-12-18 CA CA002122824A patent/CA2122824C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1992-12-18 AT AT93901706T patent/ATE150171T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1992-12-18 EP EP93901706A patent/EP0617789B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-12-18 DE DE4243077A patent/DE4243077C2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1992-12-18 WO PCT/EP1992/002953 patent/WO1993012413A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1992-12-18 DE DE59208206T patent/DE59208206D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE59208206D1 (en) | 1997-04-17 |
| CA2122824A1 (en) | 1993-06-24 |
| EP0617789B1 (en) | 1997-03-12 |
| DE4243077C2 (en) | 1994-06-09 |
| ATE150171T1 (en) | 1997-03-15 |
| WO1993012413A1 (en) | 1993-06-24 |
| DE4243077A1 (en) | 1993-06-24 |
| EP0617789A1 (en) | 1994-10-05 |
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