Buchi is a major provider of analytical and laboratory equipment for the dairy industry, offering solutions for quality control, process monitoring, and R&D. The Swiss company, locally represented by Labotec in Southern Africa, provides both rapid analysis technologies, like Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, and classical reference methods, such as Kjeldahl and solvent extraction. Buchi’s systems help dairy producers measure key parameters in products ranging from raw milk to cheese, yogurt, and powders.
Key applications in the dairy industry
Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy
Buchi’s NIR solutions provide fast, non-destructive, and simultaneous measurement of multiple quality parameters.
- Raw milk analysis: Incoming milk can be instantly analyzed for fat, protein, lactose, and total solids content. This allows for segregation based on composition and helps determine payment to producers.
- Finished product testing: NIR systems are used for real-time quality control of final products like cheese, butter, and yogurt. This ensures product consistency and adherence to standards.
- In-line monitoring: Buchi’s NIR-Online® sensors can be integrated into production lines for continuous, real-time measurement. This helps optimize the spray-drying process for milk powders by monitoring moisture, fat, and protein content.
- Yogurt production: NIR can be used to monitor the fermentation process by tracking key parameters like pH and lactose, which helps ensure consistent quality.
Classical analysis (Kjeldahl and extraction)
For labs requiring highly accurate reference methods, Buchi provides equipment for classical chemical analysis.
- Protein determination (Kjeldahl): The Kjeldahl method is the international reference for determining crude protein in milk and dairy products. Buchi provides automated Kjeldahl systems for digestion, distillation, and titration, which improve speed and safety.
- Fat determination (Extraction): Buchi offers automated extraction units for determining fat content in dairy products. These systems can run according to standard methods like Soxhlet, hot extraction, and continuous extraction.
Spray drying
Buchi is a well-known provider of laboratory-scale spray dryers, which are critical for research and development in the dairy industry.
- Powder production: Dairy manufacturers use Buchi spray dryers to create various powders from milk, including whole milk, skim milk, and probiotic milk powders.
- Process optimization: Researchers use these lab-scale dryers to develop and optimize processes before scaling up to industrial production. Buchi’s NIR systems can be used to monitor and control parameters during this process.
Other applications
- Evaporation: The company’s Rotavapor® systems are used for gentle and efficient solvent removal, which is applicable in various dairy lab procedures.
- Trace contaminant analysis: Buchi’s pressurized solvent extraction units can be used to analyze residues and contaminants like PCBs and dioxins in dairy products.
