Funke Gerber Cryostar I Milk Cryoscope
| Origin | Germany |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | Cryostar I |
| Price | USD 7,500 (FOB Hamburg) |
| Detection Speed | 40 samples/hour |
| Measurement Range | 0.000 °C to –1.500 °C |
| Sample Volume | 2.2 mL (2.0–2.5 mL) |
| Resolution | 0.0001 °C |
| Repeatability | ±0.002 °C |
| Interface | RS-232 port (1), 6 V thermal printer port |
| Weight | 12 kg |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 29 cm × 19 cm × 38 cm |
| Power Supply | 230 V / 115 V AC, 50–60 Hz, 180 W |
Overview
The Funke Gerber Cryostar I Milk Cryoscope is a precision-controlled freezing point depression instrument engineered for the quantitative detection of added water in raw and processed bovine milk. It operates on the thermodynamic principle of cryoscopy—measuring the depression of the freezing point relative to pure water (0.000 °C)—a colligative property directly proportional to the concentration of dissolved solutes. In milk, the natural freezing point averages –0.520 °C; deviations more negative than –0.525 °C typically indicate dilution with water, while values less negative (e.g., > –0.510 °C) may suggest mastitis or metabolic anomalies. The Cryostar I implements a highly stabilized Peltier-based cooling system coupled with a platinum resistance thermometer (Pt1000) and proprietary digital signal processing to deliver traceable, metrologically sound results compliant with international dairy standards.
Key Features
- High-resolution temperature measurement with 0.0001 °C digital resolution and ±0.002 °C repeatability under controlled laboratory conditions (20–25 °C ambient, <60% RH).
- Dual-voltage universal power supply (115 V / 230 V AC) enabling seamless deployment across global dairy laboratories without external transformers.
- Integrated Peltier cooling module with active thermal stabilization, eliminating reliance on cryogenic coolants or external chillers.
- Automated sample introduction via calibrated capillary tube (2.2 mL nominal volume), minimizing operator-induced variability and ensuring consistent thermal mass loading.
- RS-232 serial interface supporting bidirectional communication with LIMS or QC data management platforms; optional 6 V thermal printer port for GLP-compliant hard-copy audit trails.
- Compact benchtop footprint (29 × 19 × 38 cm) optimized for high-throughput quality control environments with limited bench space.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Cryostar I is validated for use with raw cow’s milk, pasteurized whole milk, skim milk, and standardized reconstituted milk powders. It is not intended for ultra-high-temperature (UHT) sterilized products containing stabilizers or homogenized cream fractions exceeding 40% fat. Methodologically, the instrument aligns with ISO 5764:2021 (“Milk — Determination of freezing point”), IDF Standard 115A:2018, and AOAC Official Method 972.16. Its measurement traceability is maintained through factory calibration against NIST-traceable reference standards, with documented uncertainty budgets available upon request. Routine verification is performed using certified reference materials (CRM) such as SRM 1549a (Whole Milk Powder) and internal control samples monitored per ISO/IEC 17025 QA protocols.
Software & Data Management
The Cryostar I operates in standalone mode with embedded firmware; no PC dependency is required for routine operation. All measurements are timestamped and stored internally (up to 500 records). Data export via RS-232 supports ASCII-formatted output compatible with Excel, LabWare LIMS, and custom SQL-based QC databases. Audit trail functionality includes operator ID (manually entered), sample ID, date/time stamp, raw freezing point value, deviation from reference (–0.520 °C), pass/fail flag, and system diagnostic status. For regulated environments, the instrument meets foundational requirements for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when paired with validated third-party data acquisition software that enforces electronic signatures, role-based access control, and immutable record retention.
Applications
- Regulatory compliance testing at dairy intake stations and receiving bays to detect adulteration prior to processing.
- In-process quality assurance during standardization and blending operations to verify compositional consistency.
- Raw material certification for milk powder suppliers exporting to EU, China, and Middle Eastern markets where ISO 5764 certification is mandatory.
- Research applications in veterinary science and udder health monitoring, correlating freezing point shifts with somatic cell count (SCC) and lactose concentration trends.
- Method validation and interlaboratory comparison studies under ILAC MRA-accredited proficiency testing schemes.
FAQ
What is the recommended calibration frequency for the Cryostar I?
Calibration verification using certified reference milk (CRM) is required before each analytical session; full recalibration by an authorized Funke Gerber service engineer is recommended annually or after 500 measurements.
Can the Cryostar I measure goat or sheep milk?
No—the instrument’s algorithm and reference baseline (–0.520 °C) are specifically validated for bovine milk; alternative species require method adaptation and independent validation per ISO 5764 Annex B.
Is maintenance training available for laboratory technicians?
Yes—Funke Gerber offers certified on-site technician training covering daily verification, cleaning protocols for the capillary cell, Peltier module diagnostics, and firmware update procedures.
Does the instrument support automatic dilution correction?
No—dilution assessment is based solely on absolute freezing point depression; users must apply regulatory thresholds (e.g., –0.515 °C per EU Directive 2004/28/EC) manually or via integrated LIMS logic.
What consumables require periodic replacement?
Capillary tubes (single-use, sterile-packaged), thermal interface paste for Peltier contact surfaces, and printer paper rolls for the 6 V thermal module.
