FOSS ProFoss™ 2 Online Dairy Analyzer
| Brand | FOSS |
|---|---|
| Origin | Denmark |
| Model | ProFoss™ 2 |
| Automation | Fully Automatic |
| Analysis Time | 3–15 seconds per sample |
| Wavelength Range | 850–1050 nm |
| Wavelength Accuracy | < 0.5 nm |
| Wavelength Precision | < 0.02 nm |
| Wavelength Stability | < 0.01 nm/°C |
| Detector | Silicon Diode Array |
| Spectral Resolution | 1.0 nm/pixel |
| Light Source Lifetime | Dual Lamp System = 17,500 h |
| Environmental Rating | IP69K |
| Operating Temperature | –5 to 40 °C |
| Enclosure Material | Stainless Steel EN 1.4301 (SS2333) |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 42 × 42 × 13.5 cm |
| Weight | 25 kg |
| Communication Interfaces | Ethernet, OPC UA, 4–20 mA, PROFIBUS, RINA |
| Power Supply | 100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz, 2.0 A, 150 W |
Overview
The FOSS ProFoss™ 2 Online Dairy Analyzer is an industrial-grade near-infrared (NIR) spectrophotometer engineered for real-time, non-destructive compositional analysis of liquid and semi-solid dairy streams in continuous production environments. Operating on the principle of transmission-mode NIR spectroscopy within the 850–1050 nm spectral window, the instrument quantifies key quality parameters—including fat, protein, moisture, total solids (TS), non-fat milk solids (NFMS), and protein-to-total-solids ratio—by correlating absorbance spectra with chemometric calibration models validated against reference laboratory methods (e.g., AOAC, IDF, ISO 9622). Its robust optical architecture features a dual-lamp source system with 17,500-hour service life, silicon diode array detection, and 1.0 nm/pixel spectral resolution, ensuring high signal-to-noise ratio (< 60 μAU) and long-term photometric stability (< 0.01 nm/°C). Designed for integration into pasteurization lines, cheese vats, butter churns, and powder drying towers, the ProFoss™ 2 delivers measurement results in 3–15 seconds—enabling immediate process feedback and closed-loop control without flow interruption or sample diversion.
Key Features
- Fully automatic, maintenance-optimized design with IP69K-rated stainless steel (EN 1.4301) enclosure for resistance to high-pressure washdown and steam sterilization in hygienic dairy processing environments.
- Transmission-mode optical path optimized for heterogeneous dairy matrices including liquid milk, cream, whey, butter, fresh and mozzarella cheese, WPC/MPC, and spray-dried milk powders.
- High-stability wavelength performance: accuracy < 0.5 nm, precision < 0.02 nm, and thermal drift < 0.01 nm/°C—critical for sustaining calibration integrity across ambient temperature fluctuations (–5 to 40 °C operating range).
- Integrated dual-lamp illumination system ensures uninterrupted operation and extended mean time between failures (MTBF), minimizing downtime during 24/7 production shifts.
- Standard industrial communication protocols—including Ethernet/IP, OPC UA, 4–20 mA analog outputs, PROFIBUS DP, and RINA-compliant interfaces—for seamless integration with DCS, SCADA, and MES platforms.
- Modular hardware architecture supports field-upgradable firmware and sensor modules, aligning with evolving regulatory expectations for instrument lifecycle management.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ProFoss™ 2 is validated for direct inline or at-line analysis of representative dairy process streams under GMP-aligned operational conditions. It complies with mechanical and environmental standards per IEC 60529 (IP69K), DIN 40050-9, and NT ELEC 023. While not a standalone regulated device under FDA 21 CFR Part 11, its data acquisition and reporting functions—when deployed with ISIcal™ and ISIscan™ software—are configurable to support audit-trail generation, electronic signature workflows, and calibration history logging required for GLP/GMP traceability. Chemometric models are developed per ISO 12099 and IDF 167 guidelines, and routine verification follows internal SOPs aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 principles for testing laboratories.
Software & Data Management
The ProFoss™ 2 operates under two core FOSS software components: ISIscan™ for real-time instrument control, diagnostics, and alarm management; and ISIcal™ for development, validation, and version-controlled deployment of multivariate calibration models. ISIcal™ supports full model lifecycle documentation—including raw spectra archiving, outlier detection, cross-validation statistics (RMSEC, RMSECV, R²), and bias correction—essential for method transfer and regulatory review. All spectral and result data are timestamped, stored locally (optional SSD expansion), and exportable via CSV or OPC UA to enterprise LIMS or statistical process control (SPC) systems. Audit trails record user actions, calibration updates, and configuration changes in accordance with ALCOA+ data integrity principles.
Applications
- Real-time fat standardization control in raw milk blending tanks prior to pasteurization.
- In-line monitoring of protein content and moisture in cheese curd during cheddaring and pressing stages.
- Continuous verification of butterfat and water phase composition during butter churning and packaging.
- End-of-line quality assurance for WPC, MPC, and infant formula powders—ensuring compliance with Codex Alimentarius specifications for TS and NFMS.
- Dynamic adjustment of evaporation rate in multi-effect evaporators based on real-time total solids feedback.
- Supporting HACCP critical control point (CCP) verification through automated trend analysis and deviation alerts.
FAQ
What sample types are supported by the ProFoss™ 2?
The analyzer is validated for liquid milk, cream, whey, butter, fresh cheese, mozzarella, WPC/MPC, and spray-dried milk powders. Semi-solid and viscous streams require appropriate flow conditioning (e.g., homogenization, temperature stabilization) to ensure optical path consistency.
How frequently must calibration models be updated?
Model update frequency depends on raw material variability, seasonal feed changes, and process modifications. FOSS recommends quarterly performance verification using certified reference samples and revalidation when RMSEP exceeds established control limits per ISO 12099 Annex B.
Is the ProFoss™ 2 compatible with existing plant automation infrastructure?
Yes—it supports native Ethernet/IP and OPC UA for bidirectional data exchange with Siemens PCS7, Honeywell Experion, Emerson DeltaV, and Rockwell FactoryTalk systems. Analog (4–20 mA) and PROFIBUS DP interfaces are also available as factory-configured options.
Does the unit require routine optical alignment or lamp replacement during normal operation?
No. The dual-lamp architecture and solid-state diode array eliminate manual alignment. Lamps are rated for 17,500 hours; predictive diagnostics in ISIscan™ notify operators of impending lamp degradation before performance impact occurs.
Can the ProFoss™ 2 be installed in explosion-hazard areas?
The standard ProFoss™ 2 is not ATEX or IECEx certified. For Zone 21/22 environments, FOSS offers custom-engineered variants with intrinsically safe barrier configurations—subject to site-specific risk assessment and engineering review.
