DefinePK

Abstract

In this work we propose novel technology for the on-line monitoring of animal by-product (ABP) rendering using a spectral fluorescence signature (SFS) analyzer integrated into the recirculation line of the extracted liquid. First, we investigated various methods that could be used for on-line monitoring and control of protein extraction processes and determined that measuring the tryptophan fluorescence intensity is an effective measure of the protein content in the liquid phase. We measured the change in fluorescence intensity while performing liquid extraction on various raw materials. A series of samples was taken during each extraction and the dry matter content was determined using a standard technique. We found a good correlation between the tryptophan fluorescence intensity and the dry matter content (R2>0.90). This spectral monitoring method could also be used to carry out express-analyses to determine the chemical composition of extracts from other processes, such as the heat-treatment of organic materials, and moreover can be used to control these treatment processes.