Monitoring deposit build-up using a novel mechatronic surface sensor (MSS)

The formation and removal of deposits obtained from milk components (calcium phosphate and whey proteins) were monitored using a new device based on the effect of fouling on the vibration properties of the deposition surface. The MSS (Mechatronic Surface Sensor-pending Patent no. 103 344, Portugal) was able to detect the growth of the deposit mass (and its removal) and to distinguish between deposits with different structural properties (calcium phosphate versus protein deposits).