MUSE-TECH - MUlti SEnsor Technology for Management of Food Processes

<p>The concept behind MUSE-Tech is the development of three single sensors (Photoacoustic, Quasi Imaging UV-Vis and a Distributed Temperature) which will be integrated in a versatile and affordable Multi Sensor Device (MSD). The MSD will be based on a versatile plug-in architecture for real-time monitoring (on-/in-line) of multiple parameters associated with the quality and the chemical safety of raw and in-process materials.</p>

<p>MSD data array, including quantitative information about both volatile and non-volatile compounds, will be merged by using data fusion techniques and will be used to build empirical predictive models for Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs) and to establish the multivariate design space.</p>

<p>Auto-adaptive software will be implemented to automatically adjust Critical Process Parameters (CPPs) on the basis of the real-time measurement of CQAs in the raw and in-process materials.</p>

<p>The MSD will be rapid and sensitive in order to achieve targeted and consistent levels of quality and chemical safety in the final products, and will support early warning, automatic decision-making protocols and PAT strategy in the food industry.</p>

<p>Three MSD prototypes will be assembled, calibrated and tested in three case studies: i.e. bread processing (dough mixing and proving), potato chips frying and brewing (wort mashing and boiling). MUSE-Tech will bridge the gap between state of the art sensing technologies and industrial PAT applications by providing affordable sensing tools (85000 EUR each prototype; expected 25000 EUR for >100 units) and demonstrating fitness for purpose of the MSD at industrial and pilot plant level for the three case studies.</p>

<p>Results of MUSE-Tech will be disseminated to EU food chain stakeholders promoting market take-up of the technology.</p>

<p>MUSE-tech will contribute to reduce manufacturing costs and food waste by enabling a more efficient control of the processes and supporting the competitiveness of the EU food industry, especially SMEs.</p>