Perten launches new dairy analyser

Perten, a PerkinElmer company and global leader in analytical solutions for the food industry, has announced the launch of the LactoScope 500, a next-generation Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) dairy analyser designed to help medium and large processors move beyond traditional testing limitations for greater control of quality, yield and efficiency.

FTsIR has become the industry standard for dairy analysis, yet many systems still struggle with variability in real-world production environments, particularly when analysing high-fat or viscous products. Measurement instability, inconsistent sample preparation and calibration drift can force processors to work with wider safety margins than necessary. The LactoScope 500 is engineered to address these challenges, delivering faster, more stable and more repeatable results across the full range of dairy applications, the company says.

The LactoScope 500 provides rapid, multi-component analysis of fat, lactose, protein (including casein specificity) and total solids in seconds. This enables processors to operate closer to target specifications, reduce product giveaway and make more confident quality and process decisions in real time.

“Too often, processors are forced to compensate for measurement uncertainty with wider safety margins,” said Paul Morrison, managing director at Perten. “The LactoScope 500 is designed to mitigate that tradeoff, giving customers the confidence to run tighter processes and capture more value from every batch.”

One of the most persistent challenges in dairy analysis is the impact of fat globule size and sample inconsistency on measurement accuracy. Many conventional systems rely on external or inconsistent sample preparation, introducing variability before analysis even begins.

The LactoScope 500 addresses this challenge at the source through a fully integrated, dual-stage, high-pressure homogeniser. By standardising samples within the instrument, the system minimises light scattering and spectral noise, delivering more accurate and repeatable results, particularly for demanding applications such as cream, yogurt and ice cream mixes, Perten notes. This integrated approach eliminates additional preparation steps, improving workflow efficiency while increasing confidence in the data.

Beyond accuracy, long-term stability remains a key concern with traditional FT-IR systems, where calibration drift and environmental sensitivity can impact performance over time. The LactoScope 500 combines robust, mid-infrared optics, stable calibration models and a vibration-resistant design to deliver consistent results. Integrated remote diagnostics further reduce downtime and simplify maintenance, supporting reliable operation in both laboratory and at-line production environments.

A compact footprint, integrated computer and intuitive 15in touchscreen simplify daily operation and reduce reliance on operator expertise. Lower consumables usage helps reduce operating costs while supporting sustainability initiatives by minimising waste and resource consumption.

“Processors are no longer looking for incremental improvements,” said Damien Seroux, PerkinElmer’s senior vice president for food solutions. “They need reliable gains in performance, stability and control. The LactoScope 500 delivers a more robust and integrated approach to dairy analysis, enabling greater confidence, consistency and efficiency.”

By enabling faster, more accurate and more stable measurements, the LactoScope 500 helps processors reduce variability, improve yield, strengthen quality assurance and support more sustainable dairy production.