Metron Instruments, Inc.

Michael G O'Keeffe

Norman C Ford

Spencer M Lovette

Methods and apparatus are provided for measuring component concentration in a liquid containing relatively large particles and relatively small particles. The invention may be utilized for measuring fat and casein concentrations in a dairy product, but is not limited to such use. A polarized light beam is directed through a scattering cell having first and second windows and containing a sample of the liquid. A normal to an exterior surface of the second window of the scattering cell is at or near Brewster's angle with respect to the light beam to reduce or eliminate reflections. A first light detector, positioned at an angle of about 5&deg; to about 45&deg; with respect to the light beam, detects scattered light from a first component of the liquid, such as fat particles. A second light detector, positioned at an angle of about 130&deg; to about 160&deg; with respect to the light beam, detects scattered light from a second component of the liquid, such as casein particles. When the liquid is a dairy product, the detector signals are representative of fat and casein concentrations. Component concentrations of a dairy product may be measured without requiring the use of a chemical diluent.

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Poughkeepsie, NY, United States of America

Michael G O'Keeffe