Milk and Cream Composition Analyser
The Perten LactoScope 500 analyses raw and pasteurised milk, cream up to 55% fat, and other dairy and plant based liquids.
Measures milk, cream and other dairy and plant based liquids
Provides exceptional accuracy and repeatability of measurement
Capable of pumping highly viscous creams
Analyses milk in less than 30 seconds
The Best Dairy Analyser Just Got Better
Developed from the LactoScope FTA, the UK’s best selling dairy liquids analyser, the LactoScope 500 has been improved in numerous areas to produce the ultimate measurement tool for dairy laboratories.
How Does the LactoScope 500 Analyse Milk and Cream?
The LactoScope 500 provides accurate measurement of the composition of dairy liquids with high and variable viscosity by measuring absorption. A wide range of products can be analysed from skimmed milk to 55% cream, whey concentrates, ice cream, yogurt bases and plant based liquids. The LactoScope 500 is also capable of accurate analysis of set dairy products such as crème fraiche, custards and mousses, clotted cream and cream cheese when used with Dairy Solver. A built-in conductivity sensor is used to predict the Freezing Point Depression (FPD) of raw and processed milk
How Does the LactoScope 500 Measure 55% Cream Accurately
Achieving consistent repeatability when analysing high fat cream can be a challenge for some dairy analysers. The LactoScope 500 is equipped to deal with the complications associated with measuring high fat dairy samples. It has an extremely efficient pumping system and a dual-stage homogenizer, capable of dealing with highly viscous products with no sample preparation.
It’s So Easy to Use
Reduced user intervention was one of the keystones of the re-design of the LactoScope. The upgraded software guides users through the analysis process. Removing air locks in the pumping system no longer requires tools, the whole de-airing process is handled by the software in less than 2 minutes. The consumables tanks are now twice the size of leading brands and feature extra-wide openings for quick and easy refilling and cleaning as well as level indicators to show when it’s time to fill up on clean and zero liquids.
Mid Infrared Technology
The heart of the LactoScope 500 is the patented Fourier Transform Infrared interferometer, offering superior sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. The fixed mirror design reduces maintenance and eliminates the need for frequent realignments.
Try Before You Buy
The LactoScope 500 is available for a demonstration or a short term trial.
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Repeatability
Why is a Homogeniser Important in a Dairy Analyser?
The LactoScope 500 features a sample pre-heater and a dual-stage high-pressure homogeniser that reduces fat globules to less than one micron and distributes them evenly throughout the sample.
This minimises light scattering and spectral distortion, delivering greater accuracy and repeatability.
By homogenising before analysis, the LactoScope 500 delivers precise results, unlike workflows that rely on averaging a high number of replicates to produce an accurate result. Products from skimmed milk to extra thick double cream are measured without blockages in the pumping system.
Homogenisation
Homogenisation
Re-Engineered for Even Better Performance
Critical elements of the LactoScope have been upgraded on the 500 model:
- Improved temperature control of pump head, sample heater and cell
- New high pressure pump with brushless motor to move the sample consistently through the measurement cell
- Improved flow system for smoother sample transition
- Upgraded, stronger pipette
Homogenisation
Sample Uniformity
Fat globules within milk emulsions can vary widely in size, even within the same sample aliquot, which can cause light scattering and distort the spectrum. Homogenisation ensures uniformity within the sample, and clear, consistent light paths.
Analytical Reproducibility
FTIR calibrations depend on reproducible spectra. Fat particles of varying size will cause distortion, even if the sample composition is the same. Homogenised samples reduce variability in the method.
Improved Accuracy
Fat is one of the most important measurements in dairy products, but light scattering from unhomogenized fat particles can cause under or over reported fat and protein levels. Uniformly dispersed fat particles allow for more accurate readings of the absorption bands for protein and fat.
Lower Running Costs
The LactoScope 500 features reduced energy consumption and utilises generic cleaning fluid for reduced cost, whilst liquid consumable consumption is up to 20% less than leading competitors. Maintenance costs have also been lowered with more user replaceable components. It even takes up less room with a considerably reduced footprint and integrated touch screen.
Results Plus – Analytical Software
The LactoScope 500 is controlled by Results Plus software, an intuitive and powerful package that enables easy operation of the instrument. Simplified workflows require little effort or cost to train users for instrument operation. A wide-range of calibrations are included andcalibration updates are very simple with the automatic outlier detection.
Calibrations
- Raw Milk: Fat, Protein, Lactose, Solids, SNF, True Protein, Tot Protein, Casein, Urea, Density, Citric acid, FFA, pH, FPD, HMT
- Milk Products: Fat, Protein, Lactose, Solids, SNF, FPD
- Milk with Added Sugar: Fat, Protein, Lactose, Sucrose, Tot sugar, Solids, SNF, Density
- Cream Products: Fat, Protein, Lactose, Solids, SNF, FPD
- Whey Products: Fat, Protein, Lactose, Solids, FPD
- Ice Cream Mix: Fat, Protein, Solids, SNF
- Yoghurt: Fat, Protein, Solids
- Plant-Based Drinks: Fat, Crude Protein, Total Sugars, Total Solids
Select analysis from the home screen
Choose the sample profile that corresponds to the sample being analysed
Enter a sample ID and additional optional information, if desired
Results Plus – Additional Functionality for Easier Operation
The software has multiple new features designed to make operation of the the LactoScope 500 easy, efficient and more economic.
Liquid saving option
Diagnostics
Customisable maintenance reminders
Results Plus – Calibration Made Easy
A wide-range of calibrations are included for all product types, there are no additional charges for different applications. Calibration updates are very simple with the automatic outlier detection. If you are upgrading from your existing LactoScope calibrations are transferable between the LactoScope FTA and LactoScope 500.
NetPlus Reports – Real Time Access Software
The NetPlus software provides secure, real-time data access and the ability to manage instruments centrally. Instrument results can be accessed anytime, anywhere, allowing performance to be monitored to ensure compliance with specifications, targets and limits. Analysis reports are exportable and can be filtered by product, parameter or instrument.
NetPlus Remote – Multiple Instruments and Location Software
Monitor accuracy, consistency and efficiency across multiple instruments and sites from a central location. With NetPlus Remote you can:
- Perform remote updates
- Standardise instruments
- Manage calibrations
- Monitor instrument performance in real time
- Streamline resources
PerCal Plus – Calibration Software
PerCal Plus delivers powerful calibration development and validation tools, simplifying calibration development and management:
- Calibration models can be easily built, validated and transferred to maintain accuracy
- Performance can be standardised across instruments to minimise variability
- New products, raw materials or customer-specific needs can be accommodated by updating and expanding calibrations
- Intuitive workflows facilitate advanced calibration management, reducing reliance on external expertise
Products Analysed
The LactoScope 500 can analyse all dairy liquid products including raw milk, skimmed milk, pasteurised UHT milk, whey, whey concentrate, cream < 55% fat, yogurt, ice cream and plant based dairy products.
Parameters Measured
These include fat, protein, lactose, totals solids, solids non fat, added water, true protein, casein, NPN-CU, free fatty acids, citric acid, density and pH.
Technology
- Automatic clean cycles and zeros maintain the sample pumping unit and the measuring cell in optimal condition, improving reliability and accuracy
- The patented Dynascan Interferometer features a fixed-mirror-pair that does not require dynamic alignment to compensate for errors
- The OpticsGuard technology features a unique humidity shield that protects the instrument from environmental effects, increasing up-time and reducing costs
The Best Service And Support In The UK
All LactoScopes are backed by QCL’s comprehensive training, calibration and support package. LactoScope users have access to free expert advice and benefit from affordable service contracts or on-demand service. Our service engineers are distributed around the UK to maintain an average 24 hour response and carry full sets of spares supplied from our UK warehouse.
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Specification
- Accuracy – Raw Milk: Typical 0.8 % CV on major raw bulk tank cow milk components (Fat, Protein, Lactose, Total Solids, Solids nonfat)
- Accuracy – Cream: Typical 1.0% CV (Fat, Protein, Solids)
- Repeatability – Raw Milk:≤ 0.25 % CV on major raw bulk tank cow milk components (Fat, Protein, Lactose, Total Solids, Solids nonfat)
- Repeatability – Cream: ≤ 0.25 % CV (Fat, Protein, Solids)
- Adulteration Screening: For targeted and untargeted models
- Sample Analysis Time: Milk: < 30 seconds per replicate
- Sample Temperature: 5 – 40°C
- Sample Volume – Milk: <8.0 mL
- Sample Volume – Cream: <10 mL
- Sample Treatment: Homogenise samples by inversion. Best performance on raw milk and cream achieved by pre-heating to 38 – 40 °C
- Wavelength Range: 400 – 4000 cm-1
- Ambient Operating Temperature: 15 – 30°C to be within performance range. Instrument safe to operate 10-35 C°
- Humidity: 20-80% Non-condensing
- Data Interface: 4 USB ports, 1 Ethernet port and 1 HDMI port
- Display: 15” colour touchscreen 16:9 Full HD 1080p
- Carry Over – Milk: Typical <0.4%,
- Carry Over – Cream: Typical <0.5%
- Cleaning: Automatic and programmable
- Power Supply: 100/230 V, 50/60 Hz
- Dimensions: W 750 x D 520 x H 430 mm
- Weight: 72 kg
- Compliance: AOAC and IDF










