Oat Milk, a Plant-Based Alternative

Struggling for resources, their exploitation and sustainment, food producers and processors have dedicated themselves to the question of how to offer plant-based alternatives that deliver the good of the milk. Soy, coconut and almond-based products have been on the market for some time, but mainly the use of oats has established a “mass-compatible product”. But how to use and transform it into an appealing product with the help of smart measurement technology? The special properties of the raw products in oat milk production require sensors that are flexible, robust and resistant to adhesion. But what to consider in each step of oat milk production?

The first step is separating the husks. This is done quite conventionally by peeling, sometimes the oats are immediately milled into flour or processed to flakes in the same step. If not directly processed further, the peeled oat grains must undergo a drying process to prevent any growth of the seedling inside. So far, treatment and processing is similar to standard processes in bakery or brewery. Here, pressure sensors as PP20H and temperature sensors as PT20H are deployed. CleverLevel is the optimum solution to protect machinery against jamming or blocking. Available in either compact or field housing, the sensor will detect dry products, flour and spillage goods.

Sensor requirements increase while the process continues. After milling, the oat flour is dissolved in water and the actual production work begins. The mix of liquid, solid particles and the ingredients of table 1 is difficult to detect because adhesion quickly builds up and consistency varies.

The point level sensor CleverLevel operating on the frequency sweep technology is the ideal product by ensuring safe switching operations. This technology allows for monitoring every container upon overfill and empty level. The Oat Milk, a Plant-Based Alternative sensors further protect pumps and tubes against damage by running dry.

Magnetic inductive flow sensors control enzyme dosage for carbohydrate breakdown. Here, precise CombiFlow PF75H flow sensor is the product to choose. The oat pulp is then temporarily stored in tanks to allow enzymes becoming active. Both when dissolve the grains in water and in-tank fermentation, efficient enzyme work requires optimal temperatures. To reduce viscosity and to obtain the desired sweetness and mouthfeel, starch is being split up into glucose and isomaltose.