Applications of Turbidity Measurement in Dairy Processing

Turbidity measurements have become an indispensable tool in the dairy industry, providing valuable insight into production processes as well as being a check for quality assurance. Boasting ease-of-use in a compact form factor, the TB220 is well-positioned as a valuable asset to dairy processors looking to safeguard their production and ensure product quality, amidst the constant growing demands on the food industry.

Introduction

The food industry is essential to daily life, providing the food needed for health and well-being. It encompasses the entire food supply chain, from agriculture and livestock farming to food processing, distribution, and retail¹. As one of the world’s largest economic sectors, it was valued at over USD 8 trillion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 14 trillion by 2034³.

This growth is driven by population increases and changing consumer preferences, particularly for healthier, more convenient, and sustainable products². As a result, food safety has become increasingly important, as safety failures can harm both public health and a company’s reputation⁴. To improve food safety, particularly in beverage and liquid ingredient production, manufacturers often monitor product turbidity. 

Turbidity measures liquid clarity, with higher turbidity indicating greater cloudiness caused by suspended particles. In food production, turbidity monitoring helps identify filtration issues and potential quality problems, enabling early detection of filter wear or blockages. This helps prevent contamination, maintain product quality, and reduce the risk of costly recalls and reputational damage.

A common use of turbidity measurement in the food industry is dairy processing. During milk production, filtration and separation systems remove solids and contaminants⁵. Turbidity monitoring allows processors to assess filtration performance, differentiate product streams, and detect contamination or process deviations in real time. Unusual turbidity levels can provide early warning of process issues, enabling prompt corrective action to maintain product quality, ensure food safety, and reduce product loss⁵. 

Measured in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU), HORIBA’s TB220 turbidity meter provides fast and reliable turbidity measurements for process monitoring and quality control. In dairy processing, it helps evaluate filtration performance and detect abnormal turbidity levels that may indicate contamination or process deviations. Its ratiometric measurement principle minimizes optical noise and external interference, delivering consistent results while supporting product quality, reducing costs, and minimizing unplanned downtime⁵.

Method

The TB220 was calibrated using the supplied standard solutions according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. If a calibration reading differs by more than ±10% of the standard value (or ±0.03 NTU for a 0.02 NTU standard), the solution should be replaced with a fresh standard.
Calibration was verified using a calibration check, with acceptable readings within ±2% of the 20, 100, and 800 NTU standards, and within ±0.02 NTU of the 0.02 NTU standard.

Sample Preparation and Measurement

Sample vials were pre-rinsed, filled to the marked line, and gently inverted 5–10 times before measurement. Vials were then inserted into the TB220 with alignment markers matched to ensure consistent and accurate results. 

The TB220’s portable design enabled turbidity measurements at various stages of milk production, including intake, separation, filtration, and effluent monitoring. This eliminated the need to transport samples to a laboratory, reducing sample handling and minimizing condition-related changes that could affect measurement accuracy and consistency⁶.

Results and Benefits

Turbidity monitoring supports quality control, process performance, and food safety in dairy processing⁵. Table 1 shows effluent turbidity before and after treatment to confirm compliance for discharge.

Table 1: Turbidity monitoring of dairy wastewater from a dairy production plant⁷

Table 2 summarizes the approximate turbidity values of various milk samples at another dairy plant.

Table 2: Approximate turbidity values of various milk samples⁸

The TB220 enables effective turbidity monitoring throughout milk production, helping manufacturers improve efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain quality standards.

The TB220 features a rugged, portable design, a wide measurement range of up to 2000 NTU, and a user-friendly interface. Its portability enables on-site measurements, reducing sample handling and minimizing environmental factors that may affect accuracy⁶. These features make the TB220 a valuable tool for dairy processors as the importance of turbidity monitoring continues to grow alongside the demands of food production⁵.

References and Suggested Readings

Revision 0, 3 July 2026