Goal:

The CREAMSENS project aims to revolutionize whey quality monitoring by implementing advanced sensory solutions. By automating and digitizing the whey skimming process and integrating two online sensors, the project seeks to optimize and control whey recovery processes in cheese manufacturing.

The specific objectives are:

• To automate and digitize the whey skimming process.
• To integrate two advanced online sensors to obtain data in real time from the input and output of the whey skimming process, which allow the optimisation and control of whey recovery processes.
• To use the collected data to achieve the automatic and instantaneous adjustment of whey skimming process.
• To obtain homogeneus and high-quality batches of whey cream.
• To increase the whey skimming yield.
• To minimize waste generation and be more sustainable.

Challenges addressed:

QUEIZUAR, a cheese producer generating significant whey quantities, faces the challenge of effectively managing whey, a by-product that presents pollution concerns. Despite efforts to valorize whey protein and lactose, the company struggles to maximize profits from whey cream sales due to limited valorization technologies. The CREAMSENS project offers a solution by enabling continuous monitoring of whey quality parameters, optimizing subsequent processes, and enhancing whey value through improved quality, consistency, and traceability.

Expected benefits:

QUEIZUAR will obtain economic benefits through the production of high-quality cream or whey butter, which will be sold to traditional ice cream, bakery, and pastry workshops. Additionally, valorization of whey protein will yield high-value by-products, augmenting economic gains. Environmentally, the project will significantly reduce pollution by eliminating truck trips to processing companies, thereby curbing CO2 emissions. By elevating whey's market value and introducing high-quality whey products, the project fosters regional production and sustainability within the Galician territory.

Award date: 10/26/2023

Duration: 12 months

Partners:

• QUEIZUAR S.L. - https://www.queizuar.es (Spain)
• LUVI ACTIVIDADES GASTRONÓMICAS S.L. - www.heladerianalia.es (Spain)
• ANFACO-CECOPESCA - https://anfaco.es (Spain)