New cryoscope boosts milk quality control with faster, reliable testing

GERMANY – Funke-Dr. N. Gerber Labortechnik GmbH, a Berlin-based leader in dairy testing equipment, has unveiled the upgraded Cryostar automatic cryoscope, a new advancement in milk quality control. 

According to the company, the device can now analyze up to 40 milk samples per hour, offering farmers, dairies, and food industry players a faster and more dependable way to detect water contamination in milk. 

The updated cryoscope tackles a common issue in milk production, water ingress from rinsing milking systems and tanks, ensuring quality standards are met even in challenging conditions.

According to Funke-Gerber, the CryoStar automatic has been enhanced to work reliably at room temperatures as high as 40°C, thanks to a redesigned cooling system and better heat dissipation. 

A newly added pressure sensor alerts users to air pressure changes that could affect results, making it a robust tool for precise freezing point determination, or cryoscopy. 

This method is key to spotting adulteration, such as water dilution, which can harm consumer trust and lead to legal or financial trouble. 

Dipl.-Ing. Konrad Schäfer, from Funke-Gerber, stressed its importance, saying, “Adulteration, for example by diluting milk with water, can not only shake consumer confidence, but also have legal and financial consequences.”

The device features a rotary magazine that holds 12 samples, processing them automatically with the first result available in just 90 seconds.

 A report by the company highlights its strict linearity in the measuring range of -1.5°C to 0°C, with an error of less than 0.001°C, eliminating the need for extra calibration. 

This precision is especially useful for verifying lactose-free milk. Schäfer noted another standout feature, saying, “We guarantee continuous linearity in the measuring range… This eliminates the need for additional calibration, even for measurements outside the calibration range.”

Operation is made simple with a touch display that lets users adjust settings, view measurement curves, and track the plateau search in real time, a patented feature meeting international standards like DIN/ISO/IDF 5764. 

The CryoStar also supports multiple languages, starting with German and English, with more options available via updates. 

It connects easily to printers and PCs for exporting results, ensuring it fits modern lab needs.

Founded in 1904, Funke-Gerber has long served the dairy industry with innovative tools. This latest upgrade positions the CryoStar as a future-ready solution, adaptable to evolving global standards. 

With its speed, accuracy, and resilience, the device promises to strengthen quality assurance across the milk supply chain, from farms to processing plants.