Processing

Processing & Microstructure

Microstructure of mixes in processing lines is of vital importance to obtain the right product and to prevent obstruction of the processing lines. And, no factory wants to drop out even a percentage of its produce due to little variations or faults that could have been prevented. 

Backscattered Electron SEM image of graphite in a fractured pencil, showing higher order alignment of graphene sheets. A tilted sputtercoating with platinum was applied to obtain a shadow contrast. 10 µm. Photo by Jaap Nijsse, Consistence Microstructure Research Laboratory.
Backscattered Electron SEM image of graphite in a fractured pencil, showing higher order alignment of graphene sheets. A tilted sputtercoating with platinum was applied to obtain a shadow contrast.
Cryo-SEM image of a commercial milk powder. Microstructure is of direct influence on powder properties. 100 µm. Photo by Jaap Nijsse, Consistence Microstructure Research Laboratory.
Cryo-SEM image of a commercial milk powder. Microstructure is of direct influence on powder properties.
halogen bulb 12V 100W broken. Imaged with Leica M10 Stereo Microscope. Photo by Jaap Nijsse, Confocal Microscopy stacked and stiched image of Alstroemeria cut flower stem. Photo by Paul Nijsse, Consistence Microstructure Research Laboratory.
Stereo Microscope image of Halogen bulb 12V 100W broken and healed several times.
Multilamellar structure in body lotion. Method: cryoplaning SEM
Multilamellar structure in body lotion. Order of addition and ways of processing are crucial to obtain lotions with desired sensory properties. Method: cryoplaning SEM
SEM EDX analysis of hotfill foil, revealing different layers, including aluminium layer, titanium particles, and organic foam. By Jaap Nijsse. Consistence Microstructure Research Laboratory.
SEM EDX analysis of hotfill foil, revealing different layers, including aluminium layer, titanium particles, and organic foam.
Confocal Microscopy image of apple sauce
Confocal Microscopy image of apple sauce, consisting of loosened, collapsed apple cells
SEM image of hummus with mild processing, keeping chickpea cells intact. Consistence cryoplaning.
SEM image of hummus with mild processing, keeping chickpea cells intact. Method: cryoplaning SEM.

Structure-function
insight

Understanding the effect of processing and holding steps on the product microstructure is of key importance to understand quality variations, fermentation, ripening, clogging of pipes, caking of surfaces, discolourations, coalescence, aggregation, syneresis, and other desired and undesired effects. Often the microstructure of products tells the story of the processing. That’s also why microstructure studies are vital to better understand differences between prototypes or competitor products. 

How to keep your factory running?

Research at Consistence

Consistence has a complete set of microscopes and texture measurement instruments for a thorough and holistic understanding of product microstructure as result of processing, transportation, and shelf life impact. Understanding bottlenecks brings solutions into view, … literally! 

Critical point drying at Consistence Microstructure Research Laboratory

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Our aim is to provide world class microstructural insights and we are happy to receive feedback. Contact us for more information if this page is relevant for your research. Free use of the images and content of this webpage is permitted with reference to Consistence.