Non-invasive viscosity and gelation control in psyllium fiber drinks
Puform offers a contactless fluid characterization technology that measures viscosity, density, and surface tension without physical contact, improving repeatability and consistency across samples and locations. This solution enhances the reliability of viscosity measurements in psyllium fiber drinks, helping to optimize formulation and processing methods with rapid and reproducible data.
Overview
Puform's innovative solution provides a non-invasive method for measuring key fluid properties such as viscosity, density, and surface tension in psyllium fiber drinks. By eliminating the need for physical probes, the system reduces measurement variability caused by operator handling and technique. This leads to faster and more consistent data, making it easier to compare results across different samples, batches, and locations. The technology is ideal for optimizing formulation and processing methods, ensuring the drinkability of fiber-enriched beverages.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Contactless measurement of viscosity, density, and surface tension
- Utilizes controlled surface excitation and time-resolved sensing
- Analyzes data with a standardized, physics-informed pipeline
- Measures full viscosity build curve from seconds to minutes
- Provides metrics including onset time, build rate, and repeatability
- Includes a screening and optimization framework for strategy evaluation
Applications:
- Ideal for controlling time-dependent viscosity in aqueous fiber systems
- Useful for evaluating strategies such as encapsulation, surface modification, and ingredient interactions
- Supports structured experiments to enhance formulation and processing methods
Technology readiness level
The technology is at TRL 6, indicating that it has been demonstrated in a relevant environment and is approaching readiness for broader industrial application.
About Puform (Startup spun out from Eindhoven University of Technology)
Puform B.V. is a startup spun out from Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) that specializes in modernizing liquid quality control through its proprietary Puff Technology. This innovation uses controlled air bursts to perform simultaneous, contactless measurements of a fluid's viscosity, density, and surface tension. By eliminating the need for invasive sampling or extensive device cleaning, the technology allows for rapid, real-time feedback that simplifies testing procedures and maintains sample integrity without requiring specialized user expertise.
The company aims to address industrial challenges, particularly in sectors like food and cosmetics, where precise fluid characterization is essential. By translating academic research into practical, automated tools, Puform provides a reliable solution for production environments that may be facing labor shortages or a loss of skilled expertise. The startup, which is supported by programs like imec.istart, focuses on making high-precision rheological quality control accessible and efficient for industrial producers.
delivered to your inbox.