Babcock test: Difference between revisions
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==Introduction== |
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The ''Babcock test'' is the first inexpensive and practical test factories could use to determine the fat content of milk. |
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==Motivation== |
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Until the 1890's dishonest farmers could water down their [[milk]] or remove some [[cream]] before selling it to the factories. Milk was paid for by volume. Honest farmers as well as those that produced naturally rich milk were not being compensated fairly. |
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==Babcock Test process== |
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Babcock researched the problem at the University of Wisconsin and developed the following process: |
Babcock researched the problem at the University of Wisconsin and developed the following process: |
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# Measure milk into graduated test tube. |
# Measure milk into graduated test tube. |
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# Add sulpheric acid. |
# Add sulpheric acid. |
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# Measure fat which will be floating on top of liquid in the test tube. |
# Measure fat which will be floating on top of liquid in the test tube. |
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==Principle of Babcock test== |
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Key to this process is that everything in milk except the [[fat]] dissolves in [[sulphuric acid]]. |
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==Utility of Babcock test== |
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Afterwards it was much easier for a dairy operation to not only compensate farmers fairly, but to produce a consistant produce that consumers could depend on. |
Afterwards it was much easier for a dairy operation to not only compensate farmers fairly, but to produce a consistant produce that consumers could depend on. |
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==About Babcock== |
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Professor Babcock did not patent his invention considering himself an agent of Wisconsin working for the welfare of Wisconsin. |
Professor Babcock did not patent his invention considering himself an agent of Wisconsin working for the welfare of Wisconsin. |
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==See also== |
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[[Babcock]] |
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[[Hydrometer | Device for measuring milk's relative density]] |
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Revision as of 19:40, 21 October 2005
Introduction
The Babcock test is the first inexpensive and practical test factories could use to determine the fat content of milk.
Motivation
Until the 1890's dishonest farmers could water down their milk or remove some cream before selling it to the factories. Milk was paid for by volume. Honest farmers as well as those that produced naturally rich milk were not being compensated fairly.
Babcock Test process
Babcock researched the problem at the University of Wisconsin and developed the following process:
- Measure milk into graduated test tube.
- Add sulpheric acid.
- Centrifuge.
- Measure fat which will be floating on top of liquid in the test tube.
Principle of Babcock test
Key to this process is that everything in milk except the fat dissolves in sulphuric acid. The fat floats to the top. The centrifuge ensures complete seperation with no bubbles in the fat, and the fat content can be measured using the graduations on the test tube and knowing the initial amount of milk used.
Utility of Babcock test
Afterwards it was much easier for a dairy operation to not only compensate farmers fairly, but to produce a consistant produce that consumers could depend on.
About Babcock
Professor Babcock did not patent his invention considering himself an agent of Wisconsin working for the welfare of Wisconsin.