Ultrasonic velocity measurements of backscattered acoustic waves for monitoring the enzymatic coagulation of milk

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In this work, the milk coagulation process was monitored by a nondestructive ultrasonic technique. Three analysis methods were used to calculate ultrasonic wave velocity and assess their effectiveness in tracking the physicochemical changes: Cross-correlation, Spectrum ratio, and Smoothed Pseudo-Wigner-Ville transform. The obtained results show a consistency between the velocity measurements made by these three methods, with a steady increase observed during coagulation and both phases are visible. The time-frequency method was most effective, showing a clearer transition between the two phases. This study suggests that non-destructive ultrasonic techniques with time-frequency analysis could be advantageous for monitoring milk coagulation and ensuring dairy product quality.