Patent ID: 7217234

Claim:
A method of controlling a centrifuge for the centrifugal production of a skimmed milk product, the steps comprising: taking a skimmed milk sample at an outlet of the centrifuge from a liquid phase; adding a substance to the skimmed milk sample that increases light transmittance of the skimmed milk sample; determining the light transmittance of the skimmed milk sample by transilluminating the skimmed milk sample using a light source and measuring light intensity via a photo cell; determining the fat content of the skimmed milk sample from a measurement of the light transmittance, the determining being done in an automated manner at intervals using a computer; providing a centrifuge control device connected to the centrifuge; and controlling the centrifuge, using the control device, as a function of the determination of the fat content while the light transmittance of the skimmed milk sample is determined.