A Calorimeter Design for Rapidly Estimating the Level of Foodborne Microorganisms

Abstract

Rapid means are needed for judging whether processed food prepared in a central food preparation facility is safe for consumption or not. The objective of this study is to define a design concept for suitable quality assurance instrumentation based on calorimetric measurement of the bacterial heat output. Heat production data were determined as a function of concentration for three aerobic mesophilic bacteria selected as representative of those to be found on contaminated food stuff. These data were determined at the temperature (37 C) and in a growth medium known to provide rapid growth for such bacteria. These data together with additional heat transfer studies and calculations were used to define the requirements for a multi-sample assay tool based on calorimetry for the determination of the level of microbial contamination of food. A design concept for this instrumentation is presented.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1975
Accession Number
ADA029998

Entities

People

  • L. A. Mcclain
  • M. N. Pilsworth Jr

Organizations

  • United States Army Soldier Systems Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Gaps
  • Amplifiers
  • Bacteria
  • Cost Estimates
  • Detection
  • Heat Capacity
  • Heat Transfer
  • Heat Transfer Coefficients
  • Heat Transmission
  • Logarithmic Amplifiers
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Microorganisms
  • Staphylococcus Aureus
  • Temperature Gradients
  • Thermal Conductivity

Readers

  • Microbial Pathology
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Thermal Physics or Thermal Science.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology