Development of an integrated sensing system for PAT application in the food and beverage industry

In September 2004, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) introduced a Process Analytical Technology (PAT) initiative for industries, which aimed at supporting the voluntary growth and implementation of innovative industrial development, manufacturing, and quality assurance [1]. The PAT approach involves multivariate data collection through the application of a variety of analytical methodologies in- line, on- line or at- line allowing for timely measurements of the product attributes throughout the manufacturing process. This allows manufacturers to use the data obtained to increase the level of process understanding and control. By using a Quality by Design (QbD) approach to manufacturing, the quality of the products is incorporated by process design and not by post-production quality testing.