Non-destructive detection of the spoilage of aseptically-packed milk products: The effect of frequency and imaging parameters on the sensitivity of ultrasound imaging

Frequency (3.75-7.5 MHz), along with other parameters such as dynamic range, echo enhancement and gamma compensation, have a significant effect in ultrasound imaging on the accuracy and rapidity of non-destructive detection of bacterial and enzymatic spoilage in milk products. In this work it was shown that the frequency should not exceed 5 MHz, and that in some cases 3.75 MHz gives better sensitivity. It was found that ultrasound at a frequency of 3. 75-7.5 MHz could not be used to detect spoilage through cardboard. For this purpose, the optimal combination of frequency, dynamic range, echo enhancement and gamma compensation needs to be determined.