In-line sensor validation system

A food wash reference fluid delivery apparatus comprising:

• a reference fluid that is a solution containing a concentration of detectible analyte;
• a reference fluid reservoir configured to store the reference fluid;
• a pump configured to pump the reference fluid from the reference fluid reservoir along a wash fluid flow path at a reference fluid flow rate that matches a wash fluid flow rate past a sensor without moving the sensor relative to the wash fluid flow path;
• and
• a controller configured to control the reference fluid flow rate of the pump, reception of a signal from the sensor, analysis of the signal, and transmission of the signal.

A food wash validation method for controlling a food wash sensor system, the method comprising:

• connecting a delivery system comprising a reference fluid comprising a predetermined concentration of an analyte in solution to a fluid flow path of the food wash sensor system along which a sensor is disposed;
• pumping the reference fluid, using the delivery system, past the sensor while maintaining the sensor in place along the fluid flow path;
• receiving, at a control and monitoring system, a signal from the sensor in response to the reference fluid passing over the sensor, wherein the signal indicates the concentration of the analyte in the reference fluid at a first time, wherein the fluid flow path comprises the reference fluid at the first time;
• determining calibration by adjusting the sensor until the signal is consistent with known properties of the reference fluid;
• and
• determining validation by collecting a plurality of signals over time by repeating the calibration and receiving of the signal, and analyzing the collected plurality of signals.

A food-washing method using a reference fluid, the method comprising:

• implementing a fluid flow path that is used to clean food using a wash fluid;
• disposing a sensor along the fluid flow path that is operable to detect a concentration of an analyte in the wash fluid;
• connecting a delivery system comprising a reference fluid that includes the analyte in solution to the fluid flow path upstream from the sensor;
• pumping the reference fluid, using the delivery system, past the sensor while maintaining the sensor in place along the fluid flow path;
• receiving, at a control and monitoring system, a signal from the sensor in response to the reference fluid passing over the sensor;
• determining calibration by adjusting the senor until the signal is consistent with known properties of the reference fluid;
• determining validation by collecting a plurality of signals over time by repeating the calibration and receiving of the signal, and analyzing the collected plurality of signals;
• and
• cleaning food using the fluid flow path and wash fluid based on the determined calibration and validation and sensor readings.