Milk processing machine

Types of milk processing machines

A milk processing machine refers to a set of equipment that supports how dairy products are processed. Milk processing machines can be used to pasteurize, homogenize, and sterilize milk. These machines can process various products, including cheese, butter, yogurt, and ice cream.

• Milk pasteurizer:

  The milk pasteurizer machine is responsible for heating milk at a specific temperature for a particular time to eliminate harmful microorganisms. By doing so, it ensures the safety of the milk product for consumption. Common types of milk pasteurizers include batch pasteurizers, HTST pasteurizers, UHT processors, and continuous pasteurizers.

• Milk homogenizer:

  A milk homogenizer breaks fat molecules in milk under high pressure until they are smaller. As a result, the fat droplets in milk are squeezed and burst to evenly distribute them throughout the liquid. Homogenization prevents cream separation and improves milk's consistency, smoothness, and mouthfeel. Milk homogenizers come in various types, such as high-pressure milk homogenizers, emulsifiers, and inline homogenizers.

• Souring milk machine:

  The souring milk machine can grow lactic acid bacteria to ferment, sour, and coagulate whole milk under specific environmental conditions. The spluttering machine is made from food-grade stainless steel. It is equipped with a digital control panel that enables the precise control of temperature and time. This function is essential for souring milk and creating splutter products. The souring machine also has a stirring system. It can ensure the uniform distribution of souring bacteria in milk, resulting in consistent splutter formation.

• Milk evaporator:

  A milk evaporator removes large amounts of water from milk by heating it. This process concentrates the nutrients and flavors of the milk, resulting in a milk product with a higher concentration of solids. Milk evaporators are essential in producing condensed milk, whole milk powder, and skim milk powder.

• Milk spray dryer:

  The milk spray dryer converts liquid milk into powder form through the spraying and drying process. It works by atomizing the liquid milk into fine droplets and then blowing hot air to evaporate the moisture from the droplets.

• Milk chiller:

  The milk cooling machine is designed to chill and store milk at low temperatures immediately after milking. It plays a crucial role in preserving milk quality and extending its shelf life by preventing the growth of bacteria. Milk cooling equipment comes in various types, including bulk milk coolers, milk refrigerators, and milk storage tanks.

Specification and maintenance of milk processing machines

Specification

• Flow:

  The flow of a milk processing machine indicates the volume or quantity of milk that the machine can process per unit of time. It is often measured in liters per hour (LPH) or gallons per hour (GPH). The machine's flow rate should match the specific requirements to ensure efficient processing.

• Power:

  The power of a milk processing machine is the power consumed when processing milk. It is typically measured in kilowatts (kW) or horsepower (HP). The machine's power should be sufficient to handle the processing tasks while also considering energy efficiency.

• Materials:

  The main parts in contact with milk are typically made of high-quality stainless steel to ensure hygienic and safe processing. Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and easy to clean and sanitize, which helps maintain the quality and purity of the milk.

• Function:

  The milk processing machine's functions include pasteurization, homogenization, separation, concentration, and more. Different machines have different functions, which should meet specific processing needs.

Maintenance

• Clean:

  Regularly clean the milk processing machine to prevent any milk residues or contaminants. Use cleaning agents and sanitizers that are food-safe to ensure thorough cleaning.

• Inspect the parts:

  Check the parts of the machine, such as the pipelines, valves, pumps, compressors, etc., to ensure that they are not worn out, damaged, or deformed, and repair or replace them in time if there are any faults.

• Lubrication:

  Apply the appropriate lubricants to the moving parts of the milk processing machine as per the manufacturer's instructions, such as bearings and shafts, to ensure smooth operation and reduce wear.

• Pay attention to temperature and pressure:

  Monitor and maintain the temperature and pressure settings of the milk processing machine to ensure that it functions properly at the recommended ranges, which is vital for quality control and safety.

Usage scenarios of milk processing machines

Equipment that processes milk is called a milk processing machine. Milk processing machines can be categorized according to the types of dairy products produced. There is specialized equipment for processing milk into cheese, butter, yogurt, ice cream, and concentrated milk products.

Milk processing machines are also divided into units for the preliminary and final processes. The preliminary processing units include homogenizers, pasteurizers, and separators, while the final processing units include evaporators, dryers, concentrators, crystallizers, and campahers.

Factory-scale milk processing requires a large amount of milk that can't be easily stored. Therefore, factories that process milk into long-shelf-life products usually manufacture around 30,000 liters per day. Smaller-scale machines that are economical for farmers, such as the milk processing machine in their farm, usually have a capacity of around 1,000 liters per day and are used to process milk into cheese or yogurt for local sale.

The main categories of milk processing machines along with their uses are outlined in the table below:

• Pasteurizer: Pasteurized milk is a dairy product that has been heat-treated to kill harmful bacteria and foodborne pathogens. It is processed using a pasteurizer milk processing machine.
• Sourmilk Thermax:It is a product of milk that has been intentionally inoculated with specific bacteria. Sour milk processing machines are specifically for processing milk into fermented sour milk.
• UHT Milk Processing Machine:It is milk treated at ultra-high temperatures (UHT) and packed in an aseptic carton, giving it a shelf life of 12 months unopened and refrigerated. The UHT milk processing machine heats milk to over 135°C for a few seconds and then cools it rapidly.
• Evaporator:Concentrated milk has been processed to remove water content. It is the primary raw material for cheese, yogurt, butter, and ice cream production. The evaporator machine processes milk by heating it to remove the water content and concentrate it.
• Spray Dryer:Powdered milk has been processed to remove the water content entirely using a spray dryer machine. This is the final step in milk processing. The dried powder is reconstituted into milk by adding water.
• Separator:Cream separation is the process in which milk is processed into buttermilk and cream using a separator that exploits the different densities of the liquids. Cream undergoes further processing to produce butter, while buttermilk is an intermediate liquid used in cheese production.
• Homogenizer:Homogenized milk has been processed by a homogenizer to break down fat molecules to help prevent separation and maintain a consistent, smooth texture.
• Cheese Vat with agitator:Cheese milk processing machines are complex, and different types of cheeses require varying skills and methods. Cheese processing machines are fitted with heaters and stirrers that stir and heat the milk to the required temperature before rennet is added to curdle the milk into cheese.

How to Choose Milk Processing Machines

When choosing a milk processing machine, a buyer should consider various features. The following table summarizes a few of the critical factors to look at when purchasing a milk processing machine.

• Capacity: The size or capacity of the processing machine is one feature buyers will consider. Milk processing machines are available in various sizes. Thus, buyers will need to choose a machine that will handle their volume of milk per hour or per day. For industrial-scale processing, large capacity machines are typically ideal. In contrast, smaller machines with lower capacities are suitable for institutional or small-scale use.
• Purpose: Several types of milk processing machines are available—each designed for a specific purpose. As a result, buyers will have to consider the processing type they want—the machine to handle. For instance, some buyers may look for pasteurizers, while others look for homogenizers or separators.
• Quality: Buyers will want to choose processing machines made of high-quality food-grade stainless steel. Such machines are resistant to corrosion and easy to clean. Also, machines with parts that are abrasive-resistant will last longer.
• Technology: Modern milk processing machines use advanced technologies like automatic controls, touch-screen displays, and remote monitoring capabilities. Such features improve efficiency, product quality, and overall operational effectiveness.
• Efficiency: Milk processing machines are large energy consumers. So, buyers will opt for machines with energy-efficient motors and other components to save energy during processing.
• Cost: The cost of milk processing machines vary depending on the type and features of the machine. While ultimately, the budget will come into play, buyers will have to consider the long-term investment value and possible operational costs of the machine.

Milk processing machine FAQ

Q1: How does a pasteurizer milk processing machine work?

A1: The milk is first heated to a predetermined temperature using a heating system within the pasteurization machine. This temperature is carefully calculated to ensure that all pathogens are killed. Once the milk reaches this temperature, it is held for a specific period known as the ''holding time." Depending on the type of pasteurization being used, the holding time can vary. After the milk has been held at this temperature for the required time, it is then rapidly cooled down to below 4 degrees Celsius. This rapid cooling is important because it helps maintain the quality and freshness of the milk. Finally, once the milk has been cooled, it is packaged and stored or transported refrigerated until it gets to consumers.

Q2: What is the capacity of a milk processing machine?

A2: Small-scale milk processing machines are designed to handle several hundred liters of milk per day. On the other hand, large-scale industrial machines have a higher capacity and can process thousands to millions of liters of milk per day.

Q3: What types of milk processing machines are available?

A3: There are several types of milk processing machines used for different processes. These include the milk pasteurizer, homogenizer, separator, and evaporator and dryer combination, among others.

Q4: Does the milk processing machine affect the flavor?

A4: Machines such as homogenizers are actually designed to improve the mouth feel and flavor of milk processing products. However, some faulty or outdated milk machines can affect the flavor of milk. Poor quality evaporators and dryers can leave behind residues in the milk that will give it a bad flavor. This is one of the reasons dairy companies invest in quality milk processing machines.