Process technology for milk

Process technology for milk requires finely-tuned functions, ideally also covering the interfaces to the filling technology under a complete-system concept. Aspects like energy economy, reduced water consumption, effluent minimisation, plus operating cost downsizing thanks to the introduction of higher-order automation and IT, are all simpler to achieve when a holistic approach is adopted. Krones offers solutions that incorporate the full gamut of this complete-system approach, from milk acceptance all the way through to the filler.

The product’s journey in the milk-processing industry begins with the milk acceptance station. In the downstream flash pasteurisation step, VarioFlash pasteurisers with shell-and-tube heat exchangers are used for highly viscous and fibre-content beverages. For other applications, plate heat exchangers are used in most cases. For beverage-sterile and UHT filling operations, the VarioAsept flash pasteuriser has been developed. The VarioAsept flash pasteuriser has been ideally matched to Krones’ PET-Asept lines in terms of output, design and process technology.

The cleaning steps in the production sequence are handled by the VarioClean CIP system. Installations featuring one to two tanks are meticulously customised to suit the characteristics of the product involved and the concomitant cleaning requirements in the process.
The process technology subsumes not only product treatment of the white milk, but also production of aromatised milk-based beverages or milk-based mixed drinks. Solid, powdery substances are mostly admixed between the first pasteurisation step and the second-heat-up. Sugar in crystalline form or powdered aromatics are mixed with the milk flow using funnels or vacuum mixing tanks. They are fed in either manually from sacks or with a fully automated weighing system. For whey-based drinks and milk-based mixed beverages, there is an option for admixing fruit juices in the form of concentrates, whey powder, vitamins, etc.
Since with the powdered components oxygen will inevitably be brought into the system, the installations from Krones incorporate a pressure deaeration feature.