Production line equipment
Mixing tank
The raw milk, standardized fat emulsion, powdered milk, sugar, vitamins, minerals, flavoring agents, etc. are all poured into the tank at one time according to the formula. The tank usually has a jacket that can be heated to 50-60℃ to accelerate the dissolution of the powder and reduce the viscosity of the liquid. Preheating tank (also known as preheating - storage tank)
Preheating tank
Warm up the mixed cold milk gradually to a temperature range of 55-70℃. Objectives: ① Reduce the heating load for the subsequent pasteurization process, saving 20-30% energy; ② Allow the fat to partially melt, reducing the load on the homogenizer; ③ Provide a constant liquid level/flow rate buffer to ensure continuous feeding and stable pressure of the sterilization machine.
Homogenization tank
This process makes the product taste smoother and has a whiter color. The homogenization temperature is usually controlled between 60-70℃. It can be carried out before sterilization (the most common case) or after sterilization.
Cooling tank
Use ice water or deep cold water to rapidly cool the milk to 4-8℃ or 20-25℃. Passing through the 15-50℃ dangerous zone quickly can inhibit the revival of residual bacteria and acid production, and maintain the functional properties of proteins.
CIP cleaning tank
No need to dismantle the pipes. Through a sequential cycle of alkaline solution (1-2% NaOH, 75-85℃), acidic solution (1-1.5% HNO₃, 60-70℃), hot water and pure water, the entire production line is sterilized.