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18 September 2023

Pump Selection for the Dairy Industry

Adaptable Pumps for the Dairy Industry

The food industry is continuously evolving. Dairy farming is no exception. With the evolution of consumer tastes, pumps in the dairy industry are changing with the times. Pump manufacturers are working closely with consumers as their demands grow. Manufacturers are now producing a wide range of products to align with the changes.

Selecting Pumps in an Evolving Dairy Industry

Gentleness and a pump’s ability to avoid shearing in fluids are important when choosing a dairy pump. Dairy producers take these elements seriously when selecting the right pump. Gentleness plays an important role, as it avoids fluid emulsification and shearing.

To mitigate shear-related issues, pump manufacturers pay careful attention to fluid flow dynamics. To minimise shear effects dairy producers pay careful attention when selecting the right pumps and correct pump-type. When selecting a dairy pump, maintaining product quality is always key.

Cheesemakers need pumps that provide low flow and are gentle enough to avoid fines produced during curd transference. When making some soft cheeses, we call the leftover bits in the whey “fines”. These fines still have valuable elements. Producers can collect and use them in other dairy products or processes.

Why Preventing “Shear” in Dairy Processes Matter

Avoiding “Shear” in a pump is important because it changes the properties of fluids. Shear could reduce the size of products. Certain products like cheese and yoghurt with high viscosity are shear sensitive.

We refer to shear in a dairy pump as the mechanical force that moves the fluid at different speeds. Opposing forces and velocities cause this effect in fluids.

Positive Displacement Pumps Play an Important Role in the Dairy Industry

Dairy producers mainly use positive displacement pumps in this sector. A positive displacement pump may be ideal for pumping fluids like milk or for cleaning processes. A positive displacement pump works even better for processing viscous products. Viscous dairy products are cheese curds, yoghurt, or cottage cheese.
Positive displacement pumps are efficient, reliable, and easy to maintain.

How a Positive Displacement Pump Works

Most common type of positive displacement pumps used in the dairy industry are Progressive cavity.

Progressive cavity pumps incorporate a helical rotor that turns within a resilient stator, producing a gentle displacement (pumping) along the axis.

The speed of the rotating helical rotor is kept low in general to prevent agitation and also helps with longevity of the pump.

Applications of Positive Displacement in the dairy industry:

  • The dairy industry uses Progressive cavity pumps to transfer raw milk to storage tanks and from farms to processing plants.
  • They use Progressive cavity pumps for effective cleaning in CIP (Clean-In-Place) systems. It is vital to keep dairy equipment and processing lines pristinely clean to maintain high standards of hygiene.
  • Progressive cavity pumps assist with the heating and circulation of the milk during the pasteurization process.
  • Pumps used in the dairy industry should be easy to clean, have compatible materials, and be hygienic.
  • Regular maintenance and cleaning of the pumps is essential to prevent bacterial contamination. Dairy production demands strict hygiene and safety standards.

Using Positive Displacement Pumps in the Dairy Industry

Positive displacement pumps play a valuable role in the dairy industry. They help maintain the efficacy, integrity and quality of dairy processing from raw materials to the final product.

Due to their unique capabilities and design, they are especially suitable for tackling sensitive products without compromising quality.

Most dairy producers use Positive displacement pumps for the gentle conveyance of shear-sensitive and lumpy products. They add layers of flexibility for pumping a wide range of liquids of varying viscosities. The Positive displacement pump and mix-proof valve are among the most flexible equipment in the dairy industry.

5 Benefits of Positive Displacement Pumps:

1. Positive displacement pumps offer gentle product handling. They operate with low shear force, which makes them perfect for the delicate handling of dairy products without affecting the quality.

2. They are easy to clean and sanitary because of their design. Positive displacement pumps comply with the high hygiene standards within dairy production.

3. Positive displacement pumps are highly efficient and handle both high and low viscosities easily. This reduces energy consumption and cuts back on processing times.

4. Positive displacement pumps are extremely flexible and handle a wider range of products than other pump types.

5. Their continuous, smooth flow maintains consistency in products.

It is Essential to Maintain and Clean Dairy Pumps

Pumps form the heartbeat of any dairy operation. Pumping problems could cause production loss, downtime and loss of income. Proper maintenance of pumps ensures the reliability and longevity of equipment. Equipment manufacturers work closely on maintenance schedules based on machinery capabilities. Pump manufacturers are going out on a limb to ensure elevated levels of hygiene and sanitation. They understand that in the dairy industry, there is a fine balance between profitability and viability in an ever-competitive changing landscape in this industry.

Contact AxFlow AQS Liquid Transfer at +27 12 548 7204 and complete our enquiry form today. One of our expert team members will help you unpack the advantages and disadvantages of dairy pumps for your operation.

Let us help you discover the best pump for dairy production. We tell you about the advantages and the disadvantages of each type of pump. Getting the right pump for your specific niche operation from the get-go is important and will prevent downtime.

Although multistage centrifugal pumps have many advantages, there are some disadvantages. We help you consider the pros and cons of each.

Source: dairyfoods.com
Adaptable, efficient pump technology at the heart of dairy production | Dairy Processing

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