Milk Processing Plant

An automatic milk pasteurization plant is a fully integrated system designed to pasteurize milk on a continuous basis with minimal human intervention. These systems are commonly used in dairy industries to ensure milk is safe for consumption and meets food safety standards.

Key Components of a Milk Pasteurization Plant

Component Function

Milk Storage Tank Holds raw milk before processing.
Plate Heat Exchanger (PHE) Heats and cools milk using hot water and chilled water.
Balance Tank Ensures constant milk level for smooth flow.
Centrifugal Pump Circulates milk through the system.
Holding Tube Holds milk at pasteurization temperature for required time.
Hot Water Generation System Provides heat for pasteurization.
Automatic Temperature Controller Maintains precise pasteurization temp.
Flow Diversion Valve (FDV) Sends improperly pasteurized milk back for reprocessing.
Milk Chiller Rapidly cools milk after pasteurization.
CIP (Cleaning in Place) System Automatic cleaning of the plant without disassembly.

Typical Pasteurization Process

Step Temperature & Time
Preheating ~30-40°C
Pasteurization 72°C for 15 seconds (HTST method)
Cooling Down to 4°C

Benefits of Automation

• ? Precise temperature control.
• ? Automatic cleaning (CIP system).
• ? Continuous operation, reduced downtime.
• ? Data logging for quality control.
• ?‍? Reduced labor costs.
• ? Higher hygiene and food safety compliance.

Plant Capacity Options

• Small scale: 500–2000 liters per hour.
• Medium scale: 3000–10,000 liters per hour.
• Industrial scale: 15,000+ liters per hour.

Automation Features

• PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) for process control.
• HMI (Human Machine Interface) for operator interaction.
• Temperature sensors and automated valves.
• Data logging and reporting for compliance and traceability.
• Alarms and safety interlocks for abnormal conditions.

Main Components

• Milk Reception Tank – Where raw milk is received and stored temporarily.
• Centrifugal Pump – To move milk through the system.
• Plate Heat Exchanger (PHE) – Heats and cools milk using hot water and chilled water.
• Balance Tank – Maintains a constant supply of milk to the system.
• Hot Water Generation Unit – Provides controlled hot water for heating.
• Holding Tube – Ensures milk stays at pasteurization temperature for a set time (e.g., 72°C for 15 seconds).
• Flow Diversion Valve (FDV) – Redirects under-pasteurized milk back for reprocessing.
• Chiller or Cooling Section – Quickly cools milk to 4°C to prevent bacterial growth.
• CIP (Clean-In-Place) System – For automated cleaning of the entire system.

Process Flow

• Raw milk is pumped from the reception tank.
• It enters the heat exchanger where it's preheated using pasteurized milk.
• The hot water unit raises milk temperature to pasteurization level.
• Milk travels through the holding tube to maintain temperature for the required time.
• If temperature is correct, it goes to the cooling section; otherwise, the FDV sends it back.
• Final product is cooled and stored in chilled tanks for packaging or distribution.