Dairy processing
Boost dairy processing quality and productivity
Dairy products quickly degrade if not maintained in a dry, cold environment during handling and storage. Munters dairy cooling systems control processing and storage environments, keeping air humidity low to protect dairy products from microorganism growth and product deterioration.
Dairy processors look to Munters for solutions in many different areas of their plants. Our dairy processing dehumidification systems take outside air down to a lower dew point than most standard systems without pre-cooling. Munters cooling systems have a higher outlet temperature to treat the process air, typically heated to 145°C or higher. Consistent humidity is maintained, even as the outside air conditions change.
Munters dehumidification solutions reduce drying time, deliver consistent product quality and reduce product waste. Our solutions provide dry winter conditions year-round, even in tropical climates. We help dairy processors increase production and quality as well as improve safety and secure hygiene.
Applications for dairy processing
Spray dryers
Spray-drying dairy products is standard practice the world over. In hot and humid climates where weather conditions fluctuate, spray-dryer operators face performance issues. Changes in the ambient weather influence the conditions of the supply air entering the drying process, resulting in low drying capacity, heavy process fluctuations and difficulties in drying sensitive products.
Dehumidifying spray-dryer air optimizes capacity and reduces energy consumption. Maintaining constant operating parameters throughout the year is possible by using a Munters desiccant dehumidifier for your dairy processes.
Fluid beds
Dairy products often require chilling after processing. If not adequately cooled, products containing fat, for instance, can turn rancid. Using fluid beds effectively cools and dehumidifies dairy products. Adding a Munters dehumidifier to your dairy processes can safeguard product quality and eliminate product loss.
Pneumatic conveying
A pneumatic conveying system uses air to transport products. If not properly controlled, the air can impact product quality. A dried dairy product, for instance, can reabsorb moisture from the air if it’s humid, compromising its texture, flavor and shelf life. Munters dehumidification systems help prevent product loss by removing excess moisture from the air, creating the perfect climate for dairy processing.
Cold rooms or chillers
Condensation can be a common problem in chilled rooms if relative humidity (RH) is not properly controlled through desiccant dehumidification. High RH levels that exceed 70% increase the risk for mold. Munters cooling systems can effectively address condensation from high RH levels. Equipping cold rooms, such as cheese storage rooms, with a Munters desiccant dehumidifier creates the perfect climate for dairy processing.
Drying before packing
Ensuring that dairy products, such as cheese, are completely dry before applying a soft coating safeguards product quality. A desiccant dehumidifier can quickly dry the product, without raising its temperature.
Drying after cleaning
Cleaning objects with water in a humid environment can lead to bacterial growth. Using a desiccant dehumidifier inhibits the growth of bacteria. What’s more, dehumidified air is healthier and cleaner for the people and equipment in the conditioned space.
Process heating and heat exchangers
Looking for a way to enhance the quality of your dairy products and save energy? Look no further. As an industry leader, Munters supplies customized indirect fired systems for spray drying applications in the dairy industry. These systems provide efficiencies of more than 90%. Our innovative process heating systems use indirect fired gas to prevent harmful combustion byproducts from entering the process airstream, resulting in higher quality dairy products.
For energy recovery, Munters also specializes in manufacturing air-to-air heat exchangers compliant with USDA guidelines. Our heat exchangers help you reduce energy costs and support your sustainability efforts.
