The core function of a milk pasteurization tank is to subject milk to heat treatment under controlled temperature and time conditions. The process generally comprises several key stages: feeding, heating, holding (pasteurization), cooling, and discharging.
Production begins with the introduction of pre-treated milk into the pasteurization tank. The agitation system is activated to ensure uniform flow within the tank. Subsequently, a heating medium enters the tank's jacket, transferring heat to the milk through the tank wall.
As heating progresses, the temperature of the milk rises gradually. Temperature sensors continuously monitor the product temperature. Once the temperature reaches the set value, the control system initiates the holding phase. During this stage, the equipment maintains a relatively stable temperature to ensure the milk meets the specified heat treatment requirements.
Following the holding phase, the equipment proceeds to the cooling stage in accordance with the production process. Cooling is typically achieved by circulating cooling water or another cooling medium through the jacket. Switching between heating and cooling media allows the equipment to transition from the heating phase to the cooling phase.
Throughout the process, factors such as agitation speed, heating rate, holding time, and cooling rate influence the quality of the final product. For instance, excessively rapid heating can cause significant localized temperature fluctuations, while insufficient agitation may result in temperature gradients within the tank.
Therefore, the key to effective milk pasteurization lies not merely in raising the heating temperature, but in achieving comprehensive control over temperature, time, agitation, and heat exchange. Specific heat treatment parameters for different dairy products must be determined based on product formulations, production processes, and relevant food safety standards.
Modern milk pasteurization tanks can also be integrated with PLC-based automatic control systems. These systems enable real-time temperature monitoring and functions such as automatic heating, holding, cooling, and anomaly alarms, thereby minimizing human error and enhancing the stability of the production process.