Dairy Plant Design, Construction and Operation

Abstract

The design of a dairy processing plant requires knowledge of theproduct, process, economics, and hygienic design principles that ensure theproduction of a safe product. Upon developing a flow sheet of the plant, therequired equipment is identified. In dairy processing, certain equipment iscommon to all plants, such as tanks, heat exchangers, pumps, pipes, fittingsand valves, centrifuges, and homogenizers. Equipment specification is subjectto standards developed by the industry and government agencies and can also beassisted by the selection of equipment from the European Hygienic Engineeringand Design Group (EHEDG) list of certified equipment that has passed areference challenge test for cleanability. Another important aspect of plantdesign involves utilities, including steam, chilled water, hot water,electricity, and natural gas. The overall plant design must include a propercleaning- and disinfection-system, which is often operated in a clean-in-placemanner. Environmental concerns necessitate the use of a properly designed wastedisposal system. More details regarding these topics are provided in thisarticle.