Milk pasteurisation is a technically complex process that requires strict adherence to established rules. Failure to comply with process standards can lead to lower quality of the finished product and to problems such as the formation of burnt-on deposits on the surface of heat exchangers.
This equipment plays a key role in the process and is very difficult to clean once soiled.
Causes of deposit formation during pasteurisation
Incorrect process parameters
If set parameters such as temperature or circulation rate are not maintained, deposits of proteins, fats and minerals can accumulate on the walls of the equipment. This disrupts the normal course of the process, reducing efficiency and even leading to overheating of the product.
Raw material quality
The quality of the raw milk plays a key role. The presence of vegetable components and high water hardness can accelerate deposit formation. It is therefore important to carefully monitor the composition of the milk and to treat water before use.
Optimising equipment cleaning
The problem of burnt-on deposits
Even ideal raw materials and production processes do not guarantee that deposits will not form on equipment. It is therefore critically important to use professional cleaning agents.
Solution
Conventional cleaning with caustic soda, even at a high concentration of about 4%, is not always effective. Regular use of specialised additives will help avoid unwanted burnt-on deposits and extend the service life of equipment.
Key ingredients of detergents
Professional detergents contain several main substances that play an important role in equipment cleaning. Hydroperite, or hydrogen peroxide, actively removes various types of soiling from surfaces. Surfactants (surface-active agents) serve to disperse and stabilise soiling in the liquid. Chelating agents are also used to bind and hold dirt particles in solution, preventing them from redepositing on clean surfaces. Phosphonates enhance the cleaning properties of alkalis. The effectiveness of these components increases significantly when a certain concentration, temperature and solution flow rate are maintained.
The optimal method of removing soiling
Alkaline solutions with peroxide-containing additives are effective for cleaning burnt-on deposits from surfaces. The recommended hydrogen peroxide concentration is 0.5–1%. This component acts as a cleaner, releasing oxygen and forming bubbles that help lift off soiling. Peroxide must be used with care, as it reacts actively under alkaline conditions. A gas release valve must be provided in the cleaning system. If there is no valve, a hatch should be opened to let the oxygen escape. Peroxide should be dosed not inside the cleaning tank but at a point close to the pasteuriser to ensure effective mixing with the flow. It is important to monitor the peroxide level after the process: if the concentration does not fall below 0.5%, the dosage is correct and the product is working effectively.
Environmentally friendly and safe cleaning products
Using alkaline cleaning agents with hydrogen peroxide is a more environmentally friendly approach. When peroxide decomposes, it forms oxygen and water, making the cleaning process safer for the environment. The auxiliary components in such products lower the alkali level, which makes it easier to remove detergent residues. This reduces water and energy consumption and also saves time. In addition, lower alkali levels reduce the risk of damage to the equipment being cleaned.
Recommendations for choosing acidic cleaners
For the acid cleaning stage, products containing nitric or methanesulphonic acid are often preferred. Products based on methanesulphonic acid combined with citric acid stand out for their environmental friendliness. They do not harm the environment and act gently on delicate equipment, while effectively breaking down deposits thanks to the action of two organic acids. These cleaners are particularly good at tackling milk stone and are suitable for both daily use and intensive use up to twice a week. Nitric acid products are considered the standard for removing various types of soiling, including stubborn ones. However, when using them, make sure that the materials being treated are resistant to this acid.
Recommendations for removing burnt-on deposits from pasteurisation equipment
When pasteurisation equipment suffers from burnt-on deposits, our first advice is to carry out a thorough audit. It is important to assess aspects such as temperature, flow rate, water characteristics and the choice of cleaning agents. Based on these data, we develop a specialised cleaning procedure, including the use of peroxide and specialised detergents. When drawing up the cleaning plan, everything is taken into account: from the type of products manufactured to the materials the equipment is made of and the production capabilities of the enterprise. For advice and a personalised cleaning programme, contact Klinin.