The dairy industry has long surpassed the stage in which the objective was only the production of milk, cheeses, or yogurt. Today, the companies in this sector pursue the full valorization of each component from milk: valuable proteins such as casein, lactose, fats, or even mineral salts such as calcium phosphate. Modern mechanical separation technologies, such as those offered by Flottweg, play an extremely important role in this process. The supermarket shelves offer a wide range of yogurts, consumer milk, fresh cheese, spreadable cheese, all with a high protein content, separated earlier through centrifugation and, then, added in the respective recipe.
With decanters, separators and Sedicanter®-type centrifuges specially designed for the food industry, Flottweg enables the efficient extraction, refining and dewatering of dairy products, in accordance with the strictest hygiene and energy efficiency requirements.
Production of casein, the essential protein of milk
Casein represents up to 80% of the protein content of milk and has important applications both in the food industry and in the chemical one. Flottweg equipment allows sustainable production of casein, through efficient processes, which save water and offer a dry content of up to 50%. In addition, they are designed for 24/7 operation, with full CIP system and FDA-compliant materials.
Flottweg solutions used in the casein production process:
- Z-series decanters, for counter-current separation and washing.
- Separators, for clarification of whey and wash water.
Casein can be precipitated enzymatically (with rennet) or by acidification (with lactic or phosphoric acid). In both cases, Flottweg ensures a final product of high quality, with optimal yield.
Lactose, the sugar in milk
Lactose, a natural sugar present in whey, is used predominantly in the food and pharmaceutical industry. Flottweg equipment can extract lactose as a solid product with up to 90% dry matter.
Key advantages of using Flottweg equipment:
- 3-stage washing process – for maximum purity, with minimal losses.
- Simp-Drive® + adjustable impeller – perfect control of the process and of the solids content.
With the right equipment, such as Flottweg Z-series centrifuges, you can efficiently recover a valuable product, with minimal loss of raw material.
Whey processing
Whey contains valuable proteins, lactose and minerals. Flottweg offers solutions for:
- Elimination of fine particles (curd dust)
- Dewatering of curd dust for products such as processed cheese.
- Skimming for recovery of valuable fats.
Whey is treated in 2 or 3 stages, with the help of separators and decanters. These maximize yield and allow subsequent use in baby food, whey drinks or pharmaceutical additives.
Extraction of calcium phosphate
Calcium phosphate (the salt of milk) is extracted to improve the quality of lactose and to reduce deposits in equipment. It is also a valuable dietary supplement.
Flottweg equipment used in phosphate extraction:
- Z-series decanters for phosphate separation.
- Nozzle separators for continuous and efficient extraction.
Processing of fermented dairy products – Greek yogurt, skyr, quark
Processing these products requires delicate but efficient separation. The Flottweg Sedicanter® centrifuge is specially designed to handle mixtures with high solids content, with high separation efficiency and full hygiene.
Advantages of using the Sedicanter® centrifuge:
- Hygienic design, fully CIP
- Efficient and constant separation even with variations in feed
- Operational flexibility and total process control
Recovery of fat from milk
In dairy plants multiple residual streams are generated that contain valuable fats – from wash water, soaking water for mozzarella or from butter production processes. With the help of Flottweg three-phase separators, used for recovery and concentration, you will achieve a high yield and quick payback of the investment.
The recovered fat can be reintroduced into production or transformed into butter, cream or butter oil. With Flottweg equipment, every component of milk can be maximized – efficiently, hygienically and sustainably. From casein and lactose, to recovered fats and mineral extracts, Flottweg offers complete solutions for modern and profitable production.
Contact us for a personalized audit of your production processes or for pilot testing under real conditions.
