The dairy production industry is a strong driver of the U.S. economy, providing 3.3 million total jobs, $41.6 billion in direct wages, and an overall economic impact of nearly $753 billion. (Source: International Dairy Foods Association.) With so much product processed every day – from milk to butter and cheese – guaranteeing food safety is vital. This goal is accomplished by ensuring the tools and equipment used on the production line are hygienic and safe. Stainless steel tanks and equipment are ideal for dairy production. The smooth nature of stainless steel prevents the oil and sugar build-up prevalent in the dairy process, resulting in a better product and optimizing cleanliness. The material also won’t corrode and doesn’t release chemicals that can taint the quality of the product.In fact, stainless steel’s versatility, functionality, and reliability make it the most utilized type of equipment in the dairy industry.
Various Stainless Steel Applications for Dairy Production
Stainless steel equipment is utilized in all stages of dairy production, from processing to mass distribution, transportation, and storage.
Stainless Steel Milk Tanks: The milk tank is one of the most essential pieces of dairy equipment. A milk tank is built from stainless steel to maintain the correct temperature of the milk until it is moved to a refrigerated tanker and delivered to its endpoint.
Stainless Steel Tankers: Road tankers transfer the product to an insulated stainless steel tank, safeguarding freshness and hygiene until delivery.
Stainless Steel Vats & Churns: Vats are utilized for pasteurization, and churns make popular dairy products such as cheeses and butter.
Stainless Steel Maturation and Storage Tanks: Maturation tanks are integral to the process of making milk, cream, ice cream, yogurt, and cheese. Once the product has been processed, it is stored in a stainless steel container until it is ready for distribution.
Benefits of Stainless Steel Dairy Equipment
The benefits associated with stainless steel for food processing are significant. The advantages include:
It offers bacterial and chemical neutrality.
It is easily cleaned, disinfected and sterilized to support optimal freshness of the dairy product.
It is durable, reliable, and resistant to corrosion.
Stainless steel tanks and equipment are considered the best choice for guaranteeing exceptional processing, transportation, and storage of dairy products.
Benefits of Utilizing a Stainless-Steel Mixing Tank
Here are some of the most critical reasons to choose stainless steel mixing tanks for your dairy production facility.
Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion: Many stainless-steel mixing tanks on the market are finished with chromium on the interior and multi-layers, preventing any decay on the tank.
Stainless steel protects and retains the nutritional value of dairy products: Stainless steel tanks do not contain any materials that may be considered hazardous to food processing – such as arsenic, lead, or mercury. Stainless steel prevents any chemical modifications and maintains the nutritional value of the dairy products it stores.
Stainless steel is heat-resistant: Mixing tanks utilized in the dairy production process must endure intensely high temperatures, and stainless steel is typically heat-resistant. The tanks won’t bend, melt, or become distorted when the heat rises.
Overall, stainless steel dairy mixing tanks provide the ability to manufacture milk products more rapidly without sacrificing the quality or purity of the product.
How the Zwirner Equipment Company Can Help your Business
Regardless of the output or size of the plant, insulated milk tanks and silos are critical for receiving, processing, and storing raw milk and associated products before they are packaged or ultimately processed. Sufficient insulation provides the capability for milk, cream, and other dairy products to remain fresh for extended periods – boosting the productivity and revenue of your operation.Purchasing new equipment can be expensive – Zwirner sells used and pre-owned dairy tanks, milk tanks, and other dairy equipment guaranteed to perform for your business. Don’t forget, we can transport and maintain your equipment as well.