Milk Powder Production Line
A milk powder line sized by evaporation rate and dryer tower height, where the powder's solubility and bulk density are set by atomiser speed and inlet temperature.
Key Specifications
| Capacity | 1,000 - 20,000 kg powder per day |
|---|---|
| Evaporation | Falling film, 3-5 effect |
| Dryer | Pressure nozzle or rotary atomiser, 8-16 m tower |
| Moisture | 2.5-3.5 percent final |
| Bulk density | 0.55-0.70 g/ml, adjustable |
| Fluid bed | Integrated, with lecithin option for instant powder |
| Heat source | Steam or indirect hot air |
Evaporate before you dry
Milk at 12 percent solids must reach 45-50 percent before drying; removing that water in an evaporator costs roughly one tenth of removing it in the tower. Skipping multi-effect evaporation is the most common way to make a milk powder plant uneconomic.
What sets bulk density
Atomiser speed and inlet temperature together determine particle size and therefore bulk density. Faster atomisation gives finer particles and lower density; slower gives coarser, denser powder that flows and fills better.
Instant powder needs lecithin
Lecithin coating in the fluid bed makes powder wet and disperse rather than forming lumps on the surface. For consumer sachets this is not optional.
Typical Applications
- Dairies absorbing seasonal milk surplus — Powder converts perishable surplus into a product with two years of shelf life.
- Formulated and infant nutrition — Multi-stage drying with precise temperature control supports heat-sensitive formulations.
- Export to tropical markets — Powder avoids cold chain entirely and is the standard export format for milk solids.
Related Equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
What determines tower height?
Residence time needed for the droplet to dry before it hits the wall. Taller towers allow gentler drying and better solubility on heat-sensitive products.
Can the line run whey powder?
Yes, with a different evaporation stage; whey is more heat-sensitive and needs lower inlet temperature.
How is solubility measured?
By the IDS test (insolubility index). Premium whole milk powder targets below 0.5 ml.
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