Equipment frequently used in dairy processing includes homogenizers, pasteurizers, separators, evaporators and dryers, membrane filtration equipment, churning machines, crystallizers, cheese vats and more. This equipment has been used for decades in the production of traditional dairy products like milk, cheese and yoghurt.
In recent years, however, the demand for dairy processing equipment has risen substantially. Market research predicts that the global dairy processing equipment market is projected to reach $10.90 billion USD by 2020, growing at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 5.4% from 2015 to 2020.
Reasons for this booming market include:
- Globalization and the growing demand for dairy products
- Increased and more sophisticated dairy production
- Heightened health and weight consciousness among consumers, leading to an increased demand for processed dairy products like skim milk and low fat yoghurts
- Rising demand for functional foods, infant nutritional products, nutraceuticals and sports nutrition products – which are often fortified with milk powders and whey protein concentrates
Homogenizers in Dairy Processing
A homogenizer is an indispensable piece of dairy processing equipment. Homogenizers break down the fat molecules in milk so that they remain suspended and resist separation. Once a dairy processing facility has separated the raw milk into skim milk and cream, they then use a homogenizer to recombine these to make various milk products with specific fat contents.
Homogenization also improves the viscosity, taste and mouthfeel of various other dairy products like milk-based beverages, cream cheese, mayonnaise, ice cream, cream products and dessert toppings.
Homogenizers: Not Just for Dairy
Homogenizers are prevalent throughout the food industry and are commonly used whenever and wherever a stable emulsion or dispersion is required. Non-dairy applications include the production of salad dressings, sauces, soups, fruit juices and candy products.
Pion understands the stringent regulatory requirements associated with food processing. Our high pressure homogenizers are designed for sanitary applications and our modular technology supports a wide variety of process configurations, including a high pressure pasteurization option. We also offer options such as automated control, data gathering, SCADA and validation documentation.
Our in-line mixing technology ensures that your entire batch of product receives the same level of processing. Pion's BEE brand high pressure homogenizers boast 100% scalable technology; so results developed in your laboratory will always scale up to manufacturing.
Click here to learn more about how our high pressure homogenizers can benefit your food and dairy products, or contact us today!
