For our 10KL Tetra Pak pasteurizer, many vendors suggested installing a booster pump. We decided to check our process first before investing.
The Problem:
Our holding pressure was increasing from 1.5 Bar to 2.8 Bar after 10 hours. Everyone thought the plates were choked and a booster pump was needed.
What We Checked:
We use Alfa Laval P16 plates with a 7-meter holding pipe. The plate gap is 3.2mm. The main issue was not the plate design, but the CIP frequency.
The Test:
We did two tests on the same pasteurizer:
Test 1: CIP after 6 hours - Pressure was 1.5 Bar
Test 2: No CIP for 10 hours - Pressure went to 2.8 Bar
The Result:
With 6-hour CIP, we did not need any booster pump. Our plate life became 7 years.
My Learning:
For a 10KL pasteurizer, a proper 6-hour CIP SOP is more important than a booster pump. We saved a Rs 4 Lakh project and power cost.
Conclusion:
If your 10KL pasteurizer needs a booster pump, first check your CIP frequency. You may save lakhs.
What is your CIP frequency in your plant?
Thanks for the discussion. Updating my own experience as promised in the article:
For a 10 KLPH Tetra Pak PHE Pasteurizer, as per PMO/FSSAI rule, a booster pump (Sanitary Centrifugal, SS 316, 28 MWC / 2.8 Bar) IS required to keep pasteurized milk pressure higher than raw milk pressure for cross-contamination prevention.
BUT in my plant experience, we found it NOT required if you strictly follow a 6-hour CIP cycle SOP. Fouling causes pressure to rise from 1.5 Bar to 2.8 Bar after 10 hours. If you do CIP every 6 hours, pressure remains stable, plates last up to 7 years, and you save lakhs on oversized booster pump and power.
So my final take: No booster pump needed if your CIP frequency is 6 hours and balance tank head is OK. Full calculation I have shared in my article on Dairy Knowledge Portal.
What is your CIP frequency in your plant?
- Surendra Yan