Solar solutions for the dairy industry
Every tonne of dairy product processed in the industry results in a significant amount of CO2 emission. A few dairy products are among the most climate-damaging food products in the world. The carbon footprint of these products can be reduced significantly by supplying solar heating solutions in the processing unit.
Range of applications for solar heating
- Cleaning
- Drying
- Evaporation
- Pasteurization
- Separation
Industry solutions
The Absolicon T160 solar collector has multiple areas for implementation in the dairy sector.
Clean in place, or CIP, refers to the cleaning of complete items of plant circuits without dismantling or opening the equipment. The CIP system can account for 10-20 % of the total heat demand in dairy plants. Solar heat can be supplied indirectly through a heat exchanger to the circulating fluids in the CIP station. The integration point is set prior to the conventional heat supply, thus ensuring that the set temperature of the CIP system is always reached.
The pasteurization processes can account for 5-30% of the total energy demand in dairy plants. Solar heat can be supplied to the intermediate water circuit in the pasteurizer. The set pasteurization temperature is achieved by topping the solar heat with conventional steam prior to the supply.
Drying processes play a major role in the food processing chain. Industrial dryers require large amounts of heat, most commonly with steam or electric heating. The incoming air can be heated with solar energy prior to the conventional heating supply. This will ensure the highest possible collector efficiency while ensuring that the set temperature of the air is reached.
Absolicon T160 Solar collector can be integrated into the existing boiler system to reduce the energy cost. The integration points of the highest interest are the make-up water, condensate, feedwater, and low-pressure steam. The highest possible solar system efficiency is achieved by prioritizing low-temperature integration points. Absolicon T160 can generate steam up to 160°C and 8 bar pressure.
Case Study
Learn how leading dairy producers are benefiting from solar thermal energy in their production plants:
Simulation for industrial heat dairy processes, Dubai UAE
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Download our application brochure by clicking the button below, and contact us for an initial discussion about the opportunities with solar thermal energy and how it could be applied in your plant.
