steel is a stable homogeneous alloy c o m p o s e d p r i n c i p a l l y o f i r o n, chromium( 13 to 30 %) and nickel( 0 to 25 %).
Cleaning and disinfection Cleaning involves the elimination of b o t h v i s i b l e a n d i n v i s i b l e contamination that adheres to the surface of a material. However, cleaning does not necessarily destroy the micro-organisms that are present on the material. Full bacteriological cleanliness is obtained only after surfaces are disinfected. Disinfection a i m s t o r e d u c e t h e m i c r o b i a l population on a surface to a level that is compatible with satisfactory hygiene practice and prevents contamination of the food.
D u r a b i l i t y a n d C o r r o s i o n Resistance Chromium, a component of stainless steel, forms a protective oxide compound on the surface of the metal. Known as a passive film, this layer slows and even prevents corrosion. If the surface of the metal is damaged, the passive film reconstitutes spontaneously at room temperature through the reaction of the chromium with water and oxygen. The stability of the passive layer is the determining factor that ensures stainless steels resist corrosion. Stability can be affected by the nature of the corrosive environment. This includes the oxidising power of the material that comes into contact with the stainless, its acidity level, chloride content and temperature. The corrosion resistance of stainless steel is very important when it is being cleaned or disinfected. When a piece of stainless steel equipment is being cleaned in place, only products that are highly alkaline or acid should be used to obtain perfect hygienic conditions. Stainless steels ' exceptional resistance to corrosion of has enabled the dairy industry to develop widely and rapidly. Stainless behaves quite neutrally and does not alter the taste of fresh milk. Other factors also contribute towards making stainless steel the preferred material for the entire food processing industry. These include its mechanical characteristics, expansion coefficient, thermal conductivity and ease of use. The sustainability of stainless is a good sales argument. A milk-cooling tank is used for many years. The bulk handling of milk is the process of cooling and storing farm-produced milk in refrigerated stainless steel t a n k s p r i o r t o c o l l e c t i o n a n d transportation to the processing plant by tank trucks. It has a number of advantages over the old-fashioned system of milk churns.
Testimonial from Mueller
Raw Milk Cooling Solutions for Upcoming Dairy Markets The Mueller milk cooling tank is at the core of the company ' s extensive range of dairy products. Manufacturing quality, finish and cooling efficiency ensures that Mueller stands out from the rest. Mueller milk cooling tanks are manufactured in the Netherlands and produced from 100 % polished stainless steel. For more than 70 years, Mueller has been a reliable, global partner for both m i l k p r o d u c e r s a n d t h e d a i r y processing industry. Especially in upcoming dairy markets, the company is active in supporting local milk p r o c e s s o r s, f a r m e r g r o u p s, governmental and non-governmental organizations to optimize the cold storage chains for dairy products. Mueller is part of several Dairy Development Programs. Over the years, Mueller has been involved in the development of several raw milk cooling solutions, such as Milk Collection Centers, the Solar Cooler and the Biogas Milk Chiller.
Milk Collection Centers In Uganda, Mueller takes part in a dairy value chain project that aims at strengthening the technical skills and commercial negotiating capacity of dairy cooperatives. Together with distributor Inndigo, as well as other local partners, Mueller has set up about 100 Milk Collection Centers, where milk is centrally collected, cooled and stored under conditioned circumstances. With the collection centers, a new cold chain is being realized, cost-effective and energy-efficient, increasing the price farmers are getting. In addition, the dairy cooperatives will experience less spoilage and better milk quality as milk is chilled in 3-4 hours rather than the usual 10 hours. The collection
Milk churns in solar cooler
www. farmersreviewafrica. com July- August 2016
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