HTST_UHT_specs.docx

Pilot-Scale HTST/UHT Processing Unit

The Dairy and Functional Foods Research Unit (DFFRU) requires a pilot scale high temperature-short time/ultrahigh temperature processing unit for pasteurization of dairy products including: milk, ice cream mixes, melted ice cream, dairy-based beverages, and plant-based milks (e.g. almond, pea). DFF is the only post-harvest dairy research unit within the Agricultural Research Service and requires equipment capable of pasteurizing a variety of dairy foods and by-products for studies on novel product-development that could be further scaled to commercial levels. The DFFRU recently purchased (2017) an Armfield Miniature-Scale HTST/UHT system (FT74XTS) for pasteurization of fluid milk, and at the same time purchased an Armfield laboratory process chiller (FT63) and sterile filling system (FT83). The process chiller provides a continuous supply of chilled liquid to serve as the cooling fluid during processing, and the sterile filling system is required to produce sterile packaged samples for extended product shelf life. It is essential that the pilot scale HTST/UHT unit is compatible with these components as to prevent the need for additional/redundant equipment purchases to allow the processing unit to function properly.

Below is a list of required specifications for the pilot scale HTST/UHT processing unit:

1. Compatible with Armfield laboratory process chiller (FT63).

2. Compatible with Armfield sterile filling system (FT83).

3. Must include Clean-in-Place (CIP) system that matches commercial flow rates.

4. Product flow rate of up to 2-3 liters per minute.

5. Capable of generating a fully sterilized packaged product

6. Must be able to run a variety of products: milk, ice cream mixes, melted ice cream, dairy-based beverages, and plant-based milks (e.g. almond, pea).

7. Ability to run at a range of HTST and UHT temperatures (eg. 40 to 155°C)

8. Potential for using tubular or plate heat exchangers.

9. Integrated homogenizer.

10. For UHT processing, the ability to use direct and indirect steam injections.

11. USB data logging capabilities.

12. Sterile vacuum system for direct heating.

13. Electronic flow meters.

14. Ability to preheat products prior to processing.