From Wet to Dry in a Hygienic, Efficient, and Sustainable Way

Modern measurement technology for milk powder drying plants

  • From Wet to Dry in a Hygienic, Efficient, and Sustainable Way
    From Wet to Dry in a Hygienic, Efficient, and Sustainable Way
  • JUMO CTI-750 conductivity Sensor (l.) and dTRANS p20 (r.) for precise pressure measurement in hazardous areas. Picture: JUMO
    JUMO CTI-750 conductivity Sensor (l.) and dTRANS p20 (r.) for precise pressure measurement in hazardous areas. Picture: JUMO
  • The JUMO Wtrans series is a system for wireless transmission of measured values using state-of-the-art radio technology. Picture: JUMO
    The JUMO Wtrans series is a system for wireless transmission of measured values using state-of-the-art radio technology. Picture: JUMO
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Milk powder is an indispensable ingredient in the global food industry. The versatility of this product makes it an essential ingredient for many manufacturing processes in fields such as baby food, chocolate, and baked goods. Precise and hygienic measurement techniques are essential to meet increasing requirements. Innovative solutions from JUMO enable manufacturers to make milk powder production effective, safe, and resource-efficient.

A look into production

Spray drying has become the standard process for the manufacturing of milk powder. In this process, liquid milk is forced through fine nozzles into a stream of hot air under high pressure. Temperatures of up to 200 °C cause the water to evaporate in a fraction of a second, leaving behind a fine powder. To increase efficiency, the generated process heat is recycled for such uses as preheating the milk before it enters the spray tower.

To ensure that the process runs smoothly and safely, critical parameters such as temperature, pressure, moisture, and conductivity must be closely monitored and controlled. Measurement technology plays a central role here – both in hygienic wet areas and in sensitive dry areas.

Hygiene and precision in wet areas

Before the actual drying process, the milk undergoes several processing steps that require the highest standards of hygiene. Here, JUMO sensors that have been specifically developed for the requirements of the food industry are used.

  • CTI-750: a high-precision conductivity sensor that enables accurate control of milk quality.
  • digiLine pH: enables reliable measurement of the pH value to ensure optimum conditions for drying.
  • PEKA process connection system: EHEDG-certified, cavity-free, and easy to clean – ideal for applications in which hygiene is critical.
     

Robust materials, such as 316L stainless steel and FDA-compliant seals, guarantee resistance to cleaning agents and acids that are used in CIP (cleaning in place) processes. 

Safety and efficiency in dry areas

In dry areas – especially in and around the spray tower – explosion protection and process reliability are key priorities. Here, dust containing starch and sugar (both of which are found in milk powder) poses a potential danger.

  • Wtrans: a wireless thermometer with ATEX approval that reliably transmits temperature data from potentially explosive areas.
  • dTRANS p20: precise pressure measurement with excellent long-term stability, which is also suitable for hazardous areas.
     

Thanks to modern wireless systems such as the JUMO Wtrans T Ex, complex cabling is no longer necessary, which reduces installation costs and increases flexibility.

Efficient and sustainable processes

A particular highlight of JUMO technology is the integration of digital communication interfaces such as IO-Link or Modbus. These enable seamless integration into modern production facilities and support automation through smart data analysis.

Through precise measurement and control of central process parameters, JUMO sensors contribute significantly to conserving resources and ensuring consistently high product quality.

JUMO's innovative solutions enable dairies and food manufacturers to meet the high demands of today's food industry. Hygienic, efficient, and sustainable – this is how JUMO designs milk powder production for a safe and successful future.