Stainless steel tanks for the dairy and cheese industry
New and used equipment for optimised production
Stainless steel tanks play a central role in the dairy and cheese industry, guaranteeing an optimum processing environment for milk and milk derivatives. Their stainless steel design ensures resistance to thermal variations, cleaning products and the strict requirements of food hygiene. Essential for operations ranging from storage to fermentation, these tanks help preserve product quality throughout the manufacturing process.
Investing in reliable, long-lasting equipment is a must for producers concerned about the safety and profitability of their production. While new tanks offer optimum performance and full compliance with current standards, the second-hand market represents a cost-effective alternative for companies looking to optimise their costs without compromising on quality.
In this article, we explore in detail the importance of stainless steel tanks in milk processing, the criteria to consider when choosing between new and used equipment, and the recent innovations that are redefining standards in the dairy and cheese industry.
Why choose stainless steel tanks in the dairy and cheese industry ?
The dairy and cheese industry is subject to extremely rigorous health and technical requirements. The slightest contamination can alter product quality and compromise regulatory compliance. That's why the choice of equipment, particularly storage and processing tanks, is a key factor in the success of industrial operations. Today, stainless steel is the benchmark material in this sector. Thanks to its hygienic properties, robustness and versatility, it enables manufacturers to guarantee a safe and reliable process while optimising the lifespan of their installations.
The challenges facing the dairy and cheese industry
The dairy and cheese industry relies on complex transformation processes, where the quality of the final product depends directly on the cleanliness and integrity of the equipment used.
Strict health standards and hygiene requirements
Milk is a fragile, highly perishable product that is prone to bacterial growth. To prevent the risk of contamination and ensure that production complies with regulations, manufacturers must follow strict standards, including :
- Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs
- HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) standards for identifying and controlling food production hazards
- Directives 3-A Sanitary Standards, applicable to dairy processing equipment
Surfaces in contact with dairy products must be smooth, non-porous and easy to clean to prevent the formation of bacterial biofilms.
Need for hard-wearing, easy-to-maintain equipment
Dairy plants are subject to demanding conditions :
- Exposure to temperature variations (heating for pasteurisation, cooling for preservation)
- Frequent cleaning with aggressive chemicals to ensure hygiene
- Permanent contact with acidic liquids and enzymes present in milk and milk derivatives
Equipment must therefore be made of robust, corrosion-resistant and easy-to-maintain materials to ensure optimum long-term performance.
The advantages of stainless steel tanks
Stainless steel is particularly well suited to the requirements of the dairy and cheese-making industries. Its technical characteristics enable it to meet hygiene standards while ensuring exceptional durability.
Optimum hygiene : smooth, non-porous surface, easy to clean
One of the main qualities of stainless steel is its perfectly smooth, non-porous surface, which prevents the build-up of residues and the proliferation of bacteria. Unlike rougher materials, it does not retain impurities, which makes it easier to :
- CIP (Cleaning In Place), an automated process used in dairy plants
- Effective disinfection, reducing the risk of cross-contamination
- Improved quality of finished products, with no deterioration due to residues or undesirable bacteria
Durability and corrosion resistance
Stainless steel tanks are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the dairy industry :
- Impervious to acids and aggressive cleaning products
- Resistance to thermal and mechanical shock
- Longer service life, reducing maintenance and replacement costs
These properties ensure long equipment life and a profitable investment for manufacturers.
Versatility : storage, fermentation, processing
Stainless steel tanks are not just for storing milk. They play a key role in a number of processing stages, including :
- Fermenting cheese and yoghurt
- Maturing and refining dairy products
- Pasteurisation and heat treatment
- Transport and distribution of liquids
Thanks to their modularity, they can be adapted to different industrial configurations and to the specific needs of each producer.
Better thermal conductivity to maintain temperatures
Temperature management is a key issue in the dairy industry. Stainless steel has optimal thermal properties that make it easier :
- Rapid cooling of milk after milking to prevent bacterial growth
- Even heating during pasteurisation or fermentation
- Precise temperature control to ensure consistent quality of finished products
This ability to maintain precise temperatures helps to optimise processes and improve industrial efficiency.
New or used stainless steel tanks: which solution should you choose ?
Stainless steel has become a benchmark material in the dairy and cheese industry thanks to its hygienic properties, robustness and longevity. When it comes to investing in stainless steel tanks, manufacturers have two options: buying new or opting for second-hand equipment. Each solution offers specific advantages, depending on production needs, available budget and regulatory requirements.
In this section, we analyse the advantages of new tanks and the opportunities offered by the second-hand market, while highlighting the criteria to be taken into account to ensure an optimum choice.
Advantages of new stainless steel tanks
Purchasing new stainless steel tanks is a strategic investment for dairy and cheese companies looking to modernise their equipment and optimise their production processes.
Customisation of equipment to meet specific needs
One of the main advantages of new stainless steel tanks is that they can be tailor-made to suit the technical requirements and specific features of the production site:
- Capacity adapted to production volumes : choice of tank size to avoid wastage or under-utilisation of equipment.
- Specific options : integration of temperature control systems, intelligent sensors or agitators optimised for dairy processing.
- Compatibility with existing production lines : bespoke design for easy integration into an automated process.
Warranty and compliance with recent standards
When you buy new tanks, you benefit from equipment that complies with the latest regulations, guaranteeing :
- Compliance with health and safety standards: compliance with HACCP directives, 3-A Sanitary Standards and European regulations (EC 1935/2004 on materials in contact with foodstuffs).
- Manufacturer's warranty: protection in the event of manufacturing defects or technical faults, reducing the risks for the company.
- Cutting-edge technologies: incorporating the latest innovations in energy optimisation, temperature control and cleaning in place (CIP).
Manufacturers who opt for new tanks are therefore banking on long-term safety and performance, with equipment designed specifically to meet today's production and hygiene requirements.
Opting for second-hand stainless steel tanks : a cost-effective alternative
For companies looking to reduce their investment costs, the market for second-hand stainless steel tanks represents an interesting solution. However, this choice needs to be carefully considered in order to guarantee the quality and conformity of the equipment purchased.
Reduced investment costs
Buying second-hand tanks means significant savings on the initial budget. This is because :
- A reduction in purchase cost of between 30% and 60% compared with new equipment, making it possible to invest in other equipment or increase production capacity.
- Faster amortisation of investments, which is of interest to companies in a growth or diversification phase.
- A limited financial impact in the case of temporary projects, particularly for seasonal production or the testing of new processes.
Immediate availability and adaptation to existing infrastructures
Unlike new tanks, which often take time to manufacture and deliver, second-hand equipment is generally available immediately. This is a major advantage in the following cases :
- Rapid response to an increase in demand without waiting several months for new equipment to be produced.
- Easy integration into an existing installation, particularly if the infrastructure does not require major modifications.
- Savings on installation costs when reclaimed tanks are compatible with existing connections and circuits.
These characteristics guarantee controlled cheese production, reducing the risk of defects linked to temperature variations or incomplete fermentation.
Checking quality and restoration criteria
While the second-hand option can be economically advantageous, it requires particular care when choosing equipment. A number of points need to be scrupulously checked before purchase:
- The general condition of the tank : absence of corrosion, cracks or deformations that could compromise its watertightness and strength.
- History of use : find out about the previous use of the vat to ensure that it has not been in contact with substances incompatible with milk production.
- Compatibility with current health standards: some older tanks may no longer comply with current requirements and will need to be modified.
- Any repair costs : inspection of welds, replacement of seals and fittings, upgrading of cleaning systems.
Some specialist companies offer fully reconditioned and certified second-hand stainless steel tanks, providing a reliable and secure alternative for manufacturers wishing to reduce their investment without compromising quality.
⮕ If the aim is to invest for the long term, with custom-built equipment that complies with standards, it is preferable to buy new tanks.
⮕ If the priority is cost reduction and rapid installation, second-hand stainless steel tanks are a cost-effective solution, provided you check their quality and conformity.
Maintenance and cleaning of stainless steel tanks - Ensuring their longevity
Stainless steel is renowned for its robustness and resistance to corrosion, but to guarantee its performance and longevity, rigorous maintenance is essential. In the dairy and cheese industry, where hygiene is paramount, the cleaning and disinfection of stainless steel tanks must follow strict protocols to avoid contamination and ensure optimum product quality.
This section details good maintenance practices for stainless steel tanks, recommended cleaning techniques and points to watch to prevent premature wear of the equipment.
Disinfection frequency and techniques
Regular cleaning to prevent contamination
In a food-processing environment, the accumulation of organic residues and micro-organisms can rapidly alter the quality of milk and its derivatives. To prevent these risks, it is essential to :
- Clean the tanks after each use to eliminate milk residues and potential bacteria.
- Carry out thorough disinfection at regular intervals (daily or weekly depending on use) to ensure a perfectly sterile environment.
- Implement a microbiological monitoring programme to detect any contamination and adjust cleaning frequencies if necessary.
Cleaning methods for stainless steel tanks
Two main cleaning techniques are used in the dairy industry :
1 - Cleaning in place (CIP)
- Automated system for cleaning the inside of tanks without dismantling.
- Use of high-pressure jets and specific cleaning solutions.
- Optimising the use of resources (water and detergents).
2 - Manual cleaning for external parts and hard-to-reach areas
- Wipe with clean, non-abrasive cloths.
- Application of appropriate disinfectant solutions.
- Visual inspection for residual dirt.
Going deeper into the subject
The maintenance and cleaning of stainless steel tanks are essential steps in guaranteeing the quality of dairy products and ensuring the longevity of the equipment. Regular maintenance, combined with appropriate cleaning techniques and the choice of compatible products, helps to optimise the performance of installations while complying with the strictest health standards.
⭢ See the article dedicated to the maintenance of stainless steel tanks in industry.
The dairy and cheese industry is based on quality, safety and efficiency requirements that call for appropriate, high-performance equipment. Stainless steel tanks have become an essential part of this industry thanks to their many advantages: impeccable hygiene, corrosion resistance, ease of cleaning and versatility to support all stages of milk processing.
Whether for storage, fermentation, pasteurisation or by-product recovery, stainless steel tanks guarantee an optimal production environment that complies with the strictest standards. The choice between new or used tanks will depend on the specific needs of each company, its budget and its production imperatives.
Over and above the initial investment, rigorous maintenance of stainless steel tanks is a key factor in ensuring their longevity and maintaining a high level of performance. Appropriate cleaning, the use of specific products and regular monitoring of components prevent any deterioration and optimise equipment profitability over the long term.
Faced with the challenges of the agri-food industry, companies must continually innovate and adapt their facilities. Thanks to their technical properties and durability, stainless steel tanks will continue to play a central role in the development of efficient, safe milk and cheese production that meets quality standards.
✖ Any doubts about the feasibility of your project ?
Please do not hesitate to contact an Arsilac manager if you have any questions or if you would like more information about stainless steel vat solutions for cheese production or any type of food processing dairy.
FAQ
Q1 : Why choose a stainless steel tank rather than a plastic tank ?
Stainless steel guarantees optimum hygiene, durability and resistance to chemicals.
Q2 : How long does a stainless steel tank last in the dairy industry ?
With regular maintenance, a stainless steel vat can last for several decades.
Q3 : Is it worth investing in second-hand stainless steel tanks ?
Yes, as long as you check their general condition, the quality of the stainless steel and that they comply with current health standards.
Q4 : How do I choose the right capacity of stainless steel tanks for my dairy farm ?
The choice of capacity for stainless steel tanks depends on the quantity of milk or dairy products you plan to store or process. It is advisable to calculate your requirements on the basis of daily production, and to allow for a slightly higher capacity to accommodate variations in production.
_
Note: This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. It is recommended that you consult experts and comply with the specific regulations of each industry.
#cuve #agroalimentaire #lait #fromage #fabrication #production
