Butter maker required sanitary measurement solution

NOSHOK developed a custom solution for a large butter processing manufacturer which included tank level and line pressure measurement sanitary transmitters.

Precise measurement and 3A sanitary equipment are crucial in the processing of anhydrous milk fat (AMF). The NOSHOK sanitary pressure transmitters provided unique design and technology benefits resulting in reliable measurement in the AMF production process.

AMF is manufactured from fresh butter or cream and must contain at least pure 99.8% milk fat and no additives. Codex Alimentarius standard CODEX STAN 280-1973 defines anhydrous milkfat, milkfat, anhydrous butteroil and butteroil as “fatty products derived exclusively from milk and/or products obtained from milk by means of processes which result in almost total removal of water and non-fat solids”.

AMF processing generally involves continuous flow direct from cream/milk and/or from reworked butter. During this process, there are many stages which require critical tank level and pressure measurements.

When the cream is being made into butter, buttermilk is extracted out of the process. This leaves butter which is approximately 80% fat. The butter is then melted and held in a tank.

NOSHOK’s 3A approved 204 Series Intelligent Silo & Tank Level Sanitary Pressure Transmitters were installed on the buttermilk tank and the raw melted butter tank, which allowed easy programming and range adjustment without test pressure via onboard display. These transmitters provide an accuracy 0.1% of adjusted span and 10:1 turn down, as well as a 360° rotatable display for ease of reading in multiple configurations.

The product is then pumped from the holding tank to a separator which removes any excess water/buttermilk. The butteroil that is left is approximately 99.5% fat. After a final vacuum treatment, the final product, AMF, will be in the oil tank at 99.8% fat.

NOSHOK’s 254 Series Intelligent Pressure & Level Transmitters were installed in the balance tanks and CIP tanks, as well as monitoring various line pressures in the process.

The large butter manufacturing company chose NOSHOK products due to several design and technology advantages, including reduced potential for damage, minimised temperature/position error, and greater rangeability reducing required inventory. 

The sanitary transmitters are designed with flush diaphragm technology that uses a compact, robust diaphragm with matching substrate to minimise the amount of fill fluid and reduce potential for damage. The instrument’s diaphragms are laser welded and helium leak tested, and sensors are positioned close to the media to provide active temperature compensation at the point of measurement to minimise temperature and position error. These sensors also provide local indication of process temperature. No reference pressure is required for range adjustment. Linearisation can also be made for various tank shapes.

The transmitter’s polished stainless steel housing is suitable for hygienic applications and harsh, aggressive ambient conditions. HART protocol is available.

Top image credit: iStock.com/Magone