The principle of operation of the milk separator: types and how to use the device

For a successful farmer, the separator is one of the main devices. A simple unit instantly separates milk into nutritious cream and empty skim. With the help of separation, sour cream, butter, cheese and other dairy products are made. The principle of operation of the milk separator has not changed for more than a hundred years, but once the process of separating cream was time consuming and not so efficient.

What is a milk separator?

For several centuries, people have obtained cream by simply settling milk. The process was long, and the result had to wait a whole day. Until 1878, gravity was the only way to separate cream from milk.

In the second half of the 19th century, the Swedish engineer Gustav de Laval introduced a miracle to the world - a device called a "separator". Using centrifugal force, the device separated milk into fatty fractions and reverse.

The device was so effective and easy to use that the invention instantly spread in many countries.

Modern separators differ little from their predecessors - their operating principle has not changed. The device is necessary to obtain any dairy product. With the help of a separator, the farmer makes butter, sour cream, cream, cheese. The separator not only separates milk into different fractions, but also cleans the product from accidental contamination.

The principle of operation and device

The principle of operation of the device can be seen on the example of a household separator.

1. Milk is poured into the drum of the device. The whole product rotates in the drum at a speed of 10,000 rpm.
2. As a result of centrifugal force, heavy, fatty fractions (cream) are pressed against the walls of the device (thin layer).
3. The fat-free portion of the milk is concentrated in the center of rotation (thick layer).
4. After the drum stops, the cream and the fat-free part are drained from the separator through separate channels.

The splitting of milk into separate components is possible due to the special structure of the substance. The product consists of microscopic particles floating in a liquid medium. The density of fat and skim particles is very different. The fatty particles are more easily separated from the milk and if the product is left for a few hours, the cream will end up at the top of the beverage container. The separator allows you to significantly speed up the process of splitting the product.

At the top of the unit is a drum. The container is driven by a gearbox. The drum consists of stacked perforated cones - plates. The elements are equipped with small spikes. They prevent sticking of plates. A space is formed between the spiked plates in which the milk is split.

The set of plates is placed on the glass installed at the base. The upper distribution cone is equipped with special outlets for draining skimmed milk and the fatty part of milk. The outlets are connected to outlet horns. Through them, the finished fractions fall into the substituted dishes. The fat content regulator of the fraction is also installed there.

In addition, the upper part of the drum is equipped with a cavity for the accumulation of foreign matter.

The unit is closed with a lid, the upper part of which is equipped with a float chamber. The device is designed for accurate dosing of milk when the product is fed into the drum.A milk bowl is placed on top of the separator. Through a special hole, the product enters the float chamber, and then into the drum tank. The lower part of the unit consists of an electric motor or a manual drive. Most often, the device is powered by electricity.

Types of separators

Modern units are divided into several types. Each of them performs a specific function and differs from other devices in design features and characteristics.

Devices are divided into 2 types:

1. Powerful industrial machines designed to process large quantities of milk. Complex installations are used in enterprises in the food industry.
2. Separators designed for household needs. The unit is widely used in small farms.

Depending on the purpose, separators are divided into different types:

1. Apparatus-normalizers. They are used to prepare milk of a certain fat content.
2. Cream separators. They are used to break down milk into heavy cream and reverse.
3. Purifiers. Devices clean the product from impurities and contaminants. The operation is performed without separation of milk into separate fractions.
4. Universal separators. At the same time, cream is separated and milk is cleaned of impurities.
5. Apparatus for separating curd mass (clot) into whey and curd.
6. Devices for clarification of separated whey.
7. Installation-clarifiers. Used for the procedure of homogenization and clarification of milk.
8. Apparatus for additional defatting of separated whey.

Most of the listed devices are used in food enterprises. For a small farm, it is enough to purchase the simplest, most versatile unit.

According to the design features, devices are divided into 3 types:

1. Household separators of open type. In this case, the product is in contact with air masses, both at the inlet and outlet. It should be noted that due to exposure to air, milk produces a strong foam. This has a bad effect on the quality of the unit.
2. Devices of semi-closed type. Here, milk comes into contact with air masses only when it is fed into the drum. On the other hand, the final products enter the containers through closed outlets.
3. Closed type installations. Sophisticated devices ensure the processing of milk without air access. Unfortunately, such devices are only part of the industrial equipment.

Home appliances are divided into manual or electric installations.

Selection rules

When buying a separator, you need to decide on the scope of future work. A domestic household unit can easily handle the processing of a small amount of milk. To do this, it is enough to purchase a device with a capacity of 50 l / h. The recommended capacity of the receiving bowl is 5-10 liters. For the processing of farm products, a powerful separator is required - 500 l / h.

The expected frequency of use of the device matters a lot. When the load is heavy, it is recommended to purchase equipment with metal components.

In other cases, you can opt for a plastic separator. Available with mechanical or electrical control.

Electrical units are more convenient and much more powerful than mechanical devices, however, in the absence of power supply, the equipment will be useless. Experienced farmers recommend getting both types of separators.

How to assemble the milk separator?

Work begins with the assembly of the drum. The prepared container is installed on a special spindle. Then, containers are installed for receiving fat cream and skim milk. The drum is closed with a lid, and a bowl for milk is placed on top. Raw materials are poured into the prepared bowl and the device is turned on. With the help of a fat content regulator, the operation of the separator is adjusted. If the procedure goes well, the device works quietly, without vibration and knocking.

Instructions for use

It is not difficult to use a household separator, but for successful work you need to follow some rules:

1. For the separation procedure, milk must be prepared. Raw materials are heated to a temperature of 38-40 degrees. The thin film formed on the surface of the milk is removed.
2. The device is turned on and allowed to idle for 3 minutes. Then 1 liter of water is poured into the drum and driven through the separator. After preparation, the unit can be used for milk processing.
3. Prepared milk is poured into the receiver bowl. During the operation of the device, it is necessary to monitor the flows of the separated fractions. Heavy cream will appear first, and then it will be the turn of the reverse.
4. To obtain cream of the highest degree of fat content, it is necessary to adjust the drum. To do this, the adjusting screw is tightened to the end, and then turned in the opposite direction by 1.5 turns. If it is necessary to obtain medium-fat cream, the screw is again tightened to the end, and then turned in the opposite direction by 3.5 turns.
5. Before starting and finishing the procedure, the separator is thoroughly washed with hot water. Baking soda is used as a cleaning agent. The unit is washed with a soft sponge or cloth. Do not use steel wool or aggressive scouring powders.

Possible malfunctions

Problems in the operation of the separator are caused by the use of milk with a high level of acidity. In this case, fat particles get into skimmed milk. As a result, protein fragments overflow the dirt collection container. The machine has to be stopped frequently to clean the dishes.

The efficiency of the separation procedure is reduced if the drum is not installed correctly. If the container sits too low on the spindle, most of the cream will go back.

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