Converting milk into milk powder is a complex process that includes multiple steps such as milk collection, processing, concentration, and drying. The following is the detailed process about the manufacturing of milk powder::
Milk source selection and collection:
The production of good milk powder starts with high quality milk. Producers usually choose fresh, fresh milk, the quality of which is directly related to the quality of the final milk powder.
Milk usually comes from cows and needs to be collected in accordance with hygienic standards.
Handling of milk:
The collected milk undergoes a preliminary treatment that includes filtration, removal of impurities, adjustment of fat content, etc.
Milk may be heated to kill potentially harmful microorganisms and increase the shelf life of dairy products.
Milk concentration: Concentration is the evaporation of water from milk to increase the concentration of milk. This can be achieved by different methods such as vacuum evaporation, ultrafiltration, etc.
Concentrated milk is called condensed milk, and its concentration is usually two to three times that of raw milk.
Emulsification:
In order for the milk powder to dissolve better in water, the concentrated milk is emulsified. This is done by dispersing the fat particles in the milk, preventing them from clumping in the milk powder.
5.Drying: This is a crucial step in the manufacture of milk powder. The emulsion is fed into a dryer from which the water evaporates.
Commonly used drying methods are spray drying and drum drying. In this process, particles of milk powder are formed.
6.Finished product processing:
The dried milk powder needs to be cooled and packaged. The packaging is usually sealed to prevent the effects of moisture and oxygen on the milk powder.
7.Quality Control:
Manufacturers ensure that milk powder meets quality standards through a variety of tests, including fat content, moisture content, microbiological testing, and more.
Milk powder manufacturing is a technology-intensive process, and all stages of operation need to be carefully controlled to ensure the quality and safety of the final product. The proper execution of this process is essential for the production of high-quality milk powder.