Methods of Detecting Fouling Caused by Heating of Milk

Abstract

Fouling is the deposition of milk solids on heat transfer surfaces, particularly heat exchangers. It is a major industrial problem, which causes a decrease in heat transfer efficiency and shortens run times. The resultant effect is a decrease in process efficiency and economy. For studying and monitoring deposit formation, suitable fouling detectors or methods of measuring the deposit are required. This can be achieved through direct means, whereby the deposit is analyzed after a certain time, or indirectly through instrumentation for monitoring parameters such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, overall heat transfer coefficient, heat flux, and other physical properties. This article reviews the various reported fouling detection methods.

Keywords:

• Fouling
• UHT
• Milk
• Overall heat transfer coefficient
• Heat-exchangers
• Heat flux
• Temperature drop
• Pressure drop

Acknowledgement

The authors acknowledge Dairy Australia for financial support for this project.