Improving Milk and Cream Transfer in a Dairy Production Facility

A dairy producer supplying milk for Grana Padano cheese faced numerous challenges due to a problematic progressive cavity pump.

Seeking to improve reliability, hygiene and efficiency, they turned to Fristam Pumps, who installed an FDS 3L-2 double screw pump which transformed their process!

Application Overview
The customer’s operation required transferring milk from delivery trucks to surfacing/separating systems and onward to packaging. The pump had to operate efficiently in both directions to suit this dual role.

Previously, a progressive cavity pump was used. However, frequent rubber stator degradation caused severe performance losses and increased downtime. As wear intensified, maintaining the strict hygiene standards essential for Grana Padano cheese production became increasingly difficult. Product quality suffered, operational efficiency dropped, and production timelines lengthened, leading to higher operational costs.

Operators were also burdened with the constant task of monitoring the deteriorating equipment, diverting attention from other critical duties. Over time, the reliability of the production line became compromised, introducing a level of unpredictability that the customer could no longer accept.

Fristam Solution
Equipment Supplied: Fristam FDS 3L-2 Double Screw Pump
Configuration: Single seals, DIN11851 connections, axial suction DN100, lateral discharge DN80 (motor side view)
Motor: 7.5kW, 8 poles

Duty Points Achieved:

• Milk loading: 25 m3/h @ 1 bar, 1cP
• Milk unloading (various phases): Ranging from 2.5 to 15 m3/h @ 3 bar, 1cP
• Cream unloading: 15 m3/h @ 3 bar, 10cP
• CIP (Cleaning in Place): 28 m3/h @ 3 bar, 1cP

Implementation Highlights

The FDS was supplied with a lateral discharge configuration to fit seamlessly into the existing layout, requiring no installation modifications. The trial was a “Sales on Return” agreement with a 3-week evaluation period.

Immediate Results

• Performance Stability: Fristam’s contact-free screw design eliminated wear-related degradation. The FDS pump maintained stable performance over time.
• Improved Process Time: In certain phases, process time was halved.
• Operational Efficiency: Operators ran the pump at lower speeds, benefiting product stability and reducing energy consumption.
• Noise Reduction: Operators noted the pump’s quiet operation immediately.
• Operator Satisfaction: With the robust, low-maintenance FDS, staff could focus on other critical tasks.

Technical Advantages of the FDS

• Exceptional Suction: The FDS can handle up to 70% air without cavitation, critical when handling delicate dairy products.
• Three Pumps in One: Suitable for highly viscous products, thin liquids like CIP, and scavenging duties, eliminating the need for multiple pumps.
• Superior Hygiene: Mechanical seals are located in fully flushed areas, preventing contamination and ensuring compliance with strict dairy hygiene standards.
• Simplified Maintenance: Front-loading mechanical seals and accessible gearbox design allow fast inspections and repairs without removing the pump.
• Durability: Strong shafts made from duplex steel ensure smooth, consistent flow even under high-pressure conditions.

Customer Feedback
The dairy plant valued the FDS’s consistent performance, minimal maintenance needs, and the technical expertise provided during the pump selection. They also appreciated the “Sales on Return” approach, which allowed them to validate performance without upfront risk.
Given their positive experience with an existing FDS unit on a ricotta cheese line, and the proven success during this trial, the customer has reinforced their trust in Fristam as their process partner.