Thermodynamic Sizing and Feasibility Analysis of a Continuous Milk Pasteurization

AbstractThis technical work addresses the thermodynamic sizing and feasibility assessment of a continuous pasteurization system for a new dairy product, integrating concepts of mass, volume and sensible heat balance. The objective was to calculate the thermal demand required to heat 4m3/h of fluid from 18∘C to 75∘C and to assess the sufficiency of a 30 kW industrial heater over a residence time of 60 minutes. Methodologically, the fundamental equations of calorimetry and mass conservation were applied based on thermophysical data of the fluid. The results indicated a mass flow rate of 4120 kg/h and a thermal demand of 939,360 kJ/h. The comparison of the data revealed that the available heater supplies only 108,000 kJ within the stipulated time, operating with an efficiency of only 11.5%. Given the insufficiency of the equipment and the imminent microbiological risk from under-pasteurization, it is concluded that the improvement and safety of the process depend on replacing the current infrastructure with a heat exchanger of optimal power of 300 kW