The multi-rotor Cell Mill has been used for many years to simultaneously dry and mill or de-agglomerate casein. Historically the company had not focused on this industry and application, but, having gained substantial experience in supplying classifier mills for fine milling of similar products such as lactose, food pigments, starch, gluten etc., Atritor has established a good and growing reputation in the industry
When a company in Ireland was looking to increase production of attrition dried casein we welcomed the opportunity to quote. With limited experience on casein, to prove the application and gain customer confidence in our CM mill-dryer, we agreed to install a Cell Mill-Dryer in their plant for production trials. It was installed, bypassing their existing mill but utilizing existing feed, conveying and product collection equipment. At start up, literally on the second day of operation, the product specification was achieved and went on to run continuously for a week without a problem.
Based on this trial, the customer placed an order for a complete plant commencing with screw feeder for the wet curd, and including the Cell Mill-Dryer, air heater, product filter, fan, control panel, installation assistance and commissioning. Installation and commissioning was completed last year.
Process Flow
The typical process flow is shown in the diagram below. A screw feeder is used to deliver the wet curd at a controlled rate into the hot gas duct before the mill. Product fineness is determined by the speed of the rotor which is inverter driven, and product moisture is controlled by the outlet temperature setting. Inlet temperature will increase as the feed rate increases up to a maximum of 160 to 180 °C, this being traditionally the maximum temperature used in the industry above which product damage may occur.
