Investigation of factors that impact the efficiency of dairy cream separation / Arjun A/l Asogan

Faculty of Manufacturing and Mechatronic Engineering Technology

Thesis (Master of Science) -- Universiti Malaysia Pahang – 2024

Includes bibliographical references

The primary function of cream separator machine is to separate the milk into two products i.e., cream, and skimmed milk. The technology of cream skimming has evolved from manual sedimentation to the involvement of the cream separator machine. Efficient cream separation is a vital stage in the dairy business since it has a direct impact on product yield and quality. Understanding the parameters influencing cream separating efficiency is critical for optimizing the process and increasing overall output. However, the reliability of domestic small-scaled cream separators has been challenged in the dairy industry due to several factors. The cream skimming efficiency is degraded in short period of time. This results in economic loss for the operation. The intention of this study is to evaluate the factors that have direct relationship with low performance and analyze the optimum operating capacity for sustainable process of cream separation. Analytical techniques, such as platform tests were included such as Organoleptic Test, Alcohol Test, Comparative Density Test, Solid Non-Fat Test, Methylene Blue Reduction Test (MBRT), and DelvoTest Sulphadiazine Penicillin No Tablet (SPNT) Test, were used to evaluate the cream separating process. The factors that were focused on the study were the understanding of centrifugal forces through motor speed, impact of temperature towards cream separation efficiency, and impact of milk flow rate for efficient cream separation. Each independent variable was analyzed individually with precise experiments. Descriptive analysis, tabulation of data in table and graph projection, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and Post-hoc Analysis were done for the tests to test the significance of each variable in skimming efficiency. The variables with the significant impact on cream skimming efficiency are narrowed further to analyze the optimum parameters for further justification to build a reliable cream separator in future. Based on this research it was found that all independent variables were significant contributing factors to dependent variable which is cream skimming efficiency. From this research it is also understood that motor speed of 5000 RPM, milk temperature of 35°C and flow rate of 600 ml/min is the optimum skimming setting for domestic cream separators.