A milk clarifier works by using centrifugal force to separate heavier particles, like dirt, sediment, and somatic cells, from the lighter milk components. Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Milk Intake: Raw milk enters the clarifier, typically pumped under pressure.
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Central Pipe and Distributor: The milk flows down a central pipe within a rapidly rotating bowl. At the bottom, a distributor directs the milk outward towards the edge of the rotating bowl.
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Rotating Discs (Clarifier Stack): The milk is then forced between a stack of closely spaced conical discs rotating at high speeds (typically several thousand RPMs).
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Centrifugal Force: This rapid rotation generates significant centrifugal force.
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Separation: Due to the centrifugal force, the denser impurities (dirt, sediment, somatic cells, leucocytes) are forced outwards against the inner wall of the clarifier bowl. The lighter milk components (fat, proteins, lactose, water) remain closer to the center of the bowl.
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Discharge: The clarified milk flows upwards and is discharged through an outlet. The heavier sediment accumulates on the bowl walls.
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Sediment Removal: Periodically, the clarifier must be stopped, and the accumulated sediment manually removed from the bowl. Some modern clarifiers can automatically eject the sediment at programmed intervals without stopping.
In essence, a milk clarifier acts like a high-speed centrifuge, efficiently removing unwanted particulate matter from raw milk to improve its quality and shelf life. This clarified milk is then ready for further processing, such as pasteurization.
