Milk is separated into cream and skim milk using a centrifuge.
The Centrifuge Method
The most common method for separating milk on a large scale is by using a centrifuge. This process takes advantage of the different densities of milk components.
How it Works:
- A centrifuge is a machine that spins milk at high speeds.
- The lower density cream is pushed towards the center of the spinning machine.
- The higher density skim milk is forced to the outer edges.
- This difference in density allows for the physical separation of the two components.
Key Components:
| Component | Density | Location in Centrifuge |
|---|---|---|
| Cream | Lower | Center |
| Skim Milk | Higher | Outer Edges |
This process is fairly simple and efficient, making it ideal for large-scale dairy operations. The centrifuge physically separates the cream from the skim milk based on their differing densities when spun at high speeds.
