Dinnissen Process Technology, Sevenum, the Netherlands, has introduced the Aeolus Pneumatic Lactose Transport System. By means of a smart, patented combination of bends and switches, the system is designed to prevent accumulation of lactose during the production process, thereby reducing the need for cleaning (up to12 times). The aim is to significantly reduce downtime, while improving product quality and hygiene.

The Aeolus system was developed in cooperation with FrieslandCampina, one of the world’s largest dairy companies. Dinnissen states that in the dairy and food industry, fouling of lactose transport pipework is a major problem. To ensure product safety and quality, products containing lactose are often processed in hygienic production processes. Due to the strict hygiene requirements, cleaning pneumatic transport systems is a time-consuming and labour-intensive task. The pipework and various components of the conveyor system must be dismantled and then cleaned with hot water. In addition, the pipes must be completely free of moisture before the system is reassembled to prevent bacterial growth.

This cleaning process takes several days and needs to be repeated every eight weeks. The new Aeolus system prevents accumulation of lactose and therefore production has to be stopped up to 12 times less often for cleaning. This can result in 8-12% more production days per year. In addition, it results in a major saving on labour costs.

The Aeolus concept is also said to improve product quality; because there is no further build-up of lactose, the orifice diameter in the tubes remains at its maximum during transport. This results in continuous product flow and quality, as there is no more product accumulation and therefore no loss of transport speed, no damaged particles and less risk of bacterial growth and product contamination. Key advantages are said to include:

•    Preventing accumulation of lactose in pneumatic transport.
•    Up to 12 times less cleaning required.
•    8-12% more production time each year.
•    Very significant savings on labour costs.
•    Maximum product flow at all times owing to unrestricted outlet diameter.
•    Continuous product quality thanks to elimination of product contamination.
•    Longer system life because of less abrasion as a result of smooth product flow.
•    Reduced risk of system damage caused by mechanical removal (with hammers) of accumulated lactose.
•    Reduced risk of contamination and bacterial growth as systems need to be opened and cleaned less frequently.
•    Wide range of applications for pneumatic transport of different products.
www.dinnissen.com

Dinnissen’s Aeolus Pneumatic Transport System

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