Heat pumps and infant formula

Image: : Nestlé HealthScience
The news that Nestlé is doubling its infant formula capacity while employing heat pumps and other environmental processes to reduce its carbon emissions in the Netherlands is a good news story on all fronts. In response to increased demand for its Althera and Alfare infant formula brands, Nestlé is doubling production capacity at the Nunspeet plant with an additional processing line. The dairy giant is using a GEA heat recovery system that is fed by exhaust air from the spray drying plant and, in turn, provides 80°C hot water for its operation. As part of the project, GEA will also equip the complete wet processing technology, which supplies the Nestlé spray drying line with the prepared milk. Installation of the process technology and heat supply system is planned for this year. The plant will go into operation in 2025.
The new system will use heat pumps with spray dryers, which is a new method for both companies. In addition to the ammonia heat pump for the spray dryer, GEA is providing a second heat pump that supplies hot water at 85°C to heat the entire production line and run the various dehydration processes, as well as cold water at 1.5°C to air-condition the factory.
All this is estimated to reduce carbon emissions and energy for steam production significantly.
Here at Dairy Industries International, we will also be looking at new technologies for the sector, at the International Cheese and Dairy Expo, set for 27 June in Stafford, UK. Along with the Society of Dairy Technology Symposium and Dinner on 26 June and the ICDA Awards and networking lunch, it promises to be a solid two days of all things dairy in the UK. Don’t miss it! Please contact Samantha Bull for ways to get involved, ranging from exhibiting to speaking: [email protected].
- Suzanne Christiansen, editor, Dairy Industries International.
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