WO2019199161A1

WO2019199161A1 - Multichannel milk processing system, milking system and method for processing an animal-specific amount of milk

Info

Publication number: WO2019199161A1
Application number: PCT/NL2019/050202
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrey KUTEYNIKOV; Valentin SERGEEV
Original assignee: Direct Dairy Holding B.V.
Priority date: 2018-04-12
Filing date: 2019-04-04
Publication date: 2019-10-17
Also published as: EP3772913A1; NL2020759B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multichannel milk processing system, milking system (2) comprising such system and method for processing an animal specific amount of raw milk. The milk processing system according to the invention comprises: • more than one vessel (16) configured for receiving an animal specific amount of milk and each comprising a vessel input and a vessel output, wherein each vessel is capable of holding an amount of milk received from one milking operation for one specific animal; • a milk distributor (10) having a milking machine connector for connecting to a milking machine to receive raw milk, and a distributing system for supplying the animal specific amount of milk that is received from the milking machine to one of the vessel inputs; • a heating unit (38) integrated with and/or connected to each vessel and configured for heating the animal specific amount of milk; • a cooling unit (36) operatively connected to the heating unit and configured for cooling the animal specific amount of processed milk; • a packaging unit (48) operatively connected to the cooling unit and configured for packaging the animal specific amount of processed milk in individual animal specific milk containers; and • a milk processing controller configured for controlling the milk processing system such that raw milk is processed into individual animal specific milk containers.

Description

MULTICHANNEL MILK PROCESSING SYSTEM, MILKING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING AN ANIMAL-SPECIFIC AMOUNT OF MILK

The present invention relates to a (multichannel) milk processing system or the processing of raw milk from animals, such as cows, buffalos and goats.

In practice, raw milk is typically collected with various types of milking machines and pumped (directly) into a milk cooling/storage tank. A tanker collects the contents of the milk tank periodically. Processing often takes place at industrial dairies or at farms. Typically, milk is stored in the milk tank for about two to three days, for example.

In the milk tank, the milk originating from different animals is mixed. It is known that the taste of the milk in the milk tank changes. This is caused by the increase in the number of alien micro-organisms during storage and the reduction in the number of intrinsic short-life enzymes relate to the so-called bactericide phase of milk during storage. This reduces the micro-biological and consumer properties of the milk.

US 2010/0068345 A1 discloses a method for production of individual milk products. Part of the milk from a single animal is handled and processed separately from the other milk. The milk can be processed relatively fast after the milking operation. To some extent, this obviates the above problem relating to milk quality in the context of micro-biological and consumer properties, although no applicable approach is presented.

The problem with this approach is that it still requires a milk tank, as it is not capable of handling all the milk that is received from a milking operation. This still requires periodically collecting the raw milk with a tanker. This (still) requires a significant logistic operation.

Furthermore, the partly processing of raw milk requires additional equipment, while not replacing any conventional equipment. This renders the milk operation as whole relatively cost ineffective.

The present invention has for its objective to provide a milk processing system that is capable of maintaining milk quality and enabling processing of the milk cost effectively.

This objective is achieved with the multichannel milk processing system for processing of raw milk according to the invention, with the system comprising:

more than one vessel configured tor receiving an animal specific amount of milk and each comprising a vessel input and a vessel output, wherein each vessel is capable of holding an amount of milk received from one milking operation for one specific animal;

a milk distributor having a milking machine connector for connecting to a milking machine to receive raw milk, and a distributing system for supplying the animal specific amount of milk that is received from the milking machine to one of the vessel inputs; a heating unit integrated with and/or connected to each vessel and configured for heating the animal specific amount of milk; a cooling unit operatively connected to the heating unit and configured for cooling the animal specific amount of processed milk;

a packaging unit operatively connected to the cooling unit and configured for packaging the animal specific amount of processed milk in individual animal specific milk containers; and

a milk processing controller configured for controlling the milk processing system such that raw milk is processed into individual animal specific milk containers.

The milk processing system is capable of processing raw milk that is produced by animals, such as cow's, buffalos and goals. In a presently preferred embodiment, the system is particularly suitable for processing of raw cow milk.

By providing a number of vessels, an amount of animal-specific milk collected in one individual milking operation can be received by the vessel. In other words, when a specific animal is milked with a milking system, this animal-specific amount of milk is collected in one vessel.

This provides a multichannel processing system, wherein milk from an individual animal is processes separately and preferably collected in a separate vessel of the system.

This milking system may involve milking machines such as a dedicated milking parlour, a so-called Automated Milking System (AMS) or milking robot, and other milking machines.

Especially an AMS can advantageously be combined with the milk processing system according to the invention as such AMS is capable to provide the milk processing system with batches of milk that originate from an individual animal.

According to the invention, the milk distributor is in use connected to the milking machine to receive the animal-specific amount of raw milk and distribute this amount to one of the vessels. This distributing system may involve a number of valves and a valve controller, for example.

The milk processing system according to the invention further comprises a heating unit that is connected to the vessel output and/or is integrated with the vessel. The heating unit is configured for heating the animal-specific amount of milk. In particular, the heating unit is used for pasteurizing the animal-specific amount of milk. It will be understood that other heating operations can also be envisaged in accordance with the present invention. Such heating unit may comprise any conventional heating element, including heat exchangers using a heated liquid, for example.

Optionally, the heating unit is provided with a pre-heater. Such pre-heater may comprise a so-called tube -in-tube heat exchanger, microwave heater, l r example. It will be understood that other heaters can also be envisaged. A pre -heater can be positioned before the vessel(s). This further reduces processing time.

A cooling unit is operatively connected to this heating unit to cool the preferably pasteurized animal-specific amount of processed milk. This milk processing system according to the invention enables an almost direct processing of the raw milk with the processing being performed on an animal specific amount of milk. This enables pasteurizing an animal specific amount of milk in the bactericide phase, such that milk quality can be maintained. More specifically, the intrinsic short-life enzymes can be preserved in the milk, such that the micro biological and consumer properties of milk can be maintained. Furthermore, this reduces the number of alien micro-organisms in the processed milk as compared to existing processing technologies.

The milk processing system of the invention further comprises a packaging unit that is preferably operatively connected to the cooling unit and is capable of (preferably) directly packaging the cooled animal specific processed milk in individual animal specific packaging units. For example, in case a cow produces 10-25 liters of milk in a single milking operation, this animal specific amount of milk is provided to preferably a single vessel capable of holding such volume and processed by the heating unit and cooling unit. In a next step, preferably directly after the heating and cooling, the animal specific amount of milk is packaged in animal specific milk container of 1 liter, for example. These milk containers of 1, 2, 5 liter or another suitable volume are animal specific and can be labeled accordingly.

An advantage of the present multichannel milk processing system according to the invention is that all milk is used to produce a maximum number of packaging units from one milking operation. This preferably obviates the need for a separate (large) conventional milk tank, such that the complexity of the milk processing system is limited.

As a further advantage of the present invention, the animal specific packaging improves the traceability of the milk product. More specifically, the milk or milk product can be traced back to a specific animal (not only the farm).

The milk processing system is controlled by a milk processing controller that enables processing of raw milk into individual animal specific milk containers. Such controller may comprise a number of several local controllers and/or a central controller. Optionally, the milk processing controller is operatively connected to a number of sensors and/or analyzing equipment to measure and analyze the quantity and quality of the milk. This can be used to control the settings of the heating and/or cooling units, for example. The controller is optionally provided with communication means to enable sending and/or receiving information to and/or from a user or operator. This information may relate to milk properties that are measured in the system and/or process settings that are adjusted by the operator.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the system is capable of starting the heat treatment within one minute after the milking operation of an individual animal is ended. Thereafter, the processed milk can be packaged within one minute, preferably.

With the milk processing system according to the invention, substantially all raw milk, preferably more than 50 %, more preferably more than 70 %, even more preferably more than 80 %, and most preferably more than 90 % is directly processed. This direct processing involves the heating unit, cooling unit and packaging unit. The milk processing controller enables distribution of the animal specific amount of milk that is received into a vessel and enables further treatment. Unless specified otherwise all % relate to weight percentages.

It is noted that in a presently preferred embodiment, the optimum number of vessels for a single automated milking system or milking robot is six vessels. In a presently preferred embodiment the vessels are provided in a vessel module comprising 1 , 2, 3 or 6 individual vessels. The application of vessel modules enables an effective installation of the milk processing system according to the invention. In addition, the vessel modules enable an easy adjustment of the capacity, if needed. Presently, a vessel module having two individual vessels is preferred.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, each vessel is provided with a cleaning system configured for cleaning the vessel after processing the animal specific amount of milk.

By providing a cleaning system, the vessel can be cleaned after its content is supplied to the heating unit and before a next animal specific amount of milk is received. This guarantees that the end product can be traced to an individual animal. This further enables animal specific branding of the end product, for example. Presently, the cleaning system preferably comprises a so-called sprinkler or spray-ball system that is configured for performing cleaning flush. It was shown that such cleaning flush can be performed effectively and relatively efficient. Optionally, the cleaning liquid, such as cleaning water, can be used for animal feeding.

In a further preferred embodiment, the individual vessels of the milk processing system are provided with a mixer.

Providing an individual mixer for each vessel enables mixing the animal specific amount of milk that is collected in the vessel. This homogenizes the milk and improves the heat treatment by the even distribution of heat. For example, heat is distributed better from the inner walls of the vessel into the volume of milk..

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the milk processing system further comprises a balance milk tank that is operatively connected to the packaging unit.

As the volume of milk collected from each specific animal will almost never be equal to an exact number of milk volumes filled into standard packages, the packaging unit is preferably provided with a balance or tail milk tank that accumulates the leftovers of chilled pasteurized milk that exceed the exact number of packages to be filled from one animal. This milk could be further used for calves feeding or production of other dairy products like cheese, butter, yogurt, kefir, etc. Depending on the packaging unit volume, the volume of this balance or tail milk will not exceed 10 percent of the total volume of milk processed in the vessels. The invention further relates to a milking system comprising a milking machine and a milk processing system according to an embodiment of the invention.

Such milking system provides the same effects and advantages as described for the milk processing system. The milking machine typically relates to a so-called AMS.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the heater unit is integrated in each vessel.

By providing an integrated vessel and heater unit, a specific amount of milk can be heated and stored at the same time. This reduces the time between milking and heat processing, thereby further improving the milk quality. Furthermore, this has the advantageous effect that the cleaning operation can be reduced to cleaning of this single vessel, as cleaning the vessel also cleans the specific integrated heater unit. This renders cleaning very effective, thereby enabling or improving cost effective, animal specific treatment of the raw milk. In an alternative embodiment a single heater is used for a set of vessels.

The invention further also relates to a method for processing raw milk, with the method comprising the steps of:

providing a milking system that comprises a milking machine and a milk processing system in an embodiment of the invention;

milking with the milking system;

distributing the raw milk to one of the vessels with the distributor;

processing the animal specific amount of raw milk with the heater unit;

cooling the processed animal specific amount of milk with the cooler unit; and packaging of the cooled milk.

The method provides the same effects and advantages as described in relation to the milk processing system and the milking system. The method according to the invention is specifically suitable for maintaining milk quality and improving the traceability of the milk. As a further advantage, some conventional process equipment, such as a large milk tank, is no longer required. Furthermore, the periodically collecting of fresh milk with a tanker is no longer required. This improves the cost efficiency of the milking and milk processing.

The method according to the invention is in particular suitable for substantially direct processing of a substantial amount of raw milk, preferably more than 50 %, more preferably more than 70 %, even more preferably more than 80 %, and most preferably more than 90 %. By processing substantially the entire amount of raw milk, no large raw milk lank is required.

Furthermore, the milk quality of the entire raw' milk production can be maintained. Preferably, it also enables a combination of the method according to the invention involving direct processing of the raw milk and conventional storage. This provides additional flexibility to the farmer and allows for a gradual switch to the direct processing of raw' milk. In a further preferred embodiment, the heating step of the raw milk processing comprises heating the milk to a temperature in the range of 65°C to 85°C, preferably in the range of 65°C to 80°C, and most preferably in the range of 68 C to 73°C, for holding time period in the range of two seconds to five minutes.

To retain the maximum nutritional and taste values of milk, it is preferable to use any combination of a minimal holding temperature with a minimal holding time allowed by pasteurization standards and national and international regulation. Due to flexible automation algorithms, the invention allows the operator to set this temperature-time combination within the existing pasteurization standards and regulatory limits.

Preferably, the heating step starts within one minute after finishing the milking step of the animal- specific amount of milk. In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the milk is pasteurized at a temperature of about 68°C for a time period of about three minutes. For example, this enables pasteurizing the milk within the so-called bactericide phase of milk with the maximum retention of nutritional and taste values of milk.

Preferably, the vessel is rinsed or cleaned from the milk left from the previous animal- specific amount of milk in a cleaning step, with a so-called cleaning flush. Optionally, this cleaning flush is provided by a sprinkler or spray-ball. The cleaning flush liquid, such as cleaning water, is preferably used as animal feed. This renders the cleaning operation costs-effective.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the animal specific amount of raw milk is heated in one vessel that is integrated with a heater unit and/or CIP unit. This renders the heating step very efficient with a short duration between milking and heat treatment. Furthermore, cleaning is more efficient.

Further features, advantages, and details of the invention are described on the basis of preferred embodiments thereof, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 shows the milk processing system according to the invention;

- Figure 2 schematically shows the pasteurizing in an embodiment of the milk processing system of Figure 1 ;

- Figure 3 schematically shows an alternative integrated heating unit for the pasteurizing of the milk processing system of Figure 1 ;

- Figure 4 shows a vessel of the milk processing system of Figures 1 and 3; and

- Figure 5 shows the milk processing system according to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 3 according to the invention.

Milk processing system 2 (Figure 1) receives milk from milking machine 4 at input 6. In the illustrated embodiment, tank 8 is designed to decrease the pressure from AMS 4 to atmospheric pressure, preferably. The prevents/reduces raw milk foaming in vessels 16. Tank 8 is connected to milk distributer 10 that is provided with connection 12 and a number of valves 14 to enable collecting of an animal specific amount of milk in one of vessels 16. Milk distributor 10 sends the milk to one of the channels that are defined by valves 14 and vessels 16.

ln the illustrated embodiment, CIP unit 18 is connected to input 6 and is provided with shut-off valve 20. Controller 22 controls valves 14, 20 and cleaning valves 24. Cleaning valves 24 are connected to water supply 26. Controller 22 enables a cleaning flush with nozzles or sprinklers or spray-balls 28 that are supplied with water from water supply 26 through valves 24.

Furthermore, controller 22 enables CIP processing by controlling valve 14, 20 and 24. Vessel 16 is provided with inlet 26 and outlet 29. Outlet 29 is operatively connected to CIP output valve 30 and milk output valve 32. In the illustrated embodiment, using pump 34 milk is transported from vessel 16 to cooling unit 36.

It will be understood that other configurations of systems 2 can also be envisaged in accordance with the present invention. For example, valve 32 can be a three-way valve combining CIP output and milk output. Optionally, another (closing or shut-off) valve is provided in outlet 29.

Optionally, a heating unit is provided as a separate (sub-)system or integrated in vessel 16. In the illustrated embodiment, heater unit 38 is integrated into vessel 16 and heat is provided to heater 38 with heating system 40. Heating system 40 comprises water reboiler 42, pump 44 and a number of connecting pipes 46. It will be understood that other configurations for heating system 38 can also be provided.

hi the illustrated embodiment cooling unit 36 is directly connected to packaging unit 48 that is also provided with balance milk tank 50 and optionally connected to CIP unit 18.

Optionally, products from packaging unit 48 are stored in milk containers in storage room 52 before the transport to points of sale.

It will be understood that different configurations of the milk processing system of the invention are possible. For example, heating unit 38a can alternatively be provided between vessel(s) 16 with valve 32 and cooling unit 36 (Figure 2). This enables heating an animal specific amount of raw milk from an individual vessel 16 with a single heating unit. The illustrated embodiment of heating unit 38a is only schematically shown. It will be understood that other components or elements can be envisaged, including CIP processing, other cleaning operations and equipment, sensors, analyzing equipment, etc.

In an alternative embodiment, heating unit 38b (Figure 3) is schematically illustrated and is integrated with the individual vessels 16. This embodiment was already shown in figure 1.

Figures 2 and 3 shows a vessel module of two vessels 16. It will be understood that vessel modules may be provided with another number of vessels.

In a presently preferred embodiment, heating unit 38c integrates heating unit 38 with vessel 16 (Figure 4). Heating unit 38c comprises heating jacket 54. Vessel 16 is further provided with mixer or agitator 56 with motor drive 58. Sensors 60 are provided, optionally comprising measurement stick 62 capable of measuring milk properties in vessel 16, such as temperature. Vessel 16 is preferably provided with lid 64 and inlet nozzle 66b for receiving the milk and nozzle 66a for ClP-cleaning with spray-ball 68 that in the illustrated embodiment provided at the lower end of inlet nozzle 66a. It will be understood that nozzles 66a, b can also be integrated in a single nozzle, for example nozzle or inlet 26 (Figure 1 ). Outlet 70 (Figure 4) is preferably provided at or near the bottom of vessel 16. Heat is provided with hot water inlet 72 and removed from heating jacket 54 via hot water outlet 74 and preferably returned to water reboiler 42. It is noted that also vessel 16 in figure 4 can optionally be incorporated in a vessel module.

In a presently preferred embodiment, heating system 2 comprises frame 76 (Figure 5).

Each individual frame 76 comprises three vessels 16 with integrated heater unit 38c. Frames 76 enable effective transport and mounting of the frames at a desired location.

In particular, two frames 76 together comprise six vessels 16 that can be ad vantageously coupled via input 6 to milking machine 4. Water supply 26 is also provided to enable cleaning. Water reboiler 42 is used for providing heat to the individual heater element 38c. Cooling unit 36 is provided and can be operatively connected to packaging unit 48. Other elements in Figure 5 are indicated with similar reference numbers as compared to the system as illustrated in Figure 1. Several other elements presented and/or illustrated in Figures 1-4 are also shown in Figure 5. Optionally, cooling unit 36 is integrated in heating unit 38b or heating unit 38c to further individualize the milk treatment originating from a individual animal. For example, heating jacket 54 can be used both for heating and cooling, or separate cooling equipment can be provided.

In use, milk processing system 2 is combined with milking machine 4, together defining the milking system that is used for milking the animals. In use, substantially all raw milk is processed, preferably pasteurized, thereby obviating the need for a separate storage tank for the raw milk. In the illustrated embodiment with six vessels 16, a total capacity of 240 to 250 liters per hour can easily be achieved. Frame 76 is typically about 1.9 m high, 2.0 m wide and has a width of about 0.7 m.

It will be understood that other dimensions and/or configurations can also be configured in accordance with the present invention.

In a presently preferred embodiment, packaging unit 48 provides the end products to storage room 52, or, alternatively, packaging unit 48 is already located inside storage room 42.

This enables a substantially fully automated packaging and storage facility. Such facility is capable of receiving separate animal specific amounts of processed milk and packaging these amounts in individual milk containers that can be traced to the specific milking sessions of specific animals. The milk containers are preferably automatically provided with a conveyor to the cold storage room and in a presently preferred embodiment (temporarily) stored in or on a multi-layer conveyor. A trolley or other storage facility can be provided next to the conveyor. Orientators displace the individual milk containers on or in the trolley. Preferably, the individual milk containers are collected in packaging cartons that are located on or in the trolley. For example, 20 milk containers with a volume of 720 ml are packed into one packaging box and 12 packaging boxes are provided in one trolley. By providing four trolleys per conveyor, a total of 960 containers of processed milk can be stored onto a single trolley. With 6 trolleys per conveyor this amounts to 1440 containers. It will be understood that other configurations for the packaging can also be envisaged in accordance with the present invention.

The present invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred embodiment thereof. The rights sought are defined by the following claims, within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged.

Claims

1. Multichannel milk processing system for processing of raw milk, the system comprising: more than one vessel configured for receiving an animal specific amount of milk and each comprising a vessel input and a vessel output, wherein each vessel is capable of holding an amount of milk received from one milking operation for one specific animal;

a milk distributor having a milking machine connector for connecting to a milking machine to receive raw milk, and a distributing system for supplying the animal specific amount of milk that is received from the milking machine to one of the vessel inputs;

a heating unit integrated with and/or connected to each vessel and configured for heating the animal specific amount of milk;

a cooling unit operatively connected to the heating unit and configured for cooling the animal specific amount of processed milk;

a packaging unit operatively connected to the cooling unit and configured for packaging the animal specific amount of processed milk in individual animal specific packaging units; and

2. Multichannel milk processing system according to claim 1, wherein each vessel is provided with a cleaning system configured for cleaning the vessel after processing the animal specific amount of milk.

3. Multichannel milk processing system according to claim 2, wherein the cleaning system comprises a sprinkler or spray-ball system configured for performing a cleaning flush.

4. Multichannel milk processing system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the vessel is provided with a mixer.

5. Multichannel milk processing system according to one of the foregoing claims, further comprising a balance milk tank that is operatively connected to the packaging unit.

6. Multichannel milk processing system according to one of the foregoing claims, wherein the heater unit is integrated in each vessel.

7. Multichannel milking system comprising a milking machine and a milk processing system according to one of the foregoing claims.

8. Method for processing raw milk, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a multichannel milking system according to the foregoing claim;

milking with the milking system;

distributing the raw milk to one of the vessels with the distributor; processing the animal specific amount of raw milk with the heater unit;

9. Method according to claim 8, wherein more than 50 % of the total amount of raw milk is processed into individual animal specific milk containers, preferably more than 70 %, more preferably more than 80 %, and most preferably more than 90 %.

10. Method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the heating step comprises heating the milk to a temperature in the range of 65 C to 85°C, preferably in the range of 65°C to 80°C, and most preferably in the range of 68°C to 73°C, for a holding time period in the range of 3 seconds to 5 minutes.

11. Method according to claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein the heating step starts within one minute after finishing the milking step of the animal specific amount of milk.

12. Method according to one of claims 8-11 , wherein the animal specific amount of raw milk is heated in one vessel that is integrally provided with a heater unit.

13. Method according to any of claims 8-12, further comprising a cleaning step wherein the vessel is cleaned with a cleaning flush.

14. Method according to claim 13, wherein the cleaning flush liquid can be used as animal feed.