Industry: Food (Infant Formula)
Problem:
- Formula was sticky, making it difficult to screen
- Vibratory screeners broke down the agglomerated particles.
- The spray-dried powder mixture (soy, milk, sugar, and fat binder) clogged other gyratory machines and coated them with a thick residue layer.
- Fines would not bind properly, floating to the top, and particles larger than 1,000µm clogged baby bottle nipples.
Solution:
- Used tumbler screener with ball cleaning on 1,000µm top screen and air cleaning at 150µm bottom screen.
- Processed at 1,000 lbs/hour.
Outcome:
- Successfully removed fines and optimized screening for USDA approval.
- Client satisfied with the improved screening process.
Takeaway:
- Air cleaning was able to keep screens from blinding without any non-USDA components contacting the product.
- This technique can be applied to other sticky or fat-based materials.
Machine Used:
