Rediseño de un reactor para el proceso de elaboración de yogurt en la planta de lácteos ESPOCH-Tunshi

Abstract

The redesign of a Batch-type reactor for the production of yogurt from the Tunshi Dairy Experimental Plant of the Escuela Superior Politecnica de Chimborazo located in the community of Tunshi was carried out, to improve the process. For which, data were obtained in the plant of the equipment (physical and operational) and the process. Initially, the raw material tests were taken into consideration as a starting point, since it is necessary to verify that it complies with the NTE INEN 9: 2015 Standard (Physical and chemical requirements of raw milk), performing the characterization of raw milk in the Dairy plant on the Ekomilk 12 milk analyzer. Obtaining as results: Fat matter: 3.55%, Non-fat solids: 8.28%, Proteins: 3.06%, Ph: 6.25; Temperature: 18.4°C; Ash: 0.75% and Total Solids: 12.84%; thus establishing that the raw material complies with the ranges defined by the regulations. Also, analysis of the viscosity and density of milk and yogurt. With the results obtained, the Engineering calculations were carried out to design the agitation system, concluding that the ideal is flat blades inclined at 45°, according to bibliographic information for the agitation of low viscosity fluids from 20 to 150 rpm. Accordingly, it is necessary for the agitation system: Agitator arm length: 0.2562m, impeller diameter 0.3075m, blade height 0.0512m, blade distance 0.0640m, and an electric motor power of 0.25 horsepower (HP). The equipment will allow obtaining yogurt with a yield of 90% by volume.