Stainless steel and the Dairy industry.

Stainless steel is used for many things in and around the home such as ornamental staircases, cutlery and sculptures and it is used in many industries including the brewery industry, water process plants and the dairy industry. The dairy industry particularly uses stainless steel because of its non corrosion ability and its ability to be cleaned allowing for complete hygiene in its relationship with food and other substances. Stainless steel has other factors which make it an ideal material for the food processing industry such as its ability to expand and its thermal conductivity. Chromium is present in stainless steel which helps form a protective layer on the surface of the metal; this helps to stop corrosion of stainless steel tanks and also allows the stainless steel to remain neutral and thus not affect the taste of the milk. There are many different phases in the production of milk and different grades of stainless steel tanks will be used throughout the phases of production. At all times the quality of the milk is paramount and milk is always vulnerable to bacteria, in order to reduce this all equipment is cleaned regularly and has certain characteristics. The stainless steel tanks used in the production and storage of dairy products will have a smooth surface which reduces the speed at which bacteria will breed. Stainless steel also has the advantage of being resistant to many cleaning agents which allows for all equipment to be cleaned and sterilised easily. The bulk milk cooling tank plays a vital part in the production on milk and will hold the milk at cool temperatures until it is ready to be collected and transported. These cooling tanks are made of stainless steel and will retain the milk in good condition. Milk coolers very often consist of both an inner and an outer stainless steel tank and both are made of good quality stainless steel. The bulk cooling tanks very often have an automatic cleaning system which allows for the tanks to be cleaned after each use. The milk inside the tanks is constantly checked and monitored and all tanks are equipped with thermometers which allows for immediate inspection of the inner temperatures. Stainless steel is regarded as a guarantor of food safety, which results in milk quality and hygienic standards. Stainless steel is the preferred choice of material because of its ability to be cleaned, its resistance to corrosion and its smooth surface. http://www.heathbrook.co.uk