For our 10KL Tetra Pak pasteurizer, many vendors suggested installing a booster pump. We decided to check our process first before investing.

The Problem:
Our holding pressure was increasing from 1.5 Bar to 2.8 Bar after 10 hours. Everyone thought the plates were choked and a booster pump was needed.

What We Checked:
We use Alfa Laval P16 plates with a 7-meter holding pipe. The plate gap is 3.2mm. The main issue was not the plate design, but the CIP frequency.

The Test:
We did two tests on the same pasteurizer:
Test 1: CIP after 6 hours - Pressure was 1.5 Bar
Test 2: No CIP for 10 hours - Pressure went to 2.8 Bar

The Result:
With 6-hour CIP, we did not need any booster pump. Our plate life became 7 years.

My Learning:
For a 10KL pasteurizer, a proper 6-hour CIP SOP is more important than a booster pump. We saved a Rs 4 Lakh project and power cost.

Conclusion:
If your 10KL pasteurizer needs a booster pump, first check your CIP frequency. You may save lakhs.

What is your CIP frequency in your plant?