Finnish dairy producer Valio has increased production of its Lapinlahti whey powder by more than 10% by implementing the Napcon controller solution from technology and engineering company Neste Jacobs.
The results were so convincing that Valio has now begun optimising a milk powder plant in Seinäjoki – 95 miles north west of Tampere – consisting of both an evaporator and a spray dryer. The Napcon solution in Valio’s two production plants consists of two tools: a Napcon indicator that calculates the material and energy balance information, and a Napcon controller that controls the process using multivariable model-predictive control.
Napcon balances the need of energy within the desired product specification so that the energy consumption is minimised. The system can also predict the moisture content and adjust the water balance in real time, while the optimisation adapts to changes in outdoor humidity.
Antero Ylitalo, production manager of Valio Production Powder, said: “Valio ships over 60m kilos of milk and whey powders annually. That means we are talking big money when the productivity boosts with more than 10% without higher energy consumption or costly hardware investments.
“The results from the first optimisation project made us so convinced of Neste Jacobs’ expertise and superiority to carry out high-end production optimisation projects that it was easy to partner up again. Now we are looking into developing our cooperation even further.”
Seinäjoke plant production manager Vesa Strand said: “Too large water content makes the powder sticky and disturbs the process. On the other hand, if the powder is too dry it generates dust and uses excess energy. With Napcon we can allow an increase in the average moisture content in the process and still keep the moisture content of the final powder product very close to its target value under all circumstances.”
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2022
World Beverage Innovation Awards – NOW OPEN FOR ENTRIES!
The awards celebrate excellence and innovation across the global beverage industry. Don’t miss out on having your innovations recognised on a global scale.
Deadline for entries 23 July – enter now!
Don’t get left behind
Start your free Foodbev magazine trial today and join thousands of fellow industry professionals in receiving food and drink trends direct to our business.
Click here to start your free trial
Your privacy We use small files known as ‘cookies’ to enhance your experience of the FoodBev website and analyse site-traffic. Read about how we use cookies or how you may control them in our updated privacy policy and cookie policy. If you continue to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies. Click the ‘OKAY‘ button at the top right of this panel to accept or click here for more information.