Good quality water improves separator lifetime and performance: 5 important facts

Dairy Separation

Good quality water improves separator lifetime and performance: 5 important facts

The operating water in your separator lubricates and cools the equipment, as well as operating the discharge mechanism. By using sufficiently purified water you can prevent erosion, corrosion and operating problems with your equipment and so minimize the risk of unplanned stops. Here are five requirements your operating water should fulfil to ensure the long and reliable operation of your separator.

Water should be virtually free of sediment, with a solids content of less than 0.001% by volume. Deposits must not be allowed to form in certain areas of the separator.

The maximum allowable particle size is 50 micrometres.

Hard water can with time lead to deposits in the operating mechanism. The hardness of the water should be 105-180mg CaCO₃ per litre, which corresponds to 6-10°dH or 7.5-12.5°E. Precipitation rate is accelerated with increased operating temperature and low discharge frequency, and these effects become more severe with increased water hardness.

Chloride ions contribute to corrosion on the separator surface in contact with the operating water, including the spindle. And the corrosion is accelerated by increased separation temperature, low pH, and high chloride ion concentration. The chloride content of your operating water should be maximum 100ppm NaCl (equivalent to 60mg Cl/litre).

Increased acidity increases the risk for corrosion, and this is accelerated by increased temperature and high chloride ion content. So the pH of your operating water should be greater than 6.