Objective
The aim of the project is to implement clean technologies in the cheese sector in order to optimise resource use, facilitate the recovery of butter fat and whey into reusable products and prevent waste generation.
The results will include increased efficiency and economic benefit through recovery of resources into reusable products. Reduction in the pollution potential of waste water.
This proposal describes a demonstration project involving the application of clean technologies as a means of increasing efficiency, optimising resource use and reducing the pollution potential of waste in the cheese industry.
The project proposes a solution to a common problem experienced throughout the food industry in Europe, ie nutrient rich waste water which is a valuable resource but has a characteristically high pollution potential. The purpose of the project will be achieved by the adoption and control of the reduction process so as to optimise the utilisation of resources.
The project is divided into seven phases.
Phase 1 involves detailed monitoring of the points of inefficient use of resources within the process as the basis for setting targets.
Phase 2 involves recovery of butter fat from the whey recovery process by process modifications.
Phase 3 involves sludge recovery from the Cheddar and Continental Cheese plants by a system of collecting sludges from the separator so that it can be recovered for other uses.
Phase 4 involves the recovery of fat and whey from pre-rinses as part of the cleaning system known as the Cleaning In Place system for the cheese plant.
Phase 5 is a highly innovative element of the project involving the adoption of Nano filtration technology in order to recover sodium from salt whey to facilitate resuse.
Phase 6 involves evaluation of the steps undertaken in the previous five phases in order to evaluate the project progress against the objectives set at the beginning of the project.
Phase 7 will involve dissemination of information.
Programme(s)
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
DEM - Demonstration contractsCoordinator
Kilmeaden
Ireland