Fluidics solution for cheese washing systems
You can rely on the tried and tested – Collaborating with Inoxstahlbau
Inoxstahlbau develops stainless steel cheese washing machines for the automated cleaning of hard cheeses. Washing before cutting and packaging improves the shelf life of the cheese and reduces unpleasant odours. Demand for these efficient systems is high. A high cleaning speed is largely dependent on reliable and precise fluidics processes. That’s where Bürkert comes in.
Fast, resource-friendly cleaning
Inoxstahlbau cheese washing machines are used to clean a wide variety of cheese wheel types and formats: “Rectangular, square or round, Tilsiter, Gouda or Edam – virtually anything is possible with our systems”, explains Andreas Schäfer, CEO at Inoxstahlbau. Spores, dirt particles and sticky red smear are removed through extremely gentle cleaning, so that the moulds are not damaged and can be processed further. The washing programmes can be adjusted depending on the cheese type. A variable throughput speed adapts to the individual degree of soiling. The South Tyrolean company’s cheese washing machines clean up to 500 cheeses per hour. Andreas Schäfer is proud of the efficiency of the systems the company manufactures, explaining that around 60 to 80 wheels an hour is standard practice in the industry. The systems from Inoxstahlbau are not just fast, they also conserve resources thanks to a sophisticated water recovery concept, which reduces consumption and optimises operating costs. After cleaning, the cheeses are dried with a high-performance fan if required.
“Highly precise control, few complaints, and the right price-performance ratio. We have complete confidence in Bürkert.”
Long-lasting products for long-lasting cheese
Inoxstahlbau relies on Bürkert for the fluidics solution for its machines. The products are used for filling the system with wash water and for soaking in order to reduce washing times. The temperature of the water is precisely regulated according to the requirements of the different wash programmes. Hygiene is paramount in dairies. That is why Inoxstahlbau washing systems are regularly cleaned (CIP). Various Bürkert process valves are used for the water and steam supply lines as well as the supply line for acid and alkali solutions in the CIP process. Thanks to the company’s broad portfolio, the best variants for the job are always available, from shut-off or control valves to angle seat or globe valves, as well as appropriate process connections and automation units. This allows Inoxstahlbau to be highly flexible when it comes to the planning and installation of new specialised systems and can minimise the effort involved in commissioning and maintenance. In addition, robust ELEMENT actuators and automation units ensure optimum cleanability and a consistent appearance. Comprehensive communication capabilities allow for easy network integration and control.
Reliable partner
“We have been working in collaboration with Bürkert for many years. It started with a customer specifying in their contract documents that we use Bürkert products for water distribution and steam control”, explains Andreas Schäfer. This was fortuitous, as he says, because the operation runs smoothly and the control quality is high in the long term. People feel they’re in good hands with Bürkert and value their advice and availability. And the price-performance ratio is a good fit too. “We are inspired by the idea that our installations can assist dairies throughout Europe to become more efficient in the future. We have a trustworthy partner in Bürkert to accompany us on this quest.”
