The Tetra Pak® Drainer Washer 2 unit is designed to remove the whey and to wash and cool cottage cheese curd quickly and efficiently in one continuous operation.
The advantages of using the Tetra Pak Drainer Washer 2 unit compared with traditional systems are reduced water consumption, efficient washing, instant cooling and no curd damage.
Draining belt
The draining belt is made of woven polypropylene with tiny holes between the fibres. This means all the water drains off efficiently, but even the smallest pieces of curd are retained. The speed of the belt can be varied to match the capacity of other equipment on the line.
Inlet design
The product inlet has a wide, kite-shaped steel plate. This design ensures that the whole width of the belt is used, and curd is distributed evenly across it. The depth of curd also remains stable.
Curd washing system
Nozzles positioned above the belt spray cold water on top of the curd to wash away the whey and lactic acid. The flow of the water is precisely regulated to optimize washing while minimizing water consumption. The water stream is also gentle enough to keep the delicate curd particles intact.
Two-step cooling
The cooling process begins when cold water is sprayed on top of the curd belt - during whey draining. It continues when the drained curd reaches the end of the belt and falls into a small buffer tank filled with cold water. Our two-step cooling, process eliminates the need for mechanical mixing. The curd is gently stirred by the circulation of cold water in the buffer tank – keeping the delicate curd particles intact.