How to Recover Heat From a Bulk Milk Cooling Tank

Choosing a Heat Recovery Unit

• 1

  Analyze your milk bulk tank age, make and model. Some heat recovery units can be added on to existing tanks. Precoolers offer an alternative to attaching units to the cooling system. Precoolers are separate systems that exchange heat with milk versus collecting heat from refrigerant gas. If replacing a recovery unit, research the similar and improved models that can be substituted for traditional units.

• 2

  Attach the heat recovery unity between the compressor and air-cooled condenser. The add-on recovery heat unit removes heat from the refrigerant gas. Add-on recovery heat units can be attached to one or two cooling systems for utilizing more heat. The heat energy is stored in insulated containers which can take the place of a hot water heater.

• 3

  Research the preparation needed to install a precooler. Precoolers use cold water to rapidly cool milk as it flows to the milk tank. According to University of Wisconsin Senior Outreach Specialist, Scott Sanford, precoolers can save up to 60 percent of cooling costs if used properly. Precoolers are not a part of the cooling system. As the milk flows through the precooler, heat is exchanged from the milk to the water. Unlike refrigeration heat recovery units, precoolers are only used during milking time, reducing the amount of heat collected.

• 4

  Ask for a scroll compressor when ordering your new bulk tank. Scroll compressors are slightly more expensive than traditional compressors; however, they are 15-to-20 percent more efficient. Scroll compressors can substitute or replace reciprocating compressors. Compressors are connected directly to the refrigeration system and can be used in conjunction with another compressor for more than one cooling unit.

• 5

  Water-cooled condensing systems use all the heat generated from the milk to preheat the water. If a condensing system is used for total cooling, the amount of warm water will be more than the dairy uses. Larger bulk tanks that use two refrigeration systems may benefit from using a condensing system and a conventional air-cooled unit.