Sustainable cooling technology for cheese production
Cheese production requires reliable cooling. To achieve this, the Studer cheese dairy uses a propane-based cooling system with ice storage. Thanks to its natural refrigerants, a sound and simple safety concept and regular maintenance, this system guarantees optimum quality and seamless operation.
Regular maintenance contributes to trouble-free operation, extends the service life of the system and reduces maintenance costs.
Cooling for cheese production
Fresh milk is delivered daily to the Studer cheese dairy, where it is then made into delicious cheeses such as “Der scharfe Maxx”, “Die zarte Klara” and “Wällechäs”. This milk needs to be cooled immediately on arrival. This is ensured by a long-standing ice storage tank, which for several years has been cooled by an externally mounted chiller using the natural refrigerant propane. “The standard chiller we use here, combined with our simple and reliable safety concept, helps us accomplish cheese products that are famed throughout Switzerland”, says Stefan Meier. Stefan is one of two CTA service technicians responsible for the annual maintenance of the system.In safe hands
At Studer, it’s not just the cheese that’s in safe hands: the chiller is as well. As part of the CTAprotect service contract, service technicians from the Swiss family-owned business CTA ensure that the chiller continues to operate seamlessly and efficiently. Stefan Meier and Martin Thomas clean and check the chiller, and readjust it where necessary. Today, there is also a fault to fix: a problem with the flow sensor on the cold water side. As Stefan Meier explains, “A safety feature to protect the chiller”. “Here, we operate an ice storage tank and therefore evaporate at negative temperatures. The continuous circulation of water must be ensured.
The chiller installed
Water-cooled chiller unit with a 247 kW cooling capacity
SEER value of 3.61
Two cooling circuits, each with a reciprocating compressor
Natural refrigerant: propane R-290
Safety concept for propane
The chiller’s cooling circuits are filled with the natural and thus environmentally friendly refrigerant R-290. With an extremely low global warming potential (GWP) value of 3, it has a very low greenhouse potential. However, propane does present one challenge: it’s flammable. Cooling systems using propane as a refrigerant must therefore meet stricter safety requirements. The externally mounted chiller is monitored accordingly using sensors to detect any potential refrigerant leakages while they are still far below the explosion limit and to switch off the system electrically. This monitoring ensures that no ignitable mixtures or sparks occur. If the refrigerant nevertheless leaks, a fan draws in fresh air and discharges the gas/air mixture into the environment.Comprehensive range of services
Once CTA chillers, air conditioning units or large heat pumps are installed and in operation, our service team will ensure that they run perfectly and optimally for years to come. Find out more about our service contracts here - from the direct service contract to the flat-rate maintenance contract to the all-round CTAprotect cover with extended warranty.
Martin Thomas,Service Technician, Commercial Cooling & Heat Pumps Division
Customised maintenance contracts
«Regular servicing contributes towards flawless operation, an extended service life for the device and reduced repair costs. We therefore offer individually tailored maintenance contracts for our refrigerant-based systems.»
Studer cheese dairy - Originally different
For more than 150 years, the Studer speciality cheese dairy on Lake Constance has refined milk into unique cheese creations. With passion and a spirit of innovation, this long-standing company develops new ideas and combines the art of classical cheesemaking with modern technology. The result is multiple award-winning cheeses with extraordinary depth of flavour. Particularly popular are the tangy “Der scharfe Maxx”, which is regularly honoured at the World Cheese Awards, and the harmonious “Rapsody”, with its roasted rapeseed kernels.
Contributors
Design: Kempter+Partner AG, St. Gallen
Installation: E3 HLK AG, St. Gallen
Chiller and system supplier: CTA AG, Münsingen
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