How to make the yogurt ? Capacity 300-500L/h How to Set Up a Small Yogurt Factory: Starter Equipment Checklist
Issacindustry
Level 1: Basic / Small-Scale Workshop / Laboratory-Grade Production Line
Applicable Scenarios:Daily output of 100-500 kg, manual or semi-automated. Suitable for startup brands, specialty yogurt shops, farm-direct sales, or R&D centers.
Characteristics: Low investment, high flexibility, but requires significant manual involvement and strict hygiene control.
Process Flow & Equipment List
| Process Step | Equipment Name | Function Description | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw Material Handling | Electronic scale, stainless steel mixing tank | Weighs raw milk, sugar, milk powder, etc. | Should include heating and basic stirring functions. |
| Filtration | Duplex filter / Precision filter | Removes impurities from raw milk. | Ensures cleanliness of raw materials. |
| Standardization | Standardization tank (with stirring and temperature control) | Adjusts the fat and protein content of milk to standard levels. | For small-scale production, can be combined with a large-capacity mixing tank. |
| Homogenization | Small laboratory homogenizer | Breaks down fat globules to prevent cream separation and ensure a smooth texture. | Pressure typically set at 15-20 MPa. |
| Sterilization / Cooling | Small pasteurization unit | Eliminates pathogenic bacteria and most spoilage microorganisms. | Commonly maintained at 85-95°C for a specific duration. |
| Fermentation | Fermentation tank (with temperature control) | Used for inoculation and fermentation at a constant temperature (e.g., 42°C). | A critical piece of equipment requiring precise temperature control. |
| Cooling / Breaking | Holding tank / Cooling tank | Rapidly cools the product post-fermentation and performs gentle stirring (breaking). | Prevents whey separation and ensures a smooth consistency. |
| Filling | Semi-automatic filler / Manual filling station | Transfers yogurt into cups, bottles, or other containers. | Can be paired with simple capping or sealing machines. |
| Cleaning | Portable CIP (Clean-in-Place) washer | Performs in-place cleaning of tanks and pipelines. | Extremely important for maintaining hygiene. |
| Aging | Cold storage / Aging room | Stores filled products at 2-6°C for aging to develop flavor. | Essential equipment. |
Summary
Equipment is decentralized, and material transfer between processes relies heavily on manual labor. Strict attention must be paid to hygiene and operational standards.
