Raw milk in storage needs gentle, steady circulation. It keeps the temperature uniform through the tank and limits cream separation, without the shear that harms product quality.
For dairy service FMT builds side entry agitators with a gear drive, a single mechanical seal, SS 304 or SS 316 wetted parts, and stainless steel for the non-wetted parts as well. Whether a side entry arrangement is hygienically acceptable depends on the whole installation: the tank, the seal, the cleaning procedure and your product-contact requirements. We review these with you before offering.
Typical applications
- Raw milk storage tanks and silos
- Process-liquid holding tanks
- Hygienic storage systems
Mixing objectives
- Uniform temperature through the tank
- Limit unwanted separation during storage
- Gentle, low-shear circulation that suits the product
FMT configuration for Food & Dairy
| Drive | Gear drive only |
|---|---|
| Mechanical seal | Single mechanical seal |
| Motor | NFLP |
| Wetted parts | SS 304 / SS 316 |
| Non-wetted parts | SS |
| Motor ratings | 2.2 to 37 kW |
| Mixer shaft speed | 280 or 450 rpm |
| Impeller | Hydrofoil or propeller |
Every unit is made to order for your tank. See the full side entry mixer range and specifications.
What we look at when sizing
- Wetted materials and surface finish
- Hygienic seal design and seal flush compatibility
- Cleanability, drainability and CIP procedure
- Elastomers in product contact
- Product shear sensitivity
- Sanitary standards your plant follows
Not every side entry mounting is hygienically acceptable. For some dairy duties a different mixer arrangement may be the better choice, and we will say so.
Common questions
Why gear drive only for dairy?
A gear drive is enclosed and compact, with no belts or open pulleys near the tank, which suits clean dairy environments.
Is a side entry agitator hygienic?
Only if the complete wetted assembly, the seal, the tank interface and the cleaning arrangement meet your hygienic requirements. We review these for each tank rather than claim blanket compliance.