Milk hoses

How are milk hoses constructed?

Milk hoses are specifically constructed for these types of media, but are also suitable for transporting animal or vegetable oils and fats.

When milk hose flexibility is important, such as in a dairy parlour (a place where cows are milked), contractors usually opt for PVC hoses. However, it is worth noting that a hybrid hose (PVC-rubber) increases the range of allowable temperature and pressure. The choice of these parameters depends on the industrial requirements, as well as the application and the working environment.

In general, the working temperature of milk hoses ranges from -40 degrees Celsius to 120 degrees Celsius.

The inner layer of the hose is usually white and smooth. In addition, the hose must meet the requirements that are set out in the standards for working with food.

To increase durability, hoses often have a stainless steel spiral wire reinforcement.

What distinguishes milk hoses?

Milk hoses are most often built with PVC, EPDM, PVC-rubber hybrid, or NBR materials. However, also consider the following criteria when choosing the right product for milk and dairy:

• No phthalates - Phthalates are a group of chemicals that make plastic harder to break and more flexible. Unfortunately, they can get into oily food when it comes into contact with plastic and rubber equipment. Therefore, to ensure that phthalates do not contaminate milk, choose plasticisers that are free of these substances, silicones or synthetic rubbers. 
• Food standards - Milk hoses must be food grade hoses that have been created from non-toxic compounds and prevent harmful chemical reactions. They are also odourless and tasteless, helping to maintain the actual quality of milk and dairy products. 
• Non-metallic hoses - The milk hose should not be metal to prevent contamination of the medium by rust and corrosion. Therefore, choose PVC or rubber materials, which not only protect against contamination but also provide high flexibility. As for the strength and durability of the hose, this is guaranteed by stainless steel wires with a spiral structure. 
• Flexibility - Milk drinking hoses should also be flexible as they are attached to the milking unit in the milking parlour. This unit needs to be mobile to allow easy connection to the udder of the cow.

What are the additional features of milk hoses?

As the milk and dairy hoses comply with FDA and EU standards, special care is required in their maintenance. Therefore, also pay attention to the following aspects:

Resistance to standard cleaning agents

Milk and dairy hoses are resistant to standard cleaning agents such as acids/alkalis and chlorine compounds. As a rule, an alkaline cleaner or a chlorine cleaner is used to clean these hoses.

The alkalis, phosphates, wetting, and chelating agents contained in the alkaline cleaner dissolve milk fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. In addition, chlorine prevents the build-up of biofilms.

Some also perform an acid wash, which removes milky mineral deposits.

Steam sterilisation

Steam is the most effective way to sterilise milk hoses and dairy equipment. Ideally, hoses should be exposed to it for 20-30 minutes.

Steam destroys bacteria and other contaminants, and its heat will keep the equipment dry. However, the acceptable temperature and pressure of the steam depends on the material of the hose.