Modernisierung und Optimierung der Butterschmalzproduktion durch den Einsatz moderner Zentrifugen

Abstract

This thesis deals with the technical, economic, and sustainability-related evaluation of an investment in modern centrifuge technology aimed at optimizing the production of anhydrous milk fat (AMF) in a dairy processing company. The starting point was outdated separation equipment characterized by high failure rates, considerable maintenance requirements, and inefficient resource utilization. The objective was to examine how the use of modern separation systems could improve efficiency, product yield, and hygienic safety. The analysis was based on a comprehensive assessment of the entire separation process in AMF production, including phase separation, wash water treatment, and drying. The study combines theoretical foundations from food process engineering, hygiene technology, investment accounting, and sustainability research with technical data sheets, internal production figures, and relevant scientific literature. In addition, key types of investment and various methods of investment evaluation—particularly static payback calculation—were applied to enable a transparent economic assessment. Another focus of the thesis was the theoretical examination of the concept of sustainability and the analysis of concrete sustainability initiatives from several dairies. These practical examples illustrate how ecological and social aspects can be incorporated into the evaluation of technical investments. The core of the economic evaluation was a comparison between two alternative centrifuge systems, assessed under real production conditions with respect to energy efficiency, product yield, process integration, and cost-effectiveness. The analysis shows that a two-stage separation system with automated control and digital monitoring is, in the long term, both technically and economically superior. Its implementation is expected to lead to significantly lower operating costs, higher yields, and improved hygienic process conditions.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	German (Austria)
Supervisor	Franz Obermair (Supervisor)