Page 30 - AWA Vol.41-No.8

ANIMAL HEALTH

FRIGOMILK by FIC: Precision Cooling for the Modern Dairy Farm
In today’s dairy industry, where milk quality, traceabili-
ty and sustainability define competitiveness, the cooling
and storage system is no longer just equipment—it is the
heart of the process. Italian manufacturer FIC S.p.A., with
over seventy years of expertise in industrial refrigeration
and thermal engineering, embodies this vision through
FRIGOMILK, its line of advanced milk-cooling tanks de-
signed for both small artisanal dairies and large industrial
farms.
Preserving the Integrity of Milk
Raw milk is an extraordinarily delicate product. From the
moment of milking, temperature control is crucial to avoid
bacterial growth and preserve its natural characteristics.
FRIGOMILK tanks intervene immediately after milking,
cooling the milk rapidly and uniformly to around 4 °C. This
early, efficient cooling maintains freshness and supports
the consistent quality required for cheese production and
direct consumption.
Engineering Excellence: The FIC Pillow-Plate
At the core of every FRIGOMILK system lies FIC’s Pil-
low-Plate technology—two stainless-steel sheets la-
ser-welded and hydraulically formed into an internal
cavity through which refrigerant circulates. The result is
exceptional heat-exchange efficiency, uniform tempera- Efficiency and Sustainability
ture distribution and reduced energy use. Cooling represents a significant share of a dairy farm’s
This same technology has made FIC a benchmark in energy use. FIC’s engineering philosophy is to maximize
heat-exchange applications worldwide. In dairy use, it en- heat-transfer efficiency and minimize consumption. Pil-
sures rapid temperature drops, minimal refrigerant load low-Plate technology, high-grade insulation and intelli-
and long-term reliability. gent control systems lower energy bills while guarantee-
Compact Solutions for Small Producers ing thermal stability.
FIC’s experience in dairy cooling has led to solutions tai- In addition, integrated systems combining FRIGOMILK
lored for every production scale. The FRIGOMILK G1 is the tanks with FIC heat exchangers can recover heat from
compact option for farms producing cow, goat or sheep warm milk to produce hot water for farm use—for exam-
milk in smaller quantities. Available in 100, 200 and 300 L ple, for calf feeding or cleaning operations—further im-
versions, it integrates the refrigeration unit and FIPO 3 dig- proving overall energy efficiency.
ital control in a plug-and-play stainless-steel system that By preserving milk quality from the start, FRIGOMILK
guarantees uniform cooling and simple daily cleaning. prevents waste and reduces the environmental footprint of
dairy operations. It is a tangible example of FIC’s broader
Its small footprint and robust build make it ideal for family
farms, local cheesemakers and small cooperatives—seg- sustainability approach: engineering systems that respect
ments often underserved by large-scale equipment man- both resources and product integrity.
ufacturers. Designed Around the Producer
The G4 models are suited for medium-small productions, Beyond technology, what distinguishes FRIGOMILK is
with capacities from 500 to 2 000 L. They maintain the same the attention to the daily reality of farmers and processors.
Pillow-Plate cooling efficiency but do not include automat- Each tank is built to simplify work, with ergonomic access,
ic washing systems, providing an affordable and reliable easy maintenance, durable materials and Italian-made
solution for farms with moderate volumes. precision.
From Medium to Large Installations FIC understands that every litre of milk represents not
For higher-volume operations, FRIGOMILK G10 and G9 only production value but also the outcome of human care
models offer capacities from 1 000 L up to 30 000 L—the and agricultural expertise. The company’s commitment is
first in a vertical configuration, the latter horizontal. Both to protect that value through precise temperature manage-
combine Pillow-Plate bottoms and jackets with automatic ment and long-term reliability.
washing systems and remote-control options. Each unit is Made in Italy Heritage and Global Confidence
designed to ensure hygiene, energy efficiency and com- Founded in Valchiavenna, northern Italy, FIC S.p.A. has
pliance with the most demanding European food-safety been designing and manufacturing refrigeration systems
standards. since 1951. Its know-how in laser-welding, certified qual-
Automated cleaning cycles, digital thermoregulation and ity (ISO 9001, PED, ASME U-stamp) and in-house produc-
remote connectivity simplify operation and ensure trace- tion of Pillow-Plate heat exchangers position it among Eu-
able data—an essential requirement for robotic milking rope’s leaders in thermal technology.
systems and HACCP certification. For the dairy sector, this heritage translates into tanks
28 Vol. 41 No. 8