Dairy

Spray Drying Nozzles for Dairy Processors

Dairy

Spray Drying Nozzles for Dairy Processors

Spraying Systems Co.’s SprayDry® nozzles, customized nozzle solutions and technical support improve the production of powdered dairy products by enhancing product quality and reducing downtime.

spray dryer diagram

The Critical Role of Spray Drying in Dairy Processing

Spray drying is a critical process in dairy production, converting liquid dairy products such as milk, whey, and cream into stable, high-quality powders for a variety of applications. Achieving consistent droplet size, moisture content, and bulk density is essential to ensuring product uniformity, efficiency, and compliance with food safety standards.

For decades, Spraying Systems Co. has been at the forefront of spray drying innovation, pioneering advanced SprayDry® nozzles to optimize atomization, improve yield, and reduce waste. Each spray drying tower operates under unique conditions, making precise nozzle selection and system optimization key to maintaining uniform powder characteristics while minimizing energy consumption and production downtime.

Spray-Dried Dairy Powders Using Spray Nozzle Technology


spoonful of milk powder on top of bowl

Milk Powders

Whole Milk Powder (WMP)
Skim Milk Powder (SMP/NFDM)
Milk Protein (MPC/MPI)

whey powder

Whey Powders

Whey Protein (WPC/WPI)
Sweet Whey Powder
Lactose and Permeate

bowl of flavor powder

Flavor Powders

Cheese Powder
Buttermilk Powder
Cream Powder

baby formula next to baby bottle

Specialty Powders

Casein & Caseinates
Colostrum
Infant Formula

Overcoming the Challenges of Spray Drying in Dairy Processing

Don’t Struggle to Meet Production Targets
Dairy processors often face low production rates and underperforming dryers due to inefficient or incorrect nozzle setups. The SprayDry® nozzle product line offers the broadest range of designs in the industry, each specifically engineered to meet the demands of dairy applications. Selecting the right nozzle design and operating parameters is essential for maintaining peak dryer performance. From swirl chamber nozzles that improve free passage, to slotted core nozzles for finer droplets, to multi-orifice nozzles that boost production without requiring additional capital investment, we have a tailored solution to keep your operations running smoothly.

Stop Product Loss and Improve Yield
Powder loss to dryer walls or the baghouse is a common issue in dairy powder production. Poor atomization or incorrect nozzle sizing can leave particles under-dried or over-dried, leading to waste and quality concerns. SprayDry® engineers work with your team to optimize spray angle, droplet size, and flowrate, ensuring powder stays airborne and dries efficiently, improving both yield and quality.

Achieve Specific Bulk Density Requirements
Out-of-spec and inconsistent bulk density can disrupt downstream processes like packaging and reconstitution. SprayDry® nozzles give you control over droplet size, and therefore particle size and bulk density, through optimized nozzle design and operating parameters. Generate larger, denser particles with the SV nozzle, or finer particles with the SB or SK series, to meet tight spec requirements. Achieving the proper bulk density results in high product quality, efficient packaging, smooth processing, and cost-effective operations.

Reduce Bearding and Fire Risk in Dairy Plants
Bearding and product buildup around the nozzle can introduce serious safety risks, especially with dairy ingredients that are prone to caramelization or ignition. Our anti-bearding nozzles, designed with different geometries, are optimized to resist buildup and minimize this risk. Proper nozzle selection and placement also reduce cleaning frequency and enhance overall plant safety.

Combat Clogging and Rapid Wear in High-Solids Formulas
High fat and protein content in dairy products often leads to nozzle clogging, CIP challenges, and costly wear. SprayDry™ nozzles are engineered with Maximum Free Passage technology to reduce blockages and improve spray consistency. Our tungsten carbide wear components, available in multiple grades, are proven to withstand the high pressures and abrasive characteristics of dairy feedstocks, helping you cut downtime and extend service life.

Milk powder

Learn How a Dairy Manufacturer Improved Safety, Reduced Waste and Increased Annual Revenue by more than US$2.5 million.


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Proven Solutions from Spraying Systems Co.

Achieving consistent powder quality, minimizing downtime, and maximizing efficiency starts with the right spray drying nozzles. As the final component in transforming liquid dairy products into powder, nozzles play a critical role in your drying process.

At Spraying Systems Co., we offer the broadest range of SprayDry® nozzles, designed to optimize atomization, droplet size distribution, and wear resistance. With both slotted core and swirlchamber designs, our precision engineered solutions ensure uniform powder consistency, superior production efficiency, and long-lasting performance to meet the unique demands of dairy spray drying.


SprayDry® Nozzle Selector  View Performance Data (PDF)

 


SK Series SprayDry Nozzles

SK Series SprayDry® Nozzles

  • Low Flow Slotted Core & Orifice Insert Design
  • Flow rate up to 400 gph/ 1500 lph
  • Pressure: 500 to 7,000 psi / 35 to 480 bar
  • Spray Angle: 44° to 90°
  • Drop Size: 30-150 microns Dv.5 water
SB Series SprayDry Nozzles

SB Series SprayDry® Nozzles

  • High Flow Slotted Core & Orifice Insert Design

  • Flow rate up to 1,500 gph/ 5700 lph
  • Pressure: 500 to 7,000 psi / 35 to 480 bar
  • Spray Angle: 34° to 109°
  • Drop Size: 40-200 microns Dv.5 water
SV Series SprayDry Nozzles

SV Series SprayDry® Nozzles 

  • Swirlchamber and Orifice Plate Design
  • Flow rate up to 3,000 gph/ 11,400 lph
  • Pressure: 200 to 10,000 psi / 35 to 480 bar
  • Spray Angle: 49° to 90°
  • Drop Size: 20-650 microns Dv.5 water
custom-designed spray dry nozzles

Custom Solutions

Custom-designed nozzle solutions can make all the difference in producing precise powder properties and meeting your exact production needs. Speak to an expert today and discover spray drying solutions tailored to your process.

Key Features & Benefits of SprayDry® Nozzles

Spray drying in dairy processing requires precise atomization and durable nozzles to withstand abrasive powders, high pressures, and long production cycles. Our SprayDry® nozzles offer:

  • Optimized Droplet Control for Powder Consistency: Achieving a consistent drop size distribution ensures even moisture content, uniform particle size, and stable bulk density, preventing product variability and rework

  • Maximum Free Passage (MFP) Design for Clog Prevention: Dairy slurries with high fat and protein content can lead to frequent nozzle clogging and uneven spray patterns. Our MFP nozzles are engineered to reduce blockages, extending production runs and reducing costs.

  • Tungsten Carbide Wear Resistance for Longevity: Spray drying abrasive dairy slurry at high pressures causes excessive nozzle wear. Our tungsten carbide nozzles (“M” and “Y” grades) are built to withstand harsh conditions, extending operational life and reducing frequent part replacements.

  • Food-Grade Materials and Regulatory Compliance: All SprayDry® nozzles are made from food-compliant materials, ensuring they meet stringent hygiene and safety regulations required in dairy processing.

  • Anti-Bearding & Check Valve Options for Reduced Waste: Options such as anti-bearding caps and check valves further reduce dripping, buildup, and contamination risks, maintaining optimal nozzle performance throughout production.

  • Easy Maintenance: Hand-tightened, easy-to-disassemble designs shorten maintenance windows, allowing you to get production back online faster and reduce labor costs.

By leveraging advanced spray technology, dairy processors can achieve higher efficiency, superior powder quality, and reduced operational costs.

Expert Guidance & Ongoing Support

At Spraying Systems Co., we go beyond simply providing nozzles—we deliver technical expertise, field support, and hands-on collaboration to ensure your spray drying process runs at peak performance. From on-site evaluations to custom lunch & learns, our team partners with you to solve challenges, optimize results, and drive continuous improvement.


group of people in hard hats by a white board

On-Site Technical Assistance

Our spray drying specialists and local sales engineers can evaluate your process, troubleshoot inefficiencies, and recommend nozzle upgrades to optimize performance.

man inspecting tank

Extended Trials & Demonstrations

Validate nozzle performance in real-world conditions to ensure you achieve the desired quality improvements, efficiency gains, and cost savings.

global map of spraying systems co. locations

Global Expertise, Local Support

With decades of worldwide expertise, we bring industry-leading spray drying solutions right to your facility, no matter where you are.

women in hard hat holding clipboard shaking hands

Global OEM Partnerships

We collaborate with OEMs worldwide, providing expert engineering support to maximize equipment performance, productivity, and results.

FAQs

How do SprayDry® nozzles improve the quality of powdered dairy products?

SprayDry® nozzles ensure consistent particle size, moisture content, and bulk density, resulting in uniform powder quality with better solubility and stability. This helps meet strict dairy processing standards while reducing waste.

How often should SprayDry® nozzles be replaced?

The lifespan depends on usage conditions and spray drying intensity. However, thanks to tungsten carbide materials and anti-clogging features, they require less frequent replacements compared to competitive nozzles. Regular maintenance helps extend nozzle life. Consult our spray drying specialists for tailored guidance.

What makes SprayDry® nozzles better than standard spray nozzles for dairy applications?

SprayDry® nozzles are engineered specifically for high-performance dairy spray drying. They provide precise atomization, optimized flow control, and clog-resistant designs, ensuring reliable and efficient operation. They’re also offered in long-lasting materials that can extend nozzle wear life by up to 50%.

Can SprayDry® nozzles be retrofitted into existing spray drying systems?

Yes! SprayDry® nozzles are designed for easy integration into existing systems, making upgrades seamless and cost-effective without requiring major equipment modifications.

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Make Every Drop Count

Sustainable Practices with Spraying Systems Co.

Spraying Systems Co. is committed to helping industries adopt sustainable practices by optimizing water usage, reducing cleaning waste, and minimizing environmental impact. Schedule a sustainability assessment to discover cost-saving opportunities and improve resource efficiency with our advanced spray technology.


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