Case story
Energy Optimization of Drying Plants at Arla Foods Ingredients
To support Arla Foods Ingredients’ sustainability ambitions, Process Engineering’s (PE) businesses units Energy & Renewable and Food & Biotech collaborated closely to modernize two aging drying plants.
The project focused on reducing energy consumption while maintaining production performance. By implementing advanced heat recovery solutions and integrating 90°C hot water from heat pumps as a supplement to traditional steam heating, the two drying plants achieved energy savings of 51% and 73% respectively.
The process
The project was executed under challenging conditions, including extremely limited shutdown windows and tight space constraints in existing facilities.
To ensure successful delivery, PE utilized detailed 3D engineering and point cloud scanning to create an accurate digital representation of the site, enabling precise coordination between design and reality.
Extensive front-end planning ensured that large equipment could be safely transported into the building and accommodated within the available footprint.
This project demonstrates how close collaboration, detailed engineering, and innovative energy solutions can unlock significant sustainability gains in existing production facilities.
Key results
- 73 % energy reduction on one drying plant
- 51 % energy reduction on the second spray drying plant
- Integration of heat recovery and 90°C energy water from heat pump
- Minimal production downtime during implementation
- Increased operational stability and production capacity
Following commissioning, PE specialists continued supporting Arla Foods Ingredients through process and operational optimization.
This work helped secure stable operation while increasing plant capacity, allowing the upgraded dryers to deliver both sustainability and performance benefits.
Service and scope of the project
- Detailed design documentation
- P&ID development
- Equipment and item lists
- Tender material preparation
- Mechanical installation tender support
- Process descriptions
- Automation and control system input
- Full 3D design
- Point cloud scanning
- Civil works coordination
- Multidisciplinary interface management
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