Horizontal Bulk Milk Cooling Tanks
from 1,000L to 30,000L
Rapid cooling from 35°C inlet milk temperature to 4°C within 2.5 hours (dependent on ambient temperature and compressor configuration). Direct-expansion cooling and insulated storage support milk collection and the daily cleaning routine.
Engineered for Commercial Cold Chain
Designed for commercial cold-chain planning and heavy-duty farm environments.
Rapid Cooling Speed
Laser-welded dimple jacket evaporators cover large surface areas, ensuring bulk milk drops from 35°C inlet milk temperature to 4°C within 2.5 hours (subject to ambient temperature and compressor configuration) to inhibit bacterial multiplication.
24H Thermal Insulation
Injected with 60-80mm high-density polyurethane foam. Thermal retention depends on tank size, insulation, ambient conditions, milk volume and power-loss duration; confirm backup-power requirements for the project.
Auto-CIP Sanitation
The integrated CIP system uses rotating spray balls and programmed wash cycles to clean internal tank surfaces, supporting a repeatable cleaning routine between milk collections.
Size Your Tank Around Milk Output & Collection Frequency
Base tank selection on peak daily milk volume and the longest planned interval between collections. Daily collection, every-other-day collection and three-day collection require different storage capacities. Use the examples below for initial planning, then confirm the usable tank capacity, cooling performance and collection schedule for your project.
| Peak Daily Milk Volume | Every-Other-Day Collection¹ | Three-Day Collection¹ |
|---|---|---|
| 3,000 L/day | 7,500 L total storage | 10,500 L total storage |
| 7,500 L/day | 18,750 L total storage | 26,250 L total storage |
| 15,000 L/day | 37,500 L total storage | 52,500 L total storage |
| 30,000 L/day | 75,000 L total storage | 105,000 L total storage |
¹ For storage planning, use 2.5 × peak daily milk volume for every-other-day collection and 3.5 × for three-day collection. Match the selected tank’s usable volume to peak production, pickup timing and the milking routine. Teagasc bulk tank sizing guidance.
Single Tank or Multiple Tanks?
This page covers individual horizontal tanks from 1,000 L to 30,000 L. Where the calculated storage requirement exceeds 30,000 L, request a project-specific review of multiple tanks or an alternative storage arrangement. The final configuration must also account for milk transfer, collection and cleaning.
Collecting Milk Every Day?
A smaller tank may be suitable where milk is collected daily. Share your peak daily milk volume, milking times and collection window so NexAgri can review the maximum volume accumulated between collections and the buffer needed for your operation.
Share peak daily milk volume, collection frequency, milking schedule and project location.
Configuration Architecture
Select the operational footprint that matches your daily yield, milking schedule, and power-availability constraints.
Integrated Architecture
Plug & Play Simplicity
Compressor mounted directly on the chassis. Ideal for smaller collection hubs prioritizing minimal installation complexity, accommodating standard milking schedules and power-availability.
Split-Type Architecture
Maximum Efficiency & Heat Rejection
Compressor installed remotely outdoors. Places heat and noise outside the milk room; review condenser location, ventilation, electrical supply and operating conditions for the selected configuration.
Engineering Deep Dive
Sanitary construction designed with ISO 5708 as a cooling-design reference; final compliance scope is confirmed for the selected project.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) & Value Integration
Evaluate operational expenditures (OpEx) and milk quality retention capabilities before securing your capital asset.
1. Cooling Duty & Milk Collection Requirements
Warm milk can affect receiving conditions. The direct-expansion configuration is selected to target the cooling conditions agreed with the receiving processor, subject to local standards, ambient conditions and the selected configuration.
2. Energy Efficiency & Utility Savings
By equipping our tanks with high-efficiency Copeland scroll compressors and advanced thermal insulation, the cooling unit shuts off once target temperatures are achieved. It rarely cycles on just to maintain temperature, supporting an energy-use review based on the selected compressor, insulation, operating cycle and site conditions.
3. Automated CIP for Repeatable Tank Cleaning
Manual tank cleaning takes time and can leave milk residues when coverage is incomplete. NexAgri’s automated CIP system combines programmed wash cycles with spray cleaning to support a consistent routine for removing milk residues from internal tank surfaces.
Cooling & Cleaning Planning
Cycle, water and chemical requirements
Auto-CIP scope is selected around the cleaning process, utilities and operating routine.Milk load, ambient conditions and selected compressor
45°C ambient reference: the 10,000L split-type installation shown below. Size refrigeration for each tank’s milk load and site conditions.Global Installation Reality
Real operational metrics from commercial dairies trusting NexAgri bulk storage infrastructure.
Beating the Heat (45°C)
"Maintains 4°C effortlessly even when outside is 45°C. The condenser efficiency operating outdoors keeps our milk room perfectly cool."
Collection Center Hub
"We process milk from 50 small farms. The automatic washing system saves labor."
Reviewed by Cathy Xu
Sales Director, NexAgri Solutions
Expert in engineering turnkey dairy projects, cold chain integration, and heavy agricultural equipment sourcing for large-scale commercial farms worldwide.
Horizontal Milk Cooling Tank FAQs
Practical answers for dairy farms, milk collection centers and procurement teams planning chilled milk storage.
How do I choose the right horizontal milk cooling tank capacity?
Start with peak daily milk volume and the longest planned interval between collections. For initial planning, Teagasc guidance uses approximately 2.5 times peak daily volume for every-other-day collection and 3.5 times for three-day collection. Daily collection requires a separate review of the volume accumulated between pickups and the required buffer. NexAgri horizontal tanks range from 1,000 L to 30,000 L per tank; larger total storage requirements need a project-specific configuration. Confirm usable capacity, cooling performance, installation space and cleaning arrangements before ordering.
What power supply does a bulk milk cooling tank require?
Commercial configurations specify three-phase 380 V or 415 V supply at 50 Hz or 60 Hz. Confirm the local voltage, frequency, available electrical capacity and cable-routing conditions before selecting the refrigeration and agitator configuration.
What tank materials and insulation are specified?
The vessel uses double-wall SUS304 stainless steel, with a 2–3 mm inner tank, 2 mm outer layer and 60–80 mm polyurethane foam insulation. Confirm the required dairy standard, site environment and any project-specific material requirements when requesting a quotation.
How does the agitator support milk storage?
The low-speed paddle agitator has a specified operating range of 21–36 RPM. Its purpose is to keep the milk mixed during storage without excessive churning. The appropriate motor configuration should be selected with the tank capacity and expected operating routine.
Can the condensing unit be installed outside the milk room?
Larger split-type configurations allow the condenser to be installed outside under suitable weather protection. Confirm local ambient conditions, ventilation clearance, pipe routing and maintenance access so the refrigeration layout can be designed for the installation site.
How is the horizontal milk cooling tank cleaned?
The automated Clean-In-Place system uses rotating spray balls and programmed wash cycles to clean internal tank surfaces. Connect the system to the required hot-water and cleaning-chemical supply, then confirm the site utilities and cleaning routine as part of the final configuration.
Ready to Secure Your Milk Quality?
Stop estimating capital costs. Submit your raw milk output data, and our engineering team will prepare an initial tank-sizing recommendation and factory-direct quotation within 24 business hours.
Heavy-duty hardware from 1,000L to 30,000L.