On the side of the tank you have a control box with a digital thermometer and basic controls. You can see the current temperature and adjust the setting as needed. Inside the tank, an agitator motor turns a stirrer at low speed. That constant gentle movement helps keep the temperature the same throughout the tank instead of having layers that are warmer at the top and colder at the bottom. Some setups also include a CIP system, so you can wash the inside through fixed spray balls instead of climbing in or opening everything up every time.
Power can be set up for 220V or 380V, 50Hz or 60Hz, depending on what is used in your area. Compressors from brands like Copeland, Bitzer or Danfoss are commonly fitted; which one is used usually depends on what you ask for and what’s available at the time. The agitator motor power is typically in the range of about 0.75 to 1.5 kW.
This kind of 5000L cooler is mostly found on bigger dairy farms, at milk collection points where milk from several farms is gathered, and in small to medium processing plants. In cooperative systems, one tank like this can serve several suppliers in the same area.
As for cost, there isn’t a single fixed price because the details matter. The choice of compressor, whether you go for direct cooling or an ice bank, if you add CIP and how much automation you want – all of that shifts the price. As a rough guide only, many units end up somewhere between about 9,000 and 12,000 US dollars on an EXW or FOB basis. To get a realistic number, it works best if you share your voltage, preferred cooling system, any specific brand requests and destination, and then a quote can be made around that.
The coolers are usually packed in wooden crates for export. Once everything is confirmed, production and preparation for shipment tend to take around two to three weeks. Delivery is then arranged by sea, by truck or by air, depending on where you are and how urgent the order is.