Temperature analysis of the water supply system of a dairy company by means of a simulation model

This paper describes the second part of a research project that examined, by means of simulation, the water distribution system of a dairy company located near Parma (Italy) and active for decades in the production of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and butter. The first part of the research was described by Marchini et al. (2013) and focused on finding opportunities for recycling water in the distribution system of the dairy company considered. In this work, we go ahead by analyzing the thermal properties (such as, primarily, the temperature) of the water used inside the distribution system, as well as of that discharged. Specifically, the aim of the present study is to estimate the water temperature into each tank of the plant. To achieve this aim, we build upon the MS ExcelTM simulation model developed by Marchini et al. (2013) and add the related thermal equations. As a result, we define the temperature trend of water inside all the tanks of the distribution system. Situations where the water temperature is higher than the boundary defined by the company (i.e., approx. 25°C) are also highlighted.