Industries operating in food processing need safe and hygienic resources. Incorrect handling can cause contamination and, consequently, very serious problems for the company. Therefore, concern for hygiene must be a priority for this type of operation, making bomba Diaphragm pneumatics are essential equipment.
Food processing industries need:
• Deal with different types of materials, from low to high viscosity
• Carry out loading, unloading and transportation
• Handle liquids and fluids with a wide range of temperatures;
• Ensure that there is hygiene in the process and protection against contamination
• Ensure routine cleaning/sanitation
• Comply with the guidelines of regulatory bodies.
See some examples of sanitary pumps:
SANIFORCE 3150 HS DOUBLE DIAPHRAGM PUMP – GRACO
SANIFORCE 1040 DOUBLE DIAPHRAGM PUMP – GRACO
In this sense, pneumatic diaphragm pumps for sanitary applications are the best option for this type of operation. Because they are highly versatile, they can guarantee several advantages for the company, such as:
• Are shear sensitive: The pump ensures a smooth pumping action on the product being pumped.
• They have the capacity to handle solids: they allow the passage of solids without damaging the pump or the product.
• Are self-priming: Unlike other pumping technologies, pneumatic diaphragm pumps are self-priming and do not require positive inlet pressure to prime.
• Can run dry: The pump is not damaged if it runs dry. It is very common for pumps to run dry, especially at the end of a transfer.
• They are easy to clean/sanitise: The pumps are simple to disassemble and clean.
• Meet required certification levels: manufactured to meet the rigorous needs of the industries they serve.
• Are grounded for safety: Pneumatic pumps can be grounded and do not require electricity to operate, ensuring safe handling of hazardous fluids.
• They are portable: they can be easily moved and only require compressed air to operate.
• Can handle a wide range of viscosities, pressures and flow rates: With flow rates up to 234 gpm (886 lpm), the pumps can handle pressures up to 125 psi (8.6 bar) and virtually any fluid that can flow up to 90,000 cst (415,500 ssu).
• Have a low initial purchase price: In most cases, the pumps cost significantly less than other positive displacement pumps.
Take advantage and check out our article on the differences between FDA compliant pumps and sanitary pumps:
How to choose between a hygienic pump and an FDA pump?
To ensure cleaning and disinfection, most pneumatic diaphragm pumps are disassembled at the end of each shift and cleaned/disinfected. Therefore, it is very important to know the characteristics and capabilities of each type of pump, as we will see below:
FDA PUMPS:
• Feature a highly polished surface finish of 150 microinches;
• They must be dismantled for cleaning;
• For drainage, they need to be turned manually.
HYGIENIC PUMPS:
• Feature a highly polished 32 microinch surface finish;
• Offer a rotating support for drainage;
• They are certified and tested by third parties.
When choosing the ideal pump for your application, it is important to consider the following aspects:
• What levels of certification (if any) are required for your operation?
• What product will be pumped?
• How will cleaning be carried out?
• What is the available budget?
The safety of pneumatic diaphragm pumps
Depending on application type or food being pumped, a hygienic pump or FDA pump may not be necessary. Below are some applications that allow the use of a standard pneumatic diaphragm pump:
• Sanitizing chemicals – Sanitizing chemicals are widely used in food processing plants to reduce the presence of bacteria and other microorganisms. These chemicals are used to wash floors and tables, among other surfaces and applications, allowing the use of small ¼”, ½” and 1-inch plastic pumps. They are commonly applied in the dairy and meat processing industries for sanitization.
• Sump Pumps – Pneumatic diaphragm pumps are the best choice for sump pumps in food plants because they can handle a wide variety of fluids, can run dry, and can handle solids.
