How to choose pneumatic diaphragm pumps for sanitary applications?
In the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical processing industries, choosing a bomba Diaphragm pneumatics is a complex task. This is because, in addition to physical security, it is essential to guarantee the safety and health of consumers. For this task, it is important to take into account some aspects, such as: type of fluid, viscosity, flow, pressure and temperature.
In addition, it is also essential to consider the certifications, the type of material and the cleaning and maintenance process. Regarding its designation and certification, pneumatic sanitary diaphragm pumps are divided into two types:
- FDA: pumps that are in accordance with FDA;
- ATEX: toilets that are certified according to sanitary standards.
In the case of FDA Bombs, they are made with materials approved for frequent use with food (focused on human consumption). This means that food and drinks will not be contaminated by the bomb. It is important to note that this compliance with FDA This is not a certification, and it only provides the parameters for the manufacture of the pumps.
In this case, it is the manufacturer's responsibility to ensure that the products and materials used comply with FDA specifications, such as external chambers, collectors, check valves, among other components.
There is a third-party certification called EC 1935/2004, represented by the symbol of a cup and a fork, which means that the product has been tested in the laboratory and does not contaminate or affect the composition of drinks and foods that come into contact with the pump. Many manufacturers already have this certification in their products.
What is a sanitary pump?
Unlike the pumps manufactured in accordance with FDSanitary pumps, which are often used in beverage and food processing, are superior and widely used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and dairy industries. Because they are specific, these pumps have a high level certification, such as 3A or EHENDGE.
Although a sanitary pump is FDA compliant, FDA pumps are not considered sanitary. These bombs are physically similar, but have several technical differences.
Learn more in the video below about Graco sanitary diaphragm pumps:
Applicable in other types of pneumatic diaphragm pumps, the ATEX CONFORMITY It has a minimum and safety requirement for workplaces and equipment used in explosive atmospheres. This means that Pump can be grounded, which is essential when fuel fluids are manipulated.
Click here And learn more about the graco sanitary bombs.
Materials used in sanitary pumps
The most common material for the manufacture of sanitary pumps is 316 polished stainless steel, but it is also possible to find pumps made in some types of polypropylene. In the case of light materials, FDA approves PTFE, Nitrila (BUNA-N), Santoprene, Hytrel or EPDM. The choice will be made according to the characteristics of the product that will be pumped, such as chemical composition, abrasiveness, temperature, etc.
It is essential to consult the manufacturer's chemical compatibility guide to ensure pump safety, durability and reliability before making the choice. Equally important, the FDA federal regulations code, title 21 (cfr 21), brings specifications of materials that come into contact with food.
Click here and check out the chemical compatibility table with the Aluminum.
Click here and check out the chemical compatibility table with the Stainless steel - stainless steel.
Click here and check out the chemical compatibility table with the polypropylene.
Sanitary pump cleaning
The process of choosing the material for sanitary pumps must also take into account how the equipment will be cleaned and maintained. In the food or pharmaceutical industry, it is necessary to follow a protocol known as COP (Clean Out of Place), where operators dismantle and sanitize equipment between batches, making it necessary to have a practical structure that minimizes downtime.
In the case of CIP cleaning system, which is done without disassembly, it is important to check with the manufacturer the correct cleaning protocol to ensure the safety of the equipment. It is also vital to choose exterior materials that are compatible with daily washing and cleaning methods.
Click here and learn more about the CIP cleaning process
Always count on the duplation, your reliable supplier for pneumatic pumps. Contact us at (48) 3438-8484 or email vendas@duplacao.com.br And talk to our experts.
