In today's food processing industry, selecting the right fluid handling system for pumps is a critical decision that involves more than just technical performance. Designers, operators, and managers must consider a wide range of health and safety responsibilities, especially since the end consumers are the general public. Contamination must be completely avoided, and any form of corrosion is unacceptable. Pumps and piping systems with cracks or dead spots that could trap fluids and promote bacterial growth are not allowed. Additionally, when choosing materials for food contact surfaces, it's also essential to consider the lines and tank equipment used for transporting acidic or alkaline cleaning solutions during maintenance, as well as equipment that handles corrosive chemicals in wastewater treatment to meet environmental standards.
Pumps used in food applications must be made from materials that do not chemically react with the product or alter its taste, color, or other characteristics. For non-food contact fluid systems, design considerations include reduced maintenance, increased throughput, lower costs, and other less tangible factors such as supplier expertise and support.
The use of plastic pumps has evolved significantly over the past 50 years. It all started with the Vanton flexible linear screw-rotor pump, which was developed for heart-lung surgery due to its ability to handle blood without contamination or damage. This simple design features only two main components: a solid plastic body and a synthetic rubber liner. It avoids metal contamination and gently moves fluids without damaging delicate cells. Its simplicity also makes it easy to clean and reassemble, making it ideal for sensitive applications.
With the help of chemical manufacturers like DuPont, Doyle, and Atofina, new thermoplastic materials have been developed to withstand corrosive substances such as acids, bases, and solvents. These materials have opened up new possibilities for pump design, allowing for more durable and cost-effective solutions.
Today, there are approximately 150,000 flexible linear screw-rotor pumps in use in the U.S., with a total capacity of 40 GPM, and about double that number in Europe. These pumps are ideal for handling sensitive and corrosive fluids at low to medium flow rates. As industries require higher flow rates for chemicals, food, and pharmaceuticals, the need for non-metallic pumps with advanced designs has grown. Manufacturers have responded by developing thermoplastic centrifugal pumps available in horizontal and vertical configurations, capable of handling up to 1500 GPM, lifting fluids up to 400 feet, and operating continuously or intermittently at temperatures up to 275°F.
These pumps are often designed with ANSI-approved models and can be equipped with sealless mechanisms and automatic starters. Some vertical pumps can even run dry and feature segmented shafts that allow for lengths up to 50 feet. Their construction, free from metal components in contact with the fluid, makes them suitable for use in the food industry.
One typical application is in handling sticky mustard and vinegar. The flexible linear screw-rotor pump can manage clear liquids, highly viscous fluids, slurries, and even those with small particles. In this setup, vinegar is stored at ground level and pumped into an elevated tank before flowing by gravity into an ingredient tank where mustard seeds and salt are added. The mixture is then transferred to a mixing tank, and the final mustard product is pumped into a hopper and placed into bottles on a conveyor belt.
The pump installed by August Barer & Sons requires a throughput of 10 GPM at 50 PSI and a viscosity of 5000 SSU. Only two parts come into contact with the corrosive fluids, both made of plastic. The polypropylene cylinder has an unlimited lifespan as it does not react with food, and its smooth interior reduces wear. The synthetic rubber liner also remains inert, though it may wear if the fluid contains abrasive particles. According to service reports, these pumps can last over 20 years with only a liner replacement needed.
In dairy processing, similar challenges arise, especially when using caustic chemicals for cleaning. Tuscan Dairies, a major U.S. processor, uses strong base and acid solutions to clean its systems daily. Flexible linear pumps are ideal for delivering and draining these chemicals. They offer seven types of synthetic rubber liners and four pump body options.
A modern Scottish dairy plant faced strict regulations regarding wastewater treatment, particularly with the use of dilute sulfuric acid to coagulate waste milk. To meet these requirements, Steill used a Sump-Gard Vanton vertical centrifugal pump with a thermoplastic drain riser and stiffeners made of the same material. All fluid-contacting components were made of homogeneous polypropylene, ensuring resistance to aggressive chemicals. Bearings included ceramic and Teflon sleeves, and the pump housing was constructed from pure polypropylene. The design allowed for easy maintenance and minimized shaft distortion, meeting all environmental and operational needs.
Display Shelf/Stands/Racks/Showcases
Welcome to FCX Metal, is a leading manufacturer of retail showcases, glass displays, fine store displays and store fixtures, the home of the ever popular Streamline Showcases. We manufacture display cases, glass showcases, jewelry showcases, full vision showcases, trophy cases and wrap counters and cabinetry. We also manufacture high quality pharmacy cabinets and undercounter cabinets, including vial drawers, bottle dispensers, bathroom cabinets and narcotic units.
All showcases are designed and manufactured with our state-of-the-art equipment to assure accuracy and precision. We operate using hi-tech machinery for quick turn-around and rollout programs. We also have the facility and capabilities to manufacture custom showcase and wood fixtures to your specific design and applications. Browse our website, and feel free to contact us. We look forward to your business!
Display Cabinet,Display Showcases,Display Racks,Metal Display Shelf
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