Food machinery in the pump material and structure of choice

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 take on significant health-related responsibilities, as the end consumers are the general public. Ensuring product safety is essential—contamination and corrosion must be strictly avoided. Any cracks or dead spots in pumps or piping systems that could trap fluids and promote bacterial growth are unacceptable. In addition to material selection and surface finish for food contact, the industry must also consider the lines and tank equipment used for transporting acidic or alkaline cleaning agents during maintenance, as well as systems that handle corrosive chemicals for 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 affect its taste, color, or other characteristics. For non-food contact fluid systems, design considerations include reduced maintenance, increased throughput, lower operating costs, and factors such as supplier expertise and support, which can be difficult to quantify. The concept of using plastic pumps began over 50 years ago when Vanton developed a flexible linear screw-rotor pump for use in heart-lung surgery. This early pump had a simple design, consisting of only two main components: a solid plastic body and a synthetic rubber liner. It was ideal for handling blood without causing damage or contamination. Its gentle motion prevented harm to blood cells, and its lack of valves, seals, or gaskets made it easy to clean and reassemble. Since then, advancements in materials have expanded the use of plastic pumps into new areas. Companies like DuPont, Doyle, and Atofina have pioneered the development of thermoplastics that can withstand harsh chemicals such as acids, bases, solvents, and salts. Today, these materials are incorporated into cost-effective pump designs that meet the growing demands of the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. There are now around 150,000 flexible linear pumps in the U.S., with a total capacity of 40 GPM, and roughly double that number in Europe. These pumps are used for handling sensitive and corrosive fluids at low to medium flow rates, and they are increasingly being adopted for higher flow applications as well. Thermoplastic centrifugal pumps are available in both horizontal and vertical configurations, capable of handling up to 1,500 GPM, lifting fluid up to 400 feet, and operating continuously or intermittently at temperatures up to 275°F. They come in ANSI-approved models and can be equipped with sealless mechanisms and automatic starters. Vertical pumps are designed to run dry and feature segmented shafts that allow for lengths up to 50 feet. All of these designs are suitable for the food industry because no metal components come into contact with the fluid. One typical application involves handling viscous substances like mustard and vinegar. Flexible linear screw-rotor pumps are ideal for this, as they can manage clear liquids, high-viscosity fluids, slurries, and even those containing small particles. In one setup, vinegar is stored at ground level and pumped into an elevated tank, where it flows by gravity into an ingredient tank. Mustard seeds and salt are added, and the mixture is then transferred to a mixing tank before being pumped into a hopper and filled into bottles on a conveyor belt. At August Barer & Sons, a pump with a throughput of 10 GPM at 50 PSI and a viscosity of 5,000 SSU is used. Only two parts come into contact with the corrosive fluids, and both are made of plastic. The polypropylene cylinder has an unlimited lifespan due to its resistance to food products, and its smooth interior minimizes wear. The synthetic rubber liner also resists food but may need replacement after 20 years, depending on the fluid’s abrasiveness. Replacement is quick and does not require special tools. In dairy processing, the use of caustic chemicals for cleaning is common, and compliance with environmental regulations is crucial. Tuscan Dairies, a major U.S. processor, requires daily cleaning after production. Their process involves disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling equipment, often using strong base and acid solutions to neutralize waste streams before disposal. Flexible linear pumps are ideal for delivering and draining these chemicals. A modern dairy plant in Scotland faced challenges meeting local water agency requirements due to the use of dilute sulfuric acid in wastewater treatment. To address this, Steill used a Sump-Gard Vanton vertical centrifugal pump with thermoplastic components resistant to aggressive chemicals. All fluid-contacting parts were made of homogeneous polypropylene, ensuring chemical stability across a wide pH range. The pump housing, cover, and impeller were molded from pure polypropylene, and ceramic and Teflon bearings were used to enhance durability.

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