Options To Consider When You Are Buying A Homogenizer

Homogenizer is one of the most important key components in dairy processing plant. Homogenizers and High Pressure Pumps are used for the high pressure homogenization or pumping of emulsions and suspensions.

Below are a few options to be considered while you are making a purchase decision of homogenizer.

Frequency Inverter for Motor
A homogenizer without the frequency inverter will have fixed capacity output. In many cases, the dairy processing plant will have alteration in the capacity, without the frequency inverter, the alternate option for different flow rate would be reconfigure the pulleys and belts (see picture below).

RPM of the crankshaft
The homogenizer is a very high wear and tear machine because it is operated under high pressure (normally operated at 150 to 250 Bar) and extensive mechanical movements. One way to reduce the wear and tear is to work with your suppliers (Tetra Pak, GEA, APV and etc) in determining the homogenizer model with reasonable RPM (at least lower than 200 RPM).

In short, with the right options selection, you will enjoy the flexibility while low in maintenance cost.

Joint Ring & Mechanical Seal of Centrifugal Pump

The picture shows an ALC centrifugal pump which had been broken down due to the failure of the joint ring.

Most of the process plant performs replacement and inspection on the mechanical seal. Joint ring is equally important as any leakage will cause infection of bacteria or contamination and it is more critical if it is installed after the final heating section of the food processing plant.

Hence, the rule of thumb is ensuring the joint ring is in good condition while performing inspection on the condition of mechanical seal.

Argon Welding Quality for Food Product Pipeline

The workmanship of argon welder is very critical in food industry as poor welding of pipe will introduce penetration in the inner pipe. This penetration will cause inefficient in CIP (clean in place) as CIP flows in one way direction only most of the time.

The unclean area of the pipe will give a chance to the bacteria to survive and multiply. In result, product sterility issues might occur.

Hence, it is important to ensure only certified argon welders are allowed to perform food product pipeline welding.

Please see the pictures for sample of bad argon welding workmanship.

GEA Niro Soavi Homogenizer

The picture shows the GEA Niro Soavi homogenizer which will be installed at the non dairy creamer plant. The unit comes with 5 units piston head (please see picture below).

Sattcon Backup Module in CIP Station

Case:

Customer would like to verify if the backup modules of the Sattcon PLC system in the CIP (Clean in place) station is in working condition or else.

Solution:

There are 2 backup units for the particular cip station. One connected to operator panel and the other connected to the Sattcon controller. To test the condition of the backup units, it need to be connected to a computer (laptop) and test with a Dox 10, a program developed by Alfa Laval Automation AB.

If the message "Failed to erase device" prompt on the Dox 10 screen, it means that the particular backup unit is faulty and replacement is necessary for easy backup and restore purpose.