Sanitary Pumps are required when moving fluids or slurries in a food, pharma or personal care product manufacturing or processing Facility.
Sanitary Pumps have unique construction features that are mandatory for the pumping of fluids intended for consumption or contact with humans, including pharmaceuticals, dairy products, fine chemicals, cosmetics, and food additives, etc.
Selecting a sanitary pump can be a challenging process however. Here are several guidelines to follow to choose one (or more) for your needs.
Let’s get started.
First, What Are the Benefits of Sanitary Pumps?
Sanitary pumps are intended for use in sectors such as biotechnology, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and other industries where cleanliness and hygiene are crucial.
These pumps employ components and other features that make cleaning and sanitization simple to avoid contaminating the product being handled. Sanitary pumps are critical for ensuring product quality and safety during sensitive manufacturing processes.
What to Take Into Account When Selecting a Sanitary Pump
Several factors need to be considered when buying a sanitary pump.
1. Determine the Flow Rate
Understanding the flow rate you need to accommodate is crucial as it helps determine what pump size is suitable for your application. A flow rate or range should be defined based on the process’s present and future needs. It can be found quite easily if your process does not determine your flow rate value.
Flow rate is measured as volume over time. As a result, you must understand how much fluid (volume) is moving and at what rate (time) through your process system. Flow rate is represented as gallons per minute (GPM), litres per minute (lpm) or cubic meters per hour (m3/h).
For example, you need to transfer 1000 litres of fluid in 20 minutes; 1000 ÷ 20 = 50 lpm.
2. Determine the Viscosity
Another important factor to consider when choosing a sanitary pump is the viscosity of the fluid used in your process. Viscosity refers to a fluid’s resistance to flow. When a fluid (gas or liquid) flows, it experiences resistance caused by the fluid’s internal friction. To ensure proper fluid flow, adding all the linear forces in the flow direction is critical to counteract the resistance effect.
A viscosimeter is recommended to measure the fluid’s viscosity. Remember: the higher the viscosity, the bigger the pump or motor you will need.
3. Determine the Pressure
Pressure is required to move liquid through all systems. Figuring out the pressure will also help you determine and comprehend the pump performance you should be looking for. Issues like pump cavitation, noise, vibration, and higher energy consumption can be brought on by an oversized or undersized pump. Pressure, also known as head, is a force per unit area measurement expressed in pounds per square inch (PSI) or Bar.
4. Determine Clean In Place (CIP) Capability
When selecting sanitary pumps, don’t forget to check the CIP (clean in place) capability. The surface of the pump should be easy to clean and sterilize. It is important to have a hygienic design with smooth surfaces, a minimal dead zone, and no crevices in which bacteria can proliferate. This helps to prevent the accumulation of bacteria, contaminants, or residues, which could jeopardize product quality and safety.
5. Understand Energy Efficiency
With rising global energy consumption, every business is looking for ways to reduce operating costs. This is why you should search for sanitary pumps with high energy efficiency ratings. Sanitary pumps of this type are made to minimize energy loss while maintaining the necessary flow and pressure. This helps lower operating costs while lowering energy costs and environmental impacts.
Alfa Laval’s centrifugal LKH-Series pumps are premium models for hygienic applications. These pumps are engineered to provide high performance and energy efficiency and are suitable for a wide range of sanitation applications.
6. Assess Compliance with Regulations
It is crucial to prioritize certification and compliance when choosing a sanitary pump. This will guarantee both product quality and regulatory compliance. For example, if you are installing a sanitary pump for your food and beverage process, ensure that it meets the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) regulations. This ensures that the sanitary pump meets your industry’s safety and quality standards, avoiding legal issues that could harm your company’s reputation.
7. Plan for Future Upgrades and Expansions
When selecting pumps, keep in mind any potential upgrades or expansions to your facility. It is critical to select sanitary pumps that can meet increasing production demands.
Choosing pumps with interchangeable components also allows for quick adjustments in the event of high production. Replacing components is also more cost-effective in the long run than purchasing a new pump.
Selecting the appropriate sanitary pump is essential for upholding product integrity, hygienic practices, and operational effectiveness in a variety of sectors. You can make an informed choice that satisfies your unique needs by taking into account the factors outlined here. Have questions? Get in touch with our team of experts to find the optimal sanitary pump solution for your processes.