Processes in hygienic industries — such as beverage, food, dairy, pharma and personal care — are becoming increasingly complex. Some of the challenges include higher volumes, increased efficiency, reduction in water and energy use.
It is essential to optimise flow management without compromising flexibility, plant safety, product quality or hygiene.
Each stage of the design and installation process is an important component to fully realising potential in processing, by saving time and avoiding lost revenue associated with production downtime.
Compared with traditional flow plates, a valve matrix is designed to allow simultaneous circulation of liquids — including CIP — on several levels with the exact number of lines and rows to match the specific requirements of the process.
The matrix enables flexibility, allowing multiple products to run to multiple destinations, while other lines are being cleaned.
Installing a valve matrix with Alfa Laval Unique mixproof valves brings outstanding product safety, good cleaning conditions and no risk of cross-contamination. It rules out the opportunity of human errors, which can occur using manual connection of lines and handling of swing bends.
Pre-built matrices customised to meet specific requirements
Alfa Laval are specialists in providing pre-built valve matrices, customised to meet specific, individual requirements.
Its expertise helps ensure the most efficient flow management, using as few components as possible and dealing effectively with key issues, including thermal cycling, cleanability, drainability and flow control.
Alfa Laval valve matrices can be supplied pre-assembled and pre-tested, as well as fully wired and with all the necessary pneumatic tubing, junction boxes and control panels pre-connected.
Alfa Laval valve matrices enable more complex installations to be put into action as quickly as possible. The valve saves time and avoids lost revenue.
