hap0320

22 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS March 2020 www.hpmag.co.uk APPLICATIONS Seepex has recently launched the latest design of hygienic progressive cavity (PC) pump which has achieved EHEDG certification, delivering the highest microbiological results with residue free cleaning guaranteed using CIP systems. The EHEDG pump is the latest addition to the Seepex’s range of hygienic PC pumps which are used widely wherever thin to highly viscous, shear sensitive products and those containing soft solids need to be transferred. Food processors have to ensure that product quality and viscosity can be maintained throughout processing and packaging; selecting the best pumps for shear sensitive products is therefore vital to deliver the best product to consumers. Gentle, low shear action Traditional pumping systems can have a detrimental effect on the quality and texture of some dairy products, particularly yogurt, with shear stresses changing the product consistency by shear thinning, producing a ‘thin runny’ product. Often costly additives are used to preserve or restore product quality changes; however, there is another solution – the use of progressive cavity pumps with their gentle, low shear action, ability to handle soft solids without damage and minimal pulsation flow rates. Shear stress – backflow and ‘slip’ Traditionally, twin screw or lobe pumps are used to handle products such as yogurt after the fermentation stage, when the product has set. The running clearance between the screws or lobes results in backflow– also known as ‘slip’ – and this is the main cause of shear- thinning which, in the case of yogurt production, can cause breakdown to a runny, thin product. The higher the pumping pressure, for example through heating or cooling equipment, the more this slip increases. Seepex PC pumps are known for their gentle handling of viscous products. This is due to their unique design, which enables the product to move through the pump in a series of cavities. These cavities are not compressed or distorted in any way, creating a gentle, non-pulsating flow. This ’non-slip’ action preserves the quality of shear-sensitive products such as yogurt. Additionally, minimal pulsation action creates a smooth laminar flow through pipelines and ensures a constant feed through heat exchangers, minimising mechanical stress and product thinning. Accurate dosing Seepex PC pumps are used in many dairy manufacturing plants globally, including for pumping fruit yogurt where the ability to handle soft solids without damage is essential for maintaining fruit piece integrity. PC pump flow has minimal pulsation and linear accuracy, delivering accurate dosing with simple calibration and controls when adding flavours and syrups either in batch or in-line into liquid or viscous products. Seepex PC pumps enable food processors to produce consistently high- quality products, using a combination of gentle pumping action, accurate product dosing and the highest hygienic standards possible. www.seepex.com Progressive cavity pumps for highest product quality The hygienic BCFH pump range has a low shear action, making it suitable for sensitive foodstuffs such as yogurt. Seepex’s low shear hygienic PC pumps maintain product quality.