PLANT & SECURITY TECHNOLOGY
Stable plant operation with robust technology
How to secure
a stable but adaptable plant operation For process operators, changes in the use of their plant entails greater failure and error risk. GEA’s Varivent valve portfolio ensures stable plant operation with robust technology, efficient automation and well-positioned service, supporting important production sectors like the food, dairy and beverage industries.
H
ygienic valves control liquid processes
bottlenecks. With the standard automatic
valve units and entire valve blocks can be
at all process stages, and are utilised
control of all Varivent valves, changes in the
retrofitted with precision to meet future
by the dozens found in valve blocks
process programme are simple and safe. The
process tasks by replacing
for filling, emptying and cleaning tank farms.
valves are connected via their standardised
individual components.
GEA's new valve design is well-known for its
digital control top to the central process
ability to withstand loads beyond the stresses
control system, which coordinates all opening
stronger position in terms of sustainability,
of everyday use.
and closing operations according to the
the Leff technology (Low Emission
selected programme. Fail-safe monitoring is
Flip Flop) in the latest valve control tops can
concept ensures the hygienic safety of valve
ensured by the novel feedback technology
save up to 90% of clean-in-place media.
technology, even under heavy-duty use, and
built into GEA’s current control top models. If
Other components in the GEA portfolio
during food and beverage processing. The
a control top has to be reconfigured
support substantial water and energy saving.
innovative shape of the groove in the valve
for this purpose, factory personnel can do
The Varicover system is based on the valve
disk gives the seals a precise hold during
this without special training. With the
concept, which recovers valuable product
switching operations, also in the event of
latest models, a push of a button is all
residues from piping and minimises the
high-pressure differences. The metallic
that is needed.
amount of rinsing water for pipe cleaning.
An equally robust, FEM-optimised sealing
stop ensures a defined deformation. This
If, for example, a company aims for a
“Users that harness the possibilities offered
means that the seal remains reliable over
by valve automation are better prepared to
exceptionally long service periods.
cope with changes as well as for tomorrow,”
MANUFACTURING QUALITY & ONGOING PROGRESS
Bernd Porath, product manager for valve
Varivent users gain security for their
established operating procedures are
automation technology sums up. “The digital,
operations not least thanks to the exceptional
restricted or skilled workers are not available
network-enhanced future of processing
manufacturing quality of each valve. All
to the usual extent, as may be the case
plants has already begun. Our technology
valves in the GEA's premium family are
during a pandemic. “The care we invested in
provides users with the security and
manufactured exclusively at the GEA
the technology concept from the outset is
efficiency that is now increasingly essential.”
plant near Hamburg, Germany where the
The added robustness pays off when
bringing stability where it is needed most,”
mix proof double-seat valve was invented
PRECISE RETROFITTING AND EXPANSION
more than 50 years ago. It still represents
If the plant is to be converted or expanded
technology today. Besides, the GEA Varivent
so that it can continue to serve its purpose
family has decisively driven progress with the
or meet changed objectives, GEA’s Varivent
introduction of the first mix-proof valves in
While recipe changes are often the order of
modular system holds the key. Just over a
PMO-certified design for the US market. •
the day in liquid processes, batch cycles are
million configuration options ensure exactly
currently adjusted with some frequency,
the right equipment or upgrade options to
owing to crisis-related supply or delivery
optimally support stable operations. Existing
explains Annika Burmeister, product manager for hygienic valves.
EASY ADAPTATION OF PROCESSES AND CAPACITIES
the foundation for mix proof process valve
GEA – www.gea.com
FOOD REVIEW | FEBRUARY 2021
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