As the name suggests, a sanitary check valve is a valve that assists with maintaining hygiene in the food and beverage industry. The valve is a non-return valve, ensuring the unidirectional flow of fluid in a pipeline and preventing backflow. Sanitary check valves are primarily used in applications where the processing environment must be uncontaminated, such as in the dairy, brewing and pharmaceutical industries. In this blog post, we’ll give you a comprehensive guide to sanitary check valves, including their properties, uses and applications, and how to use them.

What is Sanitary Check Valve?

Sanitary check valves are a type of valve designed to prevent the backflow of fluid in hygienic pipelines. They consist of a body, disc, and spring which allows liquid to flow through the pipeline but prevents it from flowing backwards. This helps maintain product purity and quality in industrial processes that involve contact with food or pharmaceutical products.

Properties of Sanitary Check Valves:

Sanitary check valves come in different types, depending on their operating mechanism. Three of the most common types are spring, gravity, and ball check valves. The valves typically have a stainless steel disc that regulates the flow of the fluid in the line. Sanitary check valves also have an internal finish conducive to cleaning and sterilization, typically meeting standards such as ASME BPE and EHEDG. Additionally, to minimize contamination risks, most sanitary check valves are designed with a few parts, reducing the chances of part detachment or sealing malfunction.

Uses and Applications:

Sanitary check valves play a critical role in ensuring safety standards for hygiene are upheld in the processing environment. They are used in applications where the processing environment must be contamination-free, such as during the processing of milk, beer, pharmaceuticals, and other similar applications. They are also used as close-off valves and flow control valves in pipelines that require unidirectional flow. Sanitary check valves can be used in various line sizes and pressure ranges, from low-pressure lines in pharmaceuticals to high-pressure lines in brewing applications.

How to Use a Sanitary Check Valve:

Using a sanitary check valve is pretty straightforward. The valve’s type will determine the mechanism of opening and closing, and its application requirement will determine its ideal position in the pipeline. A qualified engineer should also install the valve, and all fittings and connections must fit correctly. When it comes to cleaning and sterilization, essential for maintaining hygiene, the valve should be opened to its full extent to allow thorough cleaning. It is also advisable to replace any damaged parts that make up the valve.

Conclusion:

Sanitary check valves are vital in maintaining hygiene in the food processing industry. The valves have unique properties like an internal finish, low part count, and different operating mechanisms such as gravity, ball, or spring to maintain one-way flow. Sanitary check valves are versatile and useful in diverse applications like brewing, dairy, and pharmaceuticals. When using them, the installation process should be handled by a qualified engineer, cleaning should be done regularly, and worn-out parts should be replaced. With this blog post, you’re now well-versed in the properties, uses, and applications of sanitary check valves.

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