Page 50 - FoodFocusThailand No.220 July 2024

SOURCE OF ENGINEER

voltage to be within the specified range. Then, the
inverter will convert it back to AC with adjustable
frequency, making control of motor speed and torque
possible. The VFD system works with sensors and
processors to regulate AC frequency that supplies
to the motor to control the pump’s speed and torque,
tailoring pump performance to user settings.
Critical considerations for selecting pumps in
food manufacturing factories include 1) flow rate
along with the pipe diameter, 2) composition and
viscosity of the product, 3) discharge pressure, 4)
temperature range required, 5) pipe size, 6)
insulation for hot or cold applications 7) shear
sensitivity affecting product quality, and 8) physical
and chemical properties impacting pump operation.
Proper flow control and precise pump selection are
crucial for maintaining food quality, preventing cross-
contamination, reducing energy use, and extending
pump lifespan.
Techniques for Choosing the Right Pump for Food
Products Principles for Selecting Valves in the
Several types of pumps are used in food manufacturing factories, each Food Industry
with advantages and disadvantages. The choice of pump depends on When choosing valves for the food and beverage
factors such as the type and viscosity of the product, flow rate, and safety industry, users should consider the product types,
standards. The selection criteria differ based on the type and viscosity hygiene standards in the production process, and
of the food: relevant safety regulations, ensuring compliance
• Centrifugal Pump: This pump utilizes the centrifugal force from the with the FDA or other appropriate agencies.
impeller’s rotation to move liquids; thus, it’s suitable for low-viscosity Commonly used valves in the food and beverage
liquids like water, low-viscosity vegetable oils, fruit juices, and milk. industry include:
• Rotary Pump: This pump is ideal for high-viscosity liquids such as • Gate Valve: Completely stops or allows flow,
honey, sauces, jams, peanut butter, and vegetable oils. suitable for high-viscosity liquids and high cleanliness
• Diaphragm Pump: This pump uses diaphragm movement to push standards.
liquids. It is suitable for medium-viscosity liquids with solids and products • Globe Valve: Controls flow with high precision,
prone to foaming, such as broths and broths with minced pork. suitable for high-viscosity liquids.
• Vacuum Pump: Used for drawing liquids, such as filling products • Ball Valve: Provides complete shutoff, suitable
into cans or for dry foods. for high-viscosity fluids, allowing quick flow control
• Lobe Pump: Suitable for medium-viscosity liquids and shear- or on-off action.
sensitive foods due to its constant torque, used for concentrated fruit • Butterfly Valve: Ideal for low-viscosity liquids,
juices, cream, or yogurt. providing quick flow control.
• Gear Pump: This uses the meshing of two gears to move high- • Diaphragm Valve: Strictly controls
viscosity liquids without affecting their food properties, such as syrup, contamination, suitable for corrosive liquids.
chocolate, and high-viscosity vegetable oils. Pumps and valves are crucial in food and
• Screw Pump: Utilizes the rotation of screws to move high-viscosity beverage production. Users must select appropriate
liquids with solids, such as peanut butter, tomato sauce, and chia seed types and maintain them properly to ensure optimal
pudding. performance, reduce production losses, and avoid
Pumps used in the food industry may be made of stainless steel due additional costs such as repairs, downtime, and
to its corrosion resistance and ability to maintain hygiene standards. contamination-related quality issues.
However, non-metal materials like food-grade plastic or elastomers are
used for foods that may react with metal, affecting quality or taste. For
production, pumps must adhere to sanitary standards and ideally be
certified by the 3A sanitary standard, which ensures hygienic design. More Information Service Info C007
Pumps should also support Clean-In-Place (CIP) technology, allowing
cleaning without disassembly, and ensuring cleanliness and safety. เอกสารอ้างอิง / References
Kutz, M. (Ed.). (2019). Handbook of farm, dairy and food
Common sanitary pump designs include airlift pumps, jet pumps, machinery engineering. Academic Press.
centrifugal pumps, and positive displacement pumps. Pfeffer, R. (2002). Hygienic design of centrifugal pumps
Additionally, the Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) technology is for the beverage and food processing industries.
employed to control pump motor speed by adjusting the frequency of the World Pumps, 2002(431), 23-25.
electrical power supplied to the motor, enhancing pump efficiency. VFDs Zaffora, A., Di Franco, F., & Santamaria, M. (2021).
Corrosion of stainless steel in food and pharmaceuti
convert AC to DC, filter, and store energy in capacitors, allowing the cal industry. Current Opinion in Electrochemistry, 29,
100760.
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