TPi September 2017

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September 2017 TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL 43
products & developments
Easy valve matrix solution
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, and reduction in
water and energy use. It is necessary
to optimise flow management without
compromising flexibility, plant safety,
product quality or hygiene.
A valve matrix – also known as a valve
cluster – is an option for maximising
process efficiency through optimised
flow management. Each stage of the
design and installation process is an
important component to fully realising
potential in the process by saving time
and avoiding lost revenue associated
with production downtime.
Compared to 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 ensures the
flexibility to run multiple products to
multiple destinations while other lines
are being cleaned.
Alfa Laval states that installing a valve
matrix with its Mixproof valves provides
product safety with good cleaning
conditions and no risk of cross-
contamination. It eliminates the chance
for human error, which can occur using
manual connection of lines and
handling of swing bends.
Alfa Laval specialises in pre-built
valve matrices customised to
meet individual requirements. The
company can help ensure efficient
flow management using as few
components as possible, and dealing
effectively with key issues that
include 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. This allows even complex
installations to be brought online as
quickly as possible, saving time and
avoiding lost revenue associated with
on-site assembly, troubleshooting and
downtime.
Alfa Laval – Sweden
An Alfa Laval valve matrix
New model for miniature proportional
pneumatic valve series
The Precision Fluidics division of
motion and control technology firm
Parker Hannifin has released its newest
model of the miniature proportional
valve VSO® LowPro for OEMs looking
for innovation in size, power and
manufacturability when controlling the
flow rate of inert gases.
The new model utilises a smaller
0.76mm (0.03") orifice within the same
small VSO LowPro footprint – 16mm
wide and 14mm tall (0.63" x 0.55") – to
create a combination of size and flow
control between 0 and 30 SLPM. Typical
applications for the new model of the
VSO LowPro valve include pressure
control, volumetric flow control and
pulse dose control.
With the release of this new model,
Parker has expanded its pressure
specifications for its new Model 3 and
existing Model 4 and Model 5 valves up
to 100 psi (6.9 bar) with flows up to 57
SLPM, further increasing the range of
capabilities within the platform.
The VSO LowPro series focuses on
reliability of operation and is qualified for
up to 100 million cycles with a reliability
factor of 0.96 and a confidence interval
of 99 per cent.
The VSO LowPro family also allows
designers to reduce power or battery
size due to an efficient typical power
requirement of one watt.
The continued expansion of the VSO
LowPro series provides engineers with
configurations that include four orifice
sizes ranging from 0.76 to 2.03mm
(0.03" to 0.08"), three voltage levels
(5, 12 and 24V), and manifold mount
accessories to handle air, oxygen or any
non-reactive, non-condensing gases,
while complying with Reach, RoHS, CE,
IP65 and ISO 15001 regulations.
Parker Hannifin Ltd – UK
Parker’s new VSO LowPro
miniature proportional valve