Description

In batch mode the product is pumped from the vacuum vessel and  then returned. As it re-enters the vessel it forms a thin film over a spreader disc, offering a large surface area to the vacuum, hence releasing dissolved gases. As the product is recirculated over time,  more gas is released.

When coupled to an Armfield pasteurisation or UHT system, product can be drawn off at the rate required by the progressing cavity pump of the FT74XA or FT174. Product can either be drawn off until the vessel reaches its minimum limit, or the FT51 can automatically top up the vessel from an external container, using the vacuum to draw in the amount required to top up the vessel. The automatic level control maintains a max volume of approximately 10l in the vessel.

This vacuum filling mode can also be used to fill the vessel initially, prior to either batch or continuous processing.

N₂ gas can be introduced into the product in order to reach lower dissolved oxygen levels (down to 0.5ppm).

Some products benefit from spray deaeration and in batch mode the spreader disc can be replaced by the supplied purpose designed spray ball. This uses multiple nozzles to produce a fine mist of product, enabling deaeration to be performed over the enhanced surface area  of the small droplets.

The spray nozzle is also used in Clean-In-Place mode (CIP). This takes place under control of the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC).  The valves are switched automatically to ensure all flow paths are thoroughly cleaned.

A feature of the Armfield unit is that the UHT system can be provided with a supply of water (or product) for start-up while still connected  to the FT51. Switching between the water supply and the vessel contents is quickly and cleanly achieved by a single press of the touchscreen control. Similarly when the tank is emptied or when the operator wishes to finish the run, it can be easily switched back.

Description of operation

In batch mode the product is pumped from the vacuum vessel and then returned. As it re-enters the vessel it forms a thin film over a spreader disc, offering a large surface area to the vacuum, hence releasing dissolved gases. As the product is recirculated over time, more gas is released.

When coupled to an Armfield pasteurisation or UHT system, product can be drawn off at the rate required by the progressing cavity pump of the FT74XTS or FT174. Product can either be drawn off until the vessel reaches its minimum limit, or the FT51 can automatically top up the vessel from an external container, using the vacuum to draw in the amount required to top up the vessel. The automatic level control maintains a max volume of approximately 10l in the vessel.

This vacuum filling mode can also be used to fill the vessel initially, prior to either batch or continuous processing.

N₂ gas can be introduced into the product in order to reach lower DO₂ levels (down to 0.5ppm).

Some products benefit from spray deaeration and in batch mode the spreader disc can be replaced by the supplied purpose-designed spray ball. This uses multiple nozzles to produce a fine mist of product, enabling deaeration to be performed over the enhanced surface area of the small droplets.

The spray nozzle is also used in clean-in-place mode (CIP). This takes place under control of the programmable logic controller (PLC). The valves are switched automatically to ensure all flow paths are thoroughly cleaned.

A feature of the Armfield unit is that the UHT system can be provided with a supply of water (or product) for start-up while still connected to the FT51. Switching between the water supply and the vessel contents is quickly and cleanly achieved by a single press of the touchscreen control. Similarly when the tank is emptied or when the operator wishes to finish the run, it can be easily switched back.