Application
For
cylindro-conical tanks the special compact design and
central location of the
tank top system provides an efficient
and economic way of mounting anti
vacuum / pressure relief
safety valves, CIP supply with cleaning head,
pressure control
etc., in a single assembly.
Construction
The topplate assembly is
designed and sized individually to
suit tank application, process
specification, and special
requirements. It is based on tank size, max.
working pressure,
and cleaning procedure.
A typical topplate assembly will include a combination of
the
following components:
Anti vacuum valve:
The valve protects the tank from implosion
during CIP or
emptying. Sizing will depend on tank
design data, cleaning procedure, and
process requirements.
Pressure relief valve:
This valve protects the tank from overpressure and overfilling.
Sizing of the valve will depend on
tank design data and process requirements.
Pressure control:
Regulation of the tank top pressure can be
carried out in
the traditional way by means of a bunging
device connected to the CIP/gas
pipe. Another possibility to
be recommended is a remote controlled Pressure
Exhaust
(PE) valve or a constant pressure system mounted directly on
the
topplate assembly.
CIP supply & cleaning head:
The CIP pipe is mounted on
the top flange by means of a
union coupling or mounting
flange to enable easy demounting of spray ball or
cleaning
machine for inspection and maintenance.
Self-cleaning CO2 valve:
Between the CIP pipe and the top
plate is situated a
combined gas escape/supply valve. The
valve is normally open for gas flow out
of the tank during filling
and fermentation, and open for gas inlet during
pressurising
or emptying. During CIP the liquid will close the valve but
a
special drilling of the valve body ensures cleaning of its seat
and the pipe
connection because a small amount flows
through. The main CIP flow will run
directly to the cleaning
machine/spray ball.
Operation
Please read detailed information
on the separate PD leaflet
for the components included.
Mounting
The topplate assembly is
mounted with a joint on to a counter
flange directly welded into the top of
the tank.
Cleaning
All components are fully
cleanable in place.
Benefits
. Simple and safe operation
. All parts can be
cleaned in place
. Centralized placing of tank equipment secures
easy
maintenance
. Better and lower tank insulation costs
. Flexible
design
. Low installation costs
High level probe: The probe will give a signal when max.
filling
height in tank is obtained and is a useful security
against
overfilling. The use of either spray balls or rotating
cleaning
machines should be taken into account when selecting the
type of
probe. Sight glass & light fitting: Available as individual or combined
units. Pressure transmitter: Can also be used for level indication. Bursting
disc, heating element, lifting lugs, sensors: Or
other equipment as per
customer requirements.
Maintenance
Periodic external manual
cleaning and test of all functions.
Maintenance instructions for individual
equipment must be
followed.
The topplate assembly can be removed and the hole used
for
inspection of the tank, making a separate manhole
superfluous.
Approval
Standard designs for fermenting vessels, storage
vessels and
BBTs are supplied with an assessment for pressure
equipment
(PED). Other designs on request.
Extra Equipment
. Weather
cowl for protection of equipment.
