Boost Your Pipeline Efficiency with LIAG® LÄUFER International AG Arc and Pigging Valves from ITS!
Looking for top-notch solutions to enhance your pipeline operations? ITS has you covered with our cutting-edge LIAG Arc and Pigging Valves! These valves are designed to streamline your processes, reduce downtime, and improve overall efficiency.
LIAG Arc Valves: Perfect for process engineering applications, these valves handle viscous and pasty products, as well as fluids with solid particles, with ease. They offer a totally clear passage, easy cleaning in place, and minimal maintenance. Ideal for a variety of pigging system applications, they ensure maximum efficiency and reliability.
Pigging Valves: Revolutionise your maintenance routine with our pigging systems! Designed for sterile pigging applications, these valves allow for easy disassembly even when welded in place and boast high CIP capability. They ensure thorough cleaning of your pipelines, minimising waste and saving you time and money. Plus, they’re eco-friendly!
Upgrade your pipelines with ITS’s innovative solutions. Visit our website to learn more and see how we can help you achieve peak performance!
Hygienic fluid processing and non-hygienic fluid processing differ significantly in terms of equipment design, operational standards, cleanliness requirements, and the industries they serve. Here are the key differences between hygienic and non-hygienic fluid processing applications:
Equipment Design and Materials:
Hygienic Fluid Processing:Equipment used in hygienic fluid processing, such as pumps, valves, tanks, and pipelines, are designed with smooth, crevice-free surfaces, sanitary seals, and hygienic materials like stainless steel or food-grade plastics. These designs minimise the risk of bacterial growth, facilitate easy cleaning and sterilisation, and prevent contamination of the processed fluids.
Non-Hygienic Fluid Processing: In non-hygienic applications, equipment may not have the same level of surface finish, sealing, or material requirements. While still durable and functional, non-hygienic equipment may not be suitable for applications where cleanliness and product integrity are critical.
Cleanliness and Sterilisation:
Hygienic Fluid Processing: Hygienic processing requires stringent cleanliness and sterilisation protocols to ensure product safety and compliance with regulatory standards. Equipment and pipelines are regularly cleaned, sanitised, and sterilised using approved methods and chemicals to prevent microbial contamination and ensure product quality.
Non-Hygienic Fluid Processing: While cleanliness is still important in non-hygienic processing, the level of cleaning and sterilisation may not be as rigorous or standardised. Non-hygienic applications may focus more on functionality and process efficiency rather than strict hygiene requirements.
Industry Standards and Regulations:
Hygienic Fluid Processing: Industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, cosmetics, and healthcare adhere to strict hygienic standards and regulations (e.g., FDA, EHEDG, 3-A Sanitary Standards). Equipment used in hygienic processing must meet these standards to ensure product safety, quality, and compliance.
Non-Hygienic Fluid Processing: Non-hygienic applications may not be subject to the same level of industry-specific standards and regulations related to cleanliness and hygiene. However, they still need to meet general safety, environmental, and operational standards.
Risk of Contamination:
Hygienic Fluid Processing: The primary concern in hygienic processing is to minimise the risk of microbial contamination, cross-contamination, and product spoilage. Equipment design, cleaning protocols, and operational practices focus on maintaining a hygienic environment throughout the fluid processing chain.
Non-Hygienic Fluid Processing: While contamination risks still exist in non-hygienic applications, they may not be as critical or closely monitored compared to hygienic processing. Non-hygienic processes may deal with a broader range of fluids, including non-food-grade materials or non-sterile substances.
In summary, the main differences between hygienic and non-hygienic fluid processing lie in equipment design, cleanliness standards, industry regulations, and the level of risk management regarding microbial contamination. Hygienic processing prioritises product safety, quality, and regulatory compliance, while non-hygienic processing may focus more on operational efficiency and functionality.
Say goodbye to complexity and hello to streamlined efficiency with Anderson-Negele cutting-edge instrumentation featuring IO-Link and Flex-Hybrid technology – available from ITS.
Now, you can control entire hygienic process plants and skids completely with digital IO-Link, making planning, commissioning, and operating your plants easier, faster, and more flexible than ever before.
For those using existing analogue plants with sensors for turbidity, flow, temperature, level, or pressure, our Flex-Hybrid technology brings a new level of simplicity. Enjoy effortless programming and sensor changes with our “plug-and-play” system. When you upgrade to the IO-Link interface, sensor changes become as easy as plugging them in.
Key Benefits of Our Solution:
Extensive Sensor Program: Covering almost all measuring categories.
Single Cable Connection: Achieve up to 50% savings with reduced material costs for cables and minimised installation time and effort.
Universal Compatibility: Suitable for all IO-Link masters.
Unified Software: One software for all your programming and configuration needs.* Auto-Transfer Programming: The programming is seamlessly transferred when sensors are replaced, ensuring uninterrupted operation.
Upgrade to IO-Link today and transform your beverage or food production processes. Experience the seamless integration and operational efficiency that only IO-Link in Flex-Hybrid technology can deliver.
Keeping your hygienic processing environment in tip-top condition is crucial. Detectamet have an extensive range of metal detectable and x-ray visible cleaning equipment to keep you fully covered. From brushes, brooms, to buckets and many more, they have everything you need to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness – these products are available to purchase from ITS Lite.
Food, beverage, pharmaceutical and personal care industries are held to a standard of maintaining a clean and sanitary production environment as it is essential for consumer safety. Using metal detectable cleaning equipment ensures that even the smallest risks of contaminants can be detected and removed, giving you peace of mind and protecting your consumers.
Ensure contamination prevention, quality assurance, and compliance with industry regulations today: SHOP | ITS Lite
At ITS, our commitment to excellence extends beyond just delivering quality products; it encompasses ensuring the smooth functioning of our customers production area and equipment.
Recently, we embarked on an annual service visit, focusing on the customers main production area and CIP (Clean in Place) skid for their renowned “graze” products.
Building on last years’ service in January, our team conducted a thorough assessment of the equipment’s condition, particularly the seals, to determine if the servicing schedule could be extended based on their performance after a year of use. Collaborating with our Benlink partners, we embarked on a 5-day service mission, encompassing various tasks to optimise their production infrastructure.
During this comprehensive service, we maintained a range of equipment including 72 valves, 2 centrifugal pumps, 3 twin-screw pumps, 3 steam traps, and 3 steam float valves. It’s worth noting that while much of the equipment was Alfa Laval, our expertise extend to servicing other brands as well, allowing us to address the entirety of the system’s needs.
Over the course of five days, our team meticulously serviced the equipment, assessing the quality and condition of wearable parts, and providing invaluable insights to the customer. We created a detailed service log for the customer, aiding them in evaluating their next service interval. Additionally, we identified potential design changes, such as separating flush systems for twin-screw pumps to prevent blockages and premature seal failures.
We also highlighted issues such as broken fixings and supports, which could potentially compromise the integrity of the system. By recommending necessary repairs and adjustments, we ensured that the production process would continue smoothly, without risking any disruptions or equipment failures.
Following the service, we conducted rigorous testing of the system with CIP to ensure its integrity and functionality. The results were outstanding—all valves passed, and our customer has been operating seamlessly for the past month without any issues!
In addition to the on-site service, we provided an asset register of their equipment and a comprehensive service report detailing the condition of the seals. This valuable information empowers them to make informed decisions about future servicing, based on our recent assessment.
At ITS, our dedication to our customers goes beyond just servicing equipment; it’s about ensuring their operations run smoothly, efficiently, and with minimal downtime. With each visit, we aim to not only maintain but enhance the performance of their production systems, allowing them to focus on what they do best—delivering quality healthy snacks to their customers while being mindful of the planet.
The ideal weighing solution for single-use tanks or totes in the biopharma industries – Available from ITS!
Biopharma companies rely on accurate and reliable weighing systems which play a vital role in ensuring their operations.
Eilersen Electric Digital Systems A/S understands the weighing challenges that must be dealt with when working with single-use weighing applications. From pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to food processing or chemical manufacturing, the Eilersen state-of-the-art weighing systems deliver exceptional performance and accuracy.
Load cells from us are acknowledged as accurate and reliable by some of the world’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturers, and we can help you too.
Learn more about how Eilersen digital load cells can elevate your weighing processes and drive optimal results:
ITS attended the prestigious BFBI National Luncheon last week at GuildHall in London, held alongside the International Brewing and Cider Awards. We celebrated the excellence in brewing and cider making, and honoured those who have contributed significantly to our industry and the wider sector. 🏅
This Mouvex, a PSG brand SLS1 pump has been chosen by one of our customers for their low flow rate jam application where precision and consistency are crucial. Jam is being transferred from an IBC to a mixing vessel, requiring a pump that can ensure a steady flow despite the challenging conditions.
The Mouvex pump’s self-priming capability is particularly beneficial in this scenario, as the jam does not flow freely under gravity to reach the pump suction. Its seal-less design allows the customer to handle aggressive products without the need for a costly liquid flushed mechanical seal, which often presents weak points prone to failure.
Think this pump might suit your application? Take a look at the Mouvex SLS range in more detail:
Meet Our Team – Oni Robinson – eCommerce & Marketing 🤩
Born on Christmas day, Oni is a proud 90’s baby, and contrary to what you might expect, she doesn’t hate the fact she was born on such a festive day as it only adds to her colourful personality. 🌈
From a young age, curiosity has been Oni’s driving force, questioning everything, seeking a deeper understanding of how things work, and this trait has stayed with her into adulthood, being an instrument for greater good in her career and her constant quest for self-improvement. 💫
Oni’s first love in life has always been art and design in various forms. Having harboured a lifelong passion for creativity, which led her to pursue academic qualifications in art and interior design at Solihull College & University Centre. This academic journey laid the foundation for her side hustle working on residential projects in and around London, transforming spaces into memorable and meaningful environments. 😍
One thing about Oni is that she picks up skills quickly and while working for ITS in e-Commerce & Marketing, she has found herself drawn to web development. Overseeing the ITS e-commerce website, ITS Lite, Oni has been exposed to the world of tech, and is currently undertaking various coding courses to further her skills with the goal of becoming a full-stack developer. 🚀
When it comes to food and drink, Oni has quite the eclectic taste. She loves herbal teas, tequila, rum, cocktails, or a bottle of red wine and as a self-proclaimed foodie, Oni is particularly fond of Caribbean, Mexican, and Thai cuisines (in that order!). 🍸🌮
Whenever she can, Oni schedules in social hours with friends and is a committed member of the bottomless brunch society. To balance out her indulgences, Oni makes sure to attend Pilates and yoga classes regularly. Maintaining both physical and mental well-being is key to living a vibrant and fulfilling life, after all. 🤸🏾
Make it part of your daily routine to check-in on ITS Lite
You can always find exclusive offers and price reductions on hygienic flow equipment when you visit the ITS Lite sales page. From valves, automation, installation materials and PPE equipment, to service kits and spare parts; all available for your processing requirements.
It’s easy – no special offer codes or quotation requests needed – just simply click the product you want, add straight to basket and checkout!
It’s been another busy month at ITS. Take a look what we have been up to in the April 2024 issue of ITS Flow Time Newsletter: NEWSLETTER APRIL 2024
#distributingsolutions#processingexcellence
Choosing the cheapest hygienic process equipment may seem like a cost-effective decision initially, but it often leads to hidden costs, compromises in quality, and long-term drawbacks.
Here’s why opting for the cheapest option doesn’t always pay off when it comes to hygienic process equipment:
Quality and Reliability: Cheaper equipment may compromise on the quality of materials, construction, and components. This can result in frequent breakdowns, reduced operational efficiency, and increased maintenance costs over time. High-quality equipment, although initially more expensive, offers greater reliability, durability, and performance, leading to lower overall lifecycle costs.
Hygiene and Safety: Hygienic process equipment must meet stringent cleanliness and safety standards, especially in industries like food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. Cheaper equipment may lack proper design features, surface finishes, and certifications required for hygienic operation. This can lead to contamination risks, regulatory non-compliance, and potential product recalls, all of which incur significant costs and damage to reputation.
Energy Efficiency: Quality equipment often incorporates energy-efficient features and technologies that reduce energy consumption and operating costs. Cheaper alternatives may not have these efficiency measures, resulting in higher utility bills and environmental impact over time.
Productivity and Downtime: Cheap equipment is more prone to breakdowns, malfunctions, and inefficiencies, leading to unplanned downtime and production losses. Quality equipment, on the other hand, offers higher uptime, faster processing speeds, and better overall productivity, contributing to increased profitability and customer satisfaction.
Compliance and Validation: Many industries require equipment validation, documentation, and compliance with industry standards and regulations. Cheaper equipment manufacturers may be unable to provide proper documentation, validation support, and traceability, leading to challenges during audits, inspections, and certifications.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): When considering the total cost of ownership, including purchase price, maintenance, repairs, energy consumption, downtime, and productivity losses, opting for the cheapest equipment often results in higher TCO compared to investing in quality equipment upfront. False economy serves no one!
In conclusion, while choosing the cheapest hygienic process equipment may seem attractive initially from a cost-saving perspective, it often leads to long-term disadvantages, higher costs, and operational challenges. Investing in quality equipment that meets industry standards, offers reliability, efficiency, and compliance, and provides long-term value is a more strategic and sustainable approach in the hygienic process industry.
Today marks a milestone in our office – our impassioned leader, Andy, turns 50 today!
Andy is a guiding force behind our success, leading us with patience, dedication and a great sense of humour for over 10 years. He has shaped our workplace into a vibrant community where creativity flourishes, and the whole team would like to raise our glasses to toast this special day! 🥂
Andy, may your 50th birthday be filled with joy, laughter, and all the happiness in the world!
Here’s to many more years of success, growth, and unforgettable moments with you at the helm. Happy 50th Birthday, Andy!
🔧 Our latest service call took our servicing engineers to a dairy production facility, where we encountered a pump facing a leaky situation. Despite its relatively young age of less than 12 months, the pump was experiencing issues with its mechanical seals. It was a classic case of premature failure, but we were determined to turn the tide.
💡 To enhance the pump’s longevity, we proposed an upgrade to harder SiC/SiC faces during the servicing. This upgrade promised to fortify the pump against early failures, ensuring smoother operations in the long run.
🧪 However, what we discovered during the servicing was that the internals of the pump were coated with a significant amount of caustic residue, indicating a caustic concentration much higher than anticipated. The dried caustic on the seal faces was pinpointed as the culprit behind the premature failure.
🔍 Armed with this insight, we didn’t just fix the immediate issue. We also provided invaluable advice to our customer: monitor the caustic concentration closely, and if it remained elevated, initiate a liquid flush to lubricate the seals and pre-empt any future early failures.
🛠️ After a thorough clean-up and servicing, including the installation of a full mech seal kit, the pump underwent rigorous testing to ensure its optimal performance. Only when we were confident in its capabilities did we sign off on the completed works.
👷♂️ Our mission isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s about empowering our clients with the knowledge to prevent them in the future. Long Clawson’s pump is now not just repaired but fortified for the challenges ahead. Another successful intervention in the books!
Unexpected breakdowns with pumps or you just require a regular health check on your hygienic pump or valve equipment, and you don’t have anyone in your directory to tend to the situation? – The ITS Service & Maintenance team have got it covered… we are committed to ensuring your equipment operates seamlessly, as if a blip in the line never even happened!
We also have our own servicing centre where we repair and test faulty hygienic processing equipment sent into us. Or we can also arrange an onsite visit to save you the hassle.
The XSR pigging system engineered by SERVINOX is tailored for process or transfer lines handling various fluids.
This system is meticulously designed to seamlessly integrate into transfer lines, efficiently recovering residual material within the pipes through the use of a pig. Positioned upstream of the targeted area for evacuation, the pig is propelled through the pipeline by a propellant fluid, be it gas or liquid.
Selecting the right hygienic valves for an application can have a significant impact on the overall process efficiency, product quality, safety, and compliance with industry standards. Here are several ways in which choosing the appropriate hygienic valves can make a difference to the process:
Product Integrity: Hygienic valves are designed to maintain product integrity by preventing contamination, minimising dead spaces, and ensuring smooth flow without trapping particles or bacteria. Selecting valves with sanitary designs, such as smooth internal surfaces, crevice-free construction, and hygienic seals, helps preserve product quality and purity.
Cleanability and Sterilisation: Hygienic valves are engineered for easy cleaning, sterilisation, and maintenance. Their design facilitates thorough cleaning without disassembly, reduces the risk of microbial growth, and ensures compliance with hygiene standards. Choosing valves that are CIP (Clean-in-Place) and SIP (Sterilise-in-Place) capable streamlines cleaning procedures and minimises downtime.
Operational Efficiency: The right hygienic valves contribute to operational efficiency by providing accurate flow control, minimal pressure drops, and reliable performance. Valves with precise control mechanisms, low friction materials, and optimised flow paths help optimise process parameters, reduce energy consumption, and enhance overall efficiency.
Regulatory Compliance: Hygienic valves play a crucial role in meeting regulatory requirements and industry standards for cleanliness, safety, and product quality. Choosing valves that are certified by organisations such as EHEDG, 3-A Sanitary Standards, or FDA ensures compliance with hygienic standards and facilitates regulatory audits and approvals.
Compatibility and Flexibility: Different applications may require specific valve types, sizes, materials, and configurations. Selecting hygienic valves that are compatible with the fluid, temperature, pressure, and operational conditions of the application ensures optimal performance and reliability. Valves with modular designs, interchangeable components, and customisable options offer flexibility to adapt to changing process requirements.
Cost-Effectiveness: While initial investment may be a consideration, selecting high-quality hygienic valves can lead to long-term cost savings. Reliable valves with durable construction, minimal maintenance requirements, and extended service life reduce downtime, replacement costs, and operational disruptions, ultimately improving the return on investment.
Choosing the right hygienic valves for an application is crucial for maintaining product integrity, ensuring cleanliness and sterilisation, optimising operational efficiency, complying with regulations, ensuring compatibility and flexibility, and achieving cost-effectiveness. Proper valve selection is a strategic decision that impacts the entire process and contributes to overall success and performance in hygienic fluid processing applications.
ITS can provide technical process expertise to help you with selection. With a wide range of high-quality valves available in our portfolio, we can advise on the best valves to suit your application, fitting environment and budget. ITS can support with manifold projects, individual valve requirements, upgrades or complete refits.
Get in touch:
Please give us a couple of minutes of your valuable time to let us know what you think of our service.
We strive to provide the very best services and support to our customers but would like to know where you think we can improve.
Click on the link below to complete our short customer satisfaction survey and help us to continue distributing solutions whilst processing excellence.
Before finalising your decision to invest in a self-cleaning automatic filter, it’s crucial to understand the potential and benefits of opting for an automated filtration solution.
With extensive expertise in guiding customers towards the most effective filtration solutions, we’ve assisted in defining goals and advantages across various industries for many years – So give ITS a call today…
Mouvex Pumps stand at the forefront of innovation, offering cutting-edge solutions that revolutionise the pumping processes in food, beverage, and brewing industries. From delicate food ingredients to complex brewing operations, Mouvex Pumps deliver unparalleled performance, reliability, and hygiene standards, ensuring optimal processing outcomes. Let’s delve into the myriad benefits of Mouvex Pumps and how partnering with Industrial Trading Solutions (ITS) as the UK distributor unlocks unparalleled advantages.
Mouvex Pumps, equipped with eccentric disc technology, excel in handling delicate food and beverage ingredients with utmost care and precision. Their gentle product handling capabilities ensure minimal shear forces and precise flow control, safeguarding the integrity of sensitive materials such as fruit juices, dairy products, and brewery mash. This unique feature not only preserves the delicate characteristics of these ingredients but also guarantees consistent results without compromising quality.
Moreover, Mouvex Pumps are engineered with a strong emphasis on hygiene and safety, featuring a hygienic design with smooth, polished surfaces and FDA-compliant materials. Their smooth, crevice-free design minimises the risk of bacteria build-up, guaranteeing the highest standards of safety and quality in production processes. This construction not only resists corrosion and bacterial growth but also maintains product purity and prevents contamination, meeting stringent industry regulations and ensuring consumer health and safety.
Reliability and efficiency are hallmarks of Mouvex Pumps, as they boast minimal moving parts, no seals or valves to wear out, and self-priming capabilities. These attributes contribute to exceptional reliability, reduced maintenance requirements, extended service life, and uninterrupted production schedules, ultimately enhancing productivity and profitability in processing operations.
Industrial Trading Solutions (ITS) is your trusted partner for sourcing Mouvex Pumps and optimising your food, beverage, and brewery processing operations. As the authorised distributor for Mouvex Pumps in the UK, ITS offers a wide range of products and services designed to maximise efficiency, reliability, and profitability. From pump selection and installation to ongoing maintenance and support, ITS delivers value-added solutions that drive success.
Contact ITS today to experience the transformative power of these cutting-edge pumping solutions and elevate your business towards excellence.
💡 To enhance the pump’s longevity, we proposed an upgrade to harder SiC/SiC faces during the servicing. This upgrade promised to fortify the pump against early failures, ensuring smoother operations in the long run.
🧪 However, what we discovered during the servicing was that the internals of the pump were coated with a significant amount of caustic residue, indicating a caustic concentration much higher than anticipated. The dried caustic on the seal faces was pinpointed as the culprit behind the premature failure.
🔍 Armed with this insight, we didn’t just fix the immediate issue. We also provided invaluable advice to our customer: monitor the caustic concentration closely, and if it remained elevated, initiate a liquid flush to lubricate the seals and pre-empt any future early failures.
🛠️ After a thorough clean-up and servicing, including the installation of a full mech seal kit, the pump underwent rigorous testing to ensure its optimal performance. Only when we were confident in its capabilities did we sign off on the completed works.
👷♂️ Our mission isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s about empowering our clients with the knowledge to prevent them in the future. Long Clawson’s pump is now not just repaired but fortified for the challenges ahead. Another successful intervention in the books!
Have equipment that needs a service or repair? Contact ITS 01675 465191 / servicing@industrialtradingsolutions.com
#servicingandmaintenance #avoidfailures #distributingsolutions #processingexcellence