Still using timers in dairy UHT? You’re losing product.
In this Anderson-Negele case story, Söbbeke Dairy replaced time-based phase transitions with real-time turbidity control. Improving phase transition wasn’t just about efficiency – it was about reducing waste and driving sustainability.
By switching to the ITM-51 turbidity sensor, they achieved:
✅ 118 litres saved per phase transition ✅ Real-time product-to-water separation ✅ Automated, consistent process control
❔Why it matters
💡Timers’ guess. Turbidity measures.
With fast, precise detection, the ITM-51 maximises product recovery while reducing waste and resource use in dairy UHT processing.
🔹Better yield. Less waste. Smarter dairy processing.
Let’s start a conversation, get in touch with our ITS Technical Sales team 📞01675620914 📧sales@industrialtradingsolutions.com – or if you already have a pump in your process that needs a routine maintenance check, our ITS Servicing Team is readily available to support you 📞 01675 621014 📧servicing@industrialtradingsolutions.com
In industries where product purity is non-negotiable, microbial contamination remains one of the most persistent operational risks. From pharmaceutical manufacturing and biotech processing to food, beverage, and high-purity water systems, even minor breaches in filtration integrity can compromise product quality, trigger costly recalls, and damage regulatory standing. While filter media often receive the most attention, the housing that contains and supports the filtration system plays an equally critical role in contamination control.
High-integrity filter housings are designed to do more than hold cartridges in place. They help maintain a sealed, sanitary, and validated filtration environment that reduces the risk of microbial ingress, supports cleaning and sterilisation, and ensures consistent process performance. Choosing the right housing can significantly strengthen contamination prevention strategies across critical production lines.
Why Microbial Contamination Still Occurs
Microbial contamination can enter a process through multiple routes: inadequate sealing, dead legs in equipment design, poor drainability, damaged components, or ineffective cleaning between batches. In sterile and hygienic applications, these risks are amplified by moisture, temperature variation, and repeated handling during filter changeovers.
Even when high-performance filter cartridges are installed, the system is only as reliable as its weakest mechanical point. A poorly designed or worn housing can create micro-gaps, harbour residual product, or introduce hard-to-clean surfaces where bacteria and biofilms may develop. Over time, these vulnerabilities can undermine the full value of the filtration step.
The Role of High-Integrity Filter Housings
A high-integrity filter housing is engineered to maintain a robust barrier between the process stream and the surrounding environment. Its purpose is to protect sterile conditions, preserve filter performance, and prevent bypass or contamination during normal operation, cleaning, and maintenance.
These housings are typically used in applications where process security is essential, including:
Sterile filtration in pharmaceutical production
bioburden reduction in biotech systems
ingredient and final product protection in food and beverage lines
purified water and WFI systems
electronics and fine chemical manufacturing
In each of these settings, housing quality directly affects the reliability of the filtration process.
Key Design Features That Support Contamination Prevention
🔹Sanitary Construction
High-integrity housings are commonly manufactured from polished stainless steel, often 316L, to provide corrosion resistance and a smooth, cleanable surface. Internal finishes are carefully controlled to minimise roughness, reducing the likelihood of microbial attachment and product hold-up.
Sanitary construction also includes crevice-free welds, hygienic connections, and surfaces that resist build-up. These details matter because contamination often takes hold in microscopic imperfections that are difficult to detect but easy for microbes to exploit.
🔹 Secure Sealing and Closure Systems
One of the most important contamination control functions of a filter housing is maintaining a reliable seal. High-integrity systems use precisely machined sealing surfaces, robust closure mechanisms, and compatible gasket materials to prevent external ingress and internal bypass.
A secure closure reduces the risk of contamination during pressure fluctuations, thermal cycling, and repeated opening and closing for maintenance. In critical environments, even small inconsistencies in sealing can have significant consequences.
🔹Dead-Leg Reduction
Dead legs and stagnant zones create ideal conditions for microbial growth. High-integrity housings are designed with streamlined flow paths and minimal internal voids to support full product contact and effective cleaning. Improved flow dynamics also reduce product retention and enhance process efficiency.
A housing that drains completely after use or cleaning is far less likely to support microbial survival between production runs.
🔹Cleanability and Sterilisability
For contamination-sensitive operations, housings must withstand routine CIP and SIP procedures without compromising structural integrity or seal performance. High-integrity models are designed for repeated exposure to cleaning chemicals, steam, and elevated temperatures.
This enables operators to validate cleaning processes more confidently and maintain hygienic conditions without frequent component failure or performance drift.
🔹Mechanical Strength and Process Stability
A housing exposed to changing pressures, temperatures, and flow rates must maintain its integrity under real operating conditions. High-integrity housings are built to resist deformation and fatigue, helping ensure the filter remains properly seated and the process stays sealed.
This stability is especially important in sterile filtration, where pressure spikes or improper cartridge fit can create bypass events that are difficult to detect until downstream quality issues emerge.
Supporting Validation and Regulatory Compliance
In regulated sectors, contamination prevention is not just best practice; it is a documented requirement. Filter housings that are designed for integrity, traceability, and validation can simplify compliance efforts by supporting repeatable performance and easier inspection.
Manufacturers often look for housings that offer:
material traceability
surface finish documentation
pressure and design qualification data
compatibility with validated cleaning and sterilisation procedures
designs aligned with sanitary and aseptic processing expectations
A well-specified housing makes it easier to build a defensible contamination control strategy and demonstrate process control during audits.
The Cost of Overlooking Housing Integrity
When filter housings are selected primarily on upfront cost rather than sanitary performance, the long-term consequences can be significant. Inadequate housing design may lead to more frequent contamination events, longer cleaning cycles, increased maintenance, seal failures, unplanned downtime, and product loss.
By contrast, investing in high-integrity housing can improve operational consistency, reduce intervention risk, and extend the usable life of the filtration system. In many cases, the savings from avoided contamination incidents and improved uptime far outweigh the initial equipment cost.
❔What to Consider When Selecting a Housing
Choosing the right filter housing requires looking beyond dimensions and flow rate. Decision-makers should assess how the housing will perform in the actual process environment and whether it supports the site’s hygiene and validation objectives.
Important considerations include:
product and chemical compatibility
required temperature and pressure range
sanitary connection type
ease of disassembly and maintenance
drainability and cleanability
seal material suitability
compatibility with existing filter cartridges and validation protocols
The best solution is one that aligns with both process performance and contamination control requirements.
💬 Final Thoughts
Preventing microbial contamination demands a system-wide approach, and filter housings are a vital part of that defence. While filter media captures contaminants, the housing preserves the integrity of the entire filtration step. A high-integrity design helps eliminate contamination pathways, supports effective cleaning and sterilisation, and provides the operational reliability needed in sensitive applications.
For manufacturers focused on product safety, compliance, and process confidence, high-integrity filter housings are not just a supporting component; they are a frontline safeguard against microbial risk.
🔹Take a look at our wide range of hygienic filter solutions: Click here
In hygienic processing environments, safety isn’t something you add on at the end; it has to be designed in from the very beginning. Every component plays a role, from protecting product quality to ensuring operators and equipment remain safe under demanding conditions. That’s where Servinox comes in.
Servinox designs its valves and tank protection systems to safeguard both product and people at every stage:
✔ Pressure & vacuum protection
Prevents overpressure and vacuum damage in tanks and process lines – keeping operations stable and secure.
✔ Thermal shock resistance
Engineered to handle rapid temperature changes during CIP/SIP cycles without compromising equipment integrity.
Chocolate processing requires precise and hygienic handling, and the Alfa Laval Knife Edge OptiLobe Pump is engineered to deliver. Its advanced rotor design supports efficient handling of high viscosity media, ensuring smooth, low shear transfer that helps maintain product structure and consistency.
The Knife Edge OptiLobe profile enhances cleanability and reduces product buildup, making it ideal for demanding chocolate applications where hygiene and process reliability are critical.
Helping you achieve consistent quality in every batch just in time for Easter 🐰🍫
This March edition of our ITS Flow Time Newsletter uncovers new solutions, shares exciting major projects we’ve been a part of, introduces new faces to the ITS team, and celebrates our long-standing members. Catch up on all the latest updates from ITS Flow Time: https://tinyurl.com/ydz35dhc
This March, we celebrate something truly special: 20 incredible years of Martin Williams being part of ITS.
Martin is not just a colleague; he is a cornerstone of our ITS Technical Sales team and our trusted Valve & Tank specialist. Over the past two decades, he has brought not only deep expertise and unwavering professionalism, but also a genuine passion for helping customers find the right solutions every time.
If there is anything IT related, Martin is our man, a person of many skills who is always ready to step in and help wherever needed.
We suspect a good portion of those 20 years has been fuelled by coffee, hot or tepid, and if there were an award for most cups consumed, Martin would have it secured by now.
His knowledge, dedication, and steady presence have made a lasting impact, not just on the business but on everyone lucky enough to work alongside him. Whether it is tackling complex challenges or offering guidance with patience and clarity, Martin consistently goes above and beyond.
Twenty years is more than a milestone; it’s a testament to commitment, growth, and the relationships built along the way. Martin, thank you for your hard work, your loyalty, your wonderful singing voice, your humorous stories, and the positive energy you bring to the team every day. Take That never realised what they missed out on.
Here is to everything you have achieved, and to many more successes ahead.
Congratulations on 20 years with ITS! 🎉☕
As we all know, when it comes to food and beverage production, safety is not something that sits quietly in the background. It shapes every decision, especially when pasteurisation is involved.
Pasteurisation plays a critical role in protecting product quality and consumer health, but it also brings a layer of responsibility, particularly in dairy production, ensuring safe milk, cream, yoghurt, and other dairy products reach consumers. Even small deviations in temperature or holding time can affect product safety, shelf life, and flavour.
Manufacturers are expected to meet a wide range of standards, from frameworks like PMO and HACCP to organisations such as the FDA, along with EU food safety regulations and recognised certifications including DIN EN ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, IFS Food and EHEDG. (Standards like PMO and 3-A hygienic guidelines are especially relevant in dairy)
At first glance, it can feel like a long and complex list. In reality, they all point to the same outcome: safe, consistent production you can rely on.
Implementing the right instrumentation into your processing environment makes a real difference. It’s not just about measuring temperature or pressure. It’s about having confidence that your pasteurisation process is controlled, compliant and performing exactly as it should.
This is where Anderson Negele’s pasteurisation control and recording technology comes into its own. By providing accurate measurements and reliable data recording, it gives clear evidence that critical parameters have been met – not just in the moment, but for every batch, every run, and every audit. Anderson Negele’s instrumentation is designed to support food safety standards while offering the reassurance of recognised certifications, helping you stay prepared for audits without the added stress.
In hygienic processing industries where there is no room for compromise, that level of visibility and confidence makes all the difference. Because in the end, food safety is not just about meeting standards. It’s about being able to demonstrate it and delivering consistent quality to consumers.
Like to know more about Pasteurisation Control and Recording Technology from Anderson-Negele? Get in touch with ITS. 📞01675 620914 📧 sales@industrialtradingsolutions.com
Before you commit to a mixer, are you sure it’s truly the right fit for your process?
Specifying a mixer is more than ticking boxes; it shapes performance, compliance, and long-term reliability – all hinge on the details engineers often overlook. Even small decisions such as impeller type, tank geometry, or fluid properties can make all the difference.
📖Take a few minutes to carefully read each point in the document linked below to ensure your specification is fully optimised for your process using Vak Kimsa’s mixing equipment.
When a leading motor racing team set out to launch a new site, they faced a complex challenge: integrating a major wind tunnel system into a highly constrained space.
That is where ITS stepped in.
Working closely with our Technical Sales Expert and MD, Nick Willetts, the focus was clear: deliver an efficient, high-performance air-extraction solution tailored to the site’s unique constraints.
Due to tight spatial constraints, a standard approach simply would not work. The project required a fully bespoke ducting design, including customised layouts and interface flanges to seamlessly connect with existing fans and ancillary equipment.
💡 The Solution
In partnership with KMH, ITS supplied over 400 metres of KMH ducting, ranging from DN350 to DN1000. The scope included:
Straight ducting
Bends and transition pieces
Diverter valves and forks
In total, 11 trucks were deployed to deliver the full solution, ensuring everything arrived on-site ready for installation.
This tailored approach allowed the customer to successfully implement their system without compromise, despite the challenging environment.
👏💐A special thanks to Katharina Kammann, Stephan Nickisch, and Martina Kammann at KMH for their support throughout the project.
🔹 If you have any upcoming major projects or site expansions for your facility, ITS are always on hand. Get in touch so we can discuss further:📞 01675 621014 | 📧 sales@industrialtradingsolutions.com
🧠Did you know a cooling system is only as reliable as the filtration protecting it?
Let us explain – when debris builds up, the effects appear quickly: clogged equipment, higher energy consumption, and increasing maintenance demands.
📖 Short case story: One customer operating at around 90 m³ per hour upgraded to the HiFlux Autoline XXL with electronic differential pressure control and a 50 µm laser-bore filter element, designed for continuous performance.
✅The outcome? Improved solids removal and a cleaner system overall. This led to fewer manual interventions, reduced unplanned downtime, and more consistent operations across the board.
🔹The right filtration solution does more than protect equipment; it reduces costs, improves efficiency, and strengthens uptime reliability.
If you’re Interested in improving your cooling water system, discover how advanced filtration can transform your cooling system performance. Get in touch with our team. 📞01675 621014 | 📧 sales@industrialtradingsolutions.com
Sustainability isn’t just about new energy. It’s also about smarter infrastructure.
LIAG® highlights pigging as one of the most practical ways to make pipelines more sustainable today.
Pigging is the process of sending devices through pipelines to clean, separate, or inspect. It improves flow efficiency, reduces energy demand, and lowers emissions. Clean pipelines require less pumping power, which directly cuts carbon output and makes operations greener.
The benefits go beyond energy savings. Pigging supports waste reduction by recovering residual product instead of flushing lines with water or chemicals. This reduces wastewater, lowers chemical use, and minimises product loss, benefiting both the environment and the bottom line.
Modern intelligent pigging systems go further by detecting corrosion and weaknesses before failures occur. Preventing leaks is not just smart maintenance; it is environmental protection.
LIAG® Pigging is suitable for a wide range of industries, including:
Oil and Gas
Chemical and Petrochemical
Food and Beverage
Water and Wastewater Management
Pharmaceutical
💡The takeaway? Sustainability is not always about flashy new technology. Sometimes it comes from operational discipline: cleaner lines, smarter recovery, and infrastructure designed to last.
🔹If you want to see how pigging can make your operations more efficient and sustainable, contact our team today. 📞01675 621014 | 📧 sales@industrialtradingsolutions.com
In industries where cleanliness is non-negotiable – food and beverage, dairy, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and personal care – hygienic processing plants sit at the heart of operational integrity. Today, digitisation is reshaping these environments, enabling safer production, greater efficiency, and smarter compliance.
For companies across Ireland and beyond, including those working with advanced processing and packaging solutions, digital transformation is no longer optional. It’s a competitive advantage.
💡From Manual Monitoring to Smart, Connected Systems
Traditional hygienic plants relied heavily on manual checks, paper-based documentation, and reactive maintenance. While effective in their time, these methods left room for inefficiencies and risk.
Digitised plants now integrate:
IoT-enabled sensors
Real-time production dashboards
Automated clean-in-place (CIP) validation
Cloud-based traceability systems
Smart sensors continuously monitor temperature, pressure, flow rates, and microbial risk indicators. Instead of waiting for an issue to surface, operators receive real-time alerts – allowing proactive intervention before quality is compromised.
The result? Reduced downtime, improved batch consistency, and enhanced product safety.
💡Real-Time Traceability: A New Standard for Compliance
In hygienic processing sectors, traceability isn’t just good practice – it’s mandatory.
Digital systems now track:
Raw material origin
Batch processing parameters
Cleaning cycles
Operator interventions
Packaging and dispatch records
End-to-end digital traceability allows plants to respond instantly to audits or product recalls. Instead of spending days compiling paper trails, manufacturers can generate complete digital reports in minutes.
This level of transparency builds trust with regulators, retailers, and consumers alike.
💡Smarter Cleaning & Validation Through Automation
Hygienic design has always focused on eliminating contamination risks. Digitisation takes this further by validating cleaning effectiveness in real time.
Modern CIP systems now:
Automatically adjust chemical dosing
Monitor conductivity and temperature curves
Log cleaning performance data
Trigger alerts if parameters fall outside validated ranges
Instead of relying solely on manual sign-off, plants can digitally prove that every cleaning cycle met required standards. This reduces human error and strengthens audit readiness.
💡Predictive Maintenance Reduces Risk and Downtime
Unexpected equipment failure in hygienic environments is more than inconvenient—it can jeopardise product integrity.
With digitisation, processing plants use predictive maintenance tools powered by machine learning. These systems analyse vibration, motor load, valve response times, and other performance indicators to detect early warning signs.
Benefits include:
Fewer unplanned shutdowns
Extended equipment lifespan
Lower maintenance costs
Improved overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)
Rather than reacting to breakdowns, facilities operate with foresight.
📈Data-Driven Decision Making
Digitised hygienic plants generate vast amounts of actionable data. When properly harnessed, this data transforms operational strategy.
Plant managers can:
Identify bottlenecks in processing lines
Optimise energy and water usage
Improve yield and reduce waste
Benchmark performance across multiple facilities
Advanced analytics platforms turn raw numbers into clear insights, enabling leadership teams to move from intuition-based decisions to evidence-based optimisation.
✨Enhancing Workforce Efficiency and Safety
Digital tools also empower plant personnel. Mobile tablets and wearable devices allow operators to:
Access SOPs instantly
Receive step-by-step maintenance guidance
Log interventions digitally
Communicate issues in real time
Automation reduces repetitive manual tasks, allowing skilled teams to focus on quality assurance, process improvement, and innovation.
🌍Sustainability Through Digital Control
Environmental performance is increasingly tied to commercial success. Digitisation supports sustainability by:
Monitoring water consumption during cleaning cycles
Optimising energy usage across heating and cooling systems
Minimising product waste through precise process control
Supporting carbon reporting with accurate data
Smart plants operate leaner – both financially and environmentally.
✅The Future: Fully Integrated Hygienic Ecosystems
The next evolution of hygienic processing plants lies in full system integration. Equipment, cleaning systems, packaging lines, and enterprise software platforms will operate as one connected ecosystem.
As Industry 4.0 technologies mature, digital twins, AI-drivenoptimisation, and autonomous process adjustments will become standard practice.
For processing facilities aiming to stay competitive, digitisation represents more than technological enhancement – it’s a foundation for resilience, safety, and growth.
💭 Final Thoughts
Hygienic processing plants have always prioritised cleanliness, compliance, and consistency. Digitisation strengthens each of these pillars by introducing visibility, automation, and intelligence into every stage of production.
Organisations that embrace this shift are not only protecting product integrity – they are building smarter, safer, and more sustainable operations for the future.
🔹That’s why our technical sales team at ITS is ready to guide you with the latest hygienic digital optimisation innovations, helping you upgrade your processing environment efficiently and confidently.
In the food and beverage production industry, pipework is not just infrastructure. It is a critical part of your compliance and food safety controls.
Whether you are preparing for a routine review or a formal audit under BRCGS, SALSA, or HACCP, your process pipework must clearly demonstrate hygiene, integrity, and traceability.
🔮Now, those are not Harry Potter spells, but they are key sources of certified regulatory and safety standards in the food industry…
🪄BRCGS = Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standards, a widely used food safety certification scheme.
🪄 SALSA = Safe and Local Supplier Approval, a UK standard designed for smaller food producers.
🪄 Whilst HACCP = Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points, the internationally recognised system for identifying and controlling food safety risks.
📃To help you prepare, here is a practical checklist you can save and use to quickly assess whether your system is ready for inspection.
✅ Pipework Audit-Ready Checklist
1️⃣ Weld Quality
☐ Are welds smooth, continuous, and free from pitting or porosity?
☐ Has orbital welding been used where appropriate?
☐ Are internal welds ground and polished to hygienic standards?
☐ Is there evidence of discolouration or sugaring internally?
Auditors expect hygienic welds that remove places where bacteria can hide.
2️⃣ Documentation & Traceability
☐ Are material certificates (e.g., 3.1certification) available?
☐ Do you have weld maps and welder qualifications on file?
☐ Are inspection and pressure test records complete?
☐ Is there a maintenance and modification log?
If it is not documented, it effectively did not happen, especially under GFSI recognised standards.
3️⃣ Surface Finish
☐ Does internal pipework meet the required Ra surface finish values?
☐ Are surfaces free from scratches, corrosion, or product build-up?
☐ Is passivation documented where required?
☐ Are external surfaces cleanable and well-maintained?
Surface condition directly affects how easily systems can be cleaned and how contamination risks are controlled.
4️⃣ Valve Connections
☐ Are hygienic fittings correctly installed and aligned?
☐ Are there any dead legs exceeding recommended limits?
☐ Do valves fully drain in their installed position?
☐ Are seals and gaskets food-grade and in good condition?
Poor valve configuration is one of the most common issues raised during audits.
5️⃣ Supports & Brackets
☐ Are pipe supports securely fixed and corrosion-resistant?
☐ Do brackets allow for thermal expansion where required?
☐ Is there sufficient spacing to prevent sagging?
☐ Are support designs hygienic and easy to clean?
Structural integrity supports both safety and hygiene compliance.
6️⃣ Correct Slopes for Drainability
☐ Is pipework installed with the correct slope for full drain down?
☐ Are there any unintended low points in the system?
☐ Has drainability been verified during commissioning?
☐ Do CIP systems fully evacuate product and cleaning solutions?
Standing liquid = contamination risk. Drainability is non-negotiable.
🔎 Common Audit Red Flags
•Unlabelled pipework
• Missing certification documents
• Dead legs introduced during system modifications
• Inconsistent surface finishes after repairs
• Areas that cannot be accessed for effective cleaning
💡Why This Matters
For food and beverage manufacturers, pipework is part of the food safety management system. When it is designed, installed, and maintained correctly, it protects product quality, supports compliance, and helps safeguard your brand reputation.
A proactive inspection today can prevent costly non-conformances tomorrow.
In dairy manufacturing, what you cannot see in a pipeline can cost you time, product and money. When milk, whey, rinse water and cleaning solutions move through the same processing lines, knowing exactly what is in the pipe at any given moment is crucial. That is where turbidity measurement comes into its own.
Sensor solutions from Anderson-Negele, such as the ITM 51 Turbidity Sensor, give dairy processors a clear view of what is happening inside their pipelines in real time. By measuring the cloudiness of the liquid flowing through the line, the sensor can detect changes in product concentration and instantly identify when a process transitions from product to water, or from rinse cycle to cleaning solution.
In practical terms, that means fewer guesses and far less waste. Instead of relying on timers or manual checks, operators can switch processes at the precise moment. Valuable product stays where it should, cleaning cycles become more efficient, and production runs more smoothly.
🥛Why this matters
Industries like breweries and dairies rely on turbidity monitoring to:
Avoid wasting valuable product
Automatically switch between water, cleaning solution, and product streams,
Monitor changes in product concentration within the process
Maintain quality control in real time.
💡It is a simple idea with a big impact: when you can clearly see what is happening inside the pipe, you can control the process with far greater confidence.
▶️ Watch the video in the link below for a live demonstration of the ITM 51 sensor in action and see how it detects changes in liquid composition within a pipeline by measuring light scattering: https://youtu.be/H9TTDRY5BZE?si=CyYfSNcms4okijgL&t=27
Anderson-Negele turbidity sensors are available to order from ITS. Get in touch with our team to bring greater clarity to your dairy process lines. 📞01675 620914 | 📧sales@industrialtradingsolutions.com
Industrial Trading Solutions Ltd (ITS) sits at the point where hygienic manufacturing meets real-world reliability. In food and beverage plants, breweries, pharmaceutical facilities, dairy operations, and home care production sites, the difference between “it works” and “it works every shift, every day” often comes down to the quality of the components behind the process. ITS exists to make that difference predictable – supplying hygienic flow equipment and associated services that help manufacturers protect product integrity, maintain compliance, and keep production moving.
A partner for hygienic performance
Across modern hygienic industries, expectations have never been higher. Producers need equipment that supports repeatable cleaning regimes, minimises risk of contamination, and stands up to demanding duty cycles – all while keeping energy use, downtime, and total cost of ownership under control. From new-build projects to planned upgrades and urgent breakdown support, buyers are looking for more than a catalogue; they want a partner who understands process realities, can navigate specifications quickly, and can provide dependable lead times.
That’s where ITS adds value. With a focus on hygienic flow applications, the business supports customers with product selection, technical guidance, and supply solutions for the components that sit at the heart of many critical operations: pumps, valves, instrumentation, pipework and fittings, and the accessories that allow systems to run safely and efficiently. The aim is simple – to help customers specify and source the right equipment first time, and to back it with support that reduces friction across procurement, maintenance, and engineering teams.
Alfa Laval Master Distributor in the UK
A cornerstone of the ITS proposition is its Master Distributorship for Alfa Laval. In hygienic processing environments, Alfa Laval is widely recognised for engineered solutions that support performance, cleanliness, and operational uptime. Through this Master Distributor relationship, ITS is positioned to help customers access Alfa Laval’s hygienic equipment portfolio efficiently, with the benefit of a specialist distributor that can translate plant needs into the right technical choices.
For hygienic manufacturers, the stakes are clear: components are not isolated purchases. They determine cleanability, pressure and flow performance, safety, and how smoothly CIP (clean-in-place) regimes run. Working with Alfa Laval equipment via ITS enables customers to build or maintain systems that align with demanding production and hygiene requirements – whether the goal is improved throughput, reduced product loss, better energy efficiency, or a more robust cleaning standard.
In practice, the Master Distributorship approach means ITS can support projects and operational requirements with speed and clarity. Customers benefit from a partner who can help interpret specifications, identify the most suitable product options for the application, and coordinate supply in a way that supports maintenance schedules and project timelines. This becomes particularly valuable for engineering teams managing upgrades, replacements, or capacity improvements where the cost of delay is significant.
Products that support the whole process
ITS is built around a practical understanding of how hygienic systems behave on the factory floor. The company’s product scope is designed to support the full process chain – from raw material handling and blending, through heating and cooling stages, to packaging and transfer. That means providing equipment that aligns with hygienic design expectations while meeting the realities of pressure, temperature, viscosity, and cleaning regimes.
Typical requirements in these sectors include:
Pumps and pumping solutions suited to hygienic duty, designed to move product gently where needed, maintain consistent flow, and support efficient CIP cycles.
Valves and valve arrangements that enable safe isolation, reliable switching, and reduced risk of cross-contamination in multi-product environments.
Filtration systems and filter elements engineered to protect product quality and downstream equipment. From removing particulates and safeguarding sensitive process stages to supporting sterile or high-purity applications, hygienic filtration plays a critical role in maintaining consistency, compliance, and brand protection.
Pipetites – wall and sealing solutions provide hygienic, flexible seals where pipework passes through walls or ceilings. Designed for clean environments, they create a watertight, secure finish that prevents contamination, supports movement, and maintains compliance in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical facilities.
🤝Support beyond equipment ⚙️
While hygienic components are critical to process performance, reliable operations also depend on how equipment is maintained, cleaned, and supported throughout its lifecycle. ITS recognises that manufacturers need more than supply. They need practical services that keep production environments operating safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption.
One example is the ITSClean range, designed to support the effective cleaning of Intermediate Bulk Containers used across food, beverage, brewery, dairy, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. IBCs are widely used to store and transfer liquids, ingredients, cleaning chemicals, and waste streams, but if they are not cleaned effectively they can become a source of contamination and product risk.
The ITSClean systems provide a practical in house cleaning solution that allows manufacturers to maintain high hygiene standards while saving time, labour, and outsourcing costs. By delivering a consistent and thorough clean in a matter of minutes, the systems help operators maintain control of their cleaning process and ensure containers can be reused safely within production cycles.
In addition to cleaning solutions, ITS also supports customers through its ITS Servicing and Maintenance offering. In hygienic processing environments, equipment such as pumps, valves, and heat exchangers plays a critical role in maintaining process stability and product safety. When this equipment fails or performs poorly, the impact on production can be significant.
Through preventative maintenance programmes, equipment health checks, breakdown support, and technical troubleshooting, the ITS servicing team helps manufacturers keep critical process equipment operating at optimal performance. Servicing can be arranged directly at customer sites or carried out at the ITS facility, providing flexible support depending on operational needs. Alongside maintaining equipment, ITS is also committed to supporting the future of engineering, regularly welcoming apprentices for placement opportunities where they gain hands on experience working alongside experienced engineers in servicing and maintenance environments.
By combining equipment supply with cleaning systems, servicing expertise, and preventative maintenance support, ITS provides a more complete approach to hygienic manufacturing. The goal is not simply to supply components, but to help customers build reliable processes that perform consistently shift after shift.
🔹For dependable hygienic flow solutions, technical support, or servicing expertise, Industrial Trading Solutions (ITS) is ready to help your operation needs or upcoming projects.
When pumps start vibrating enough to damage pipework, where do you start the investigation?
During a recent scheduled technical assistance visit, the ITS Servicing & Maintenance team were called to attend a confectionery production site, with our partner, Alfa Laval, to investigate vibration issues affecting pumps on the production line. The pumps in question were SRU pumps, and the vibration had begun causing damage to pipework connections, leading to a deeper investigation into the system.
The team carried out a full walkthrough of the site, reviewing the pumps operating on the production line to assess a wider scope of the setup. This involved looking closely at inlet pressures, product trends, the pipework layout, and the overall pump configuration to determine what may have been contributing to the vibration.
🔎 Upon further investigation, the team identified cavitation occurring within the pumps. “This cavitation caused the pipework to shake, resulting in fractures to the inlet and outlet connections, as well as extreme noise from the pump. Additionally, the mechanical seal was failing prematurely due to insufficient flow to the flushed seal face” – Dan Hinton.
Both of these factors can significantly impact pump performance and stability, which explains the vibration being experienced and the resulting strain on the pipework connections.
Our ITS Servicing team is now working collaboratively with Alfa Laval to develop a solution that will resolve the issue and improve the reliability of the system moving forward.
💡As a piece of preventative advice, from ITS Servicing manager, Dan Hinton, says, “operators should consider turning the water flush on before production starts and ensuring the product head is properly primed with either water or product. It is also important to avoid operating pumps above the manufacturer’s recommended maximum pressure”. These small operational checks can help prevent issues like cavitation and extend the life of your equipment. 👀We’ll keep you updated in a later post with the results diving…
🔹In the meantime, if you require a scheduled maintenance check for your processing environment or technical assistance with existing pumps, valves, or heat exchangers, get in touch with the ITS Servicing Team.📞01675 621014 | 📧 servicing@industrialtradingsolutions.com
Lee brings over twenty years of experience in engineering sales, underpinned by a strong technical foundation and a hands-on understanding of manufacturing and process industries. A dedicated and reliable technical sales professional, he has built his career on versatility, practical knowledge, and the ability to connect engineering solutions with real-world application.
His journey began at just 16 years old as an apprentice welder in North Lincolnshire. During this time, he achieved his BTEC HNC and E.I.T.B qualifications, laying the groundwork for a career built on both technical competence and determination. He later progressed into a role within a UKAS-accredited laboratory as a metallurgical technician, further strengthening his understanding of materials and processes.
At 21, Lee moved to the Midlands to complete a BSc in Mechanical Engineering, expanding his academic and practical expertise. Following university, he transitioned into technical sales, where he has since developed a successful career spanning more than two decades. He also holds professional accreditations with IMechE and AMIChemE, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to professional excellence and industry standards.
Outside of work, Lee prefers to stay active. If the weather’s good, you’ll likely find him hiking. If not, he’ll be training with kettlebells or working on his clean and press. Right now, he’s also tackling a garden project – chopping down trees to make space for growing vegetables. When he slows down, it’s usually for a game of chess or to enjoy a well-earned sunny holiday.
Lee’s combination of technical depth, commercial experience, and practical industry knowledge makes him a valuable addition to the team. We’re delighted to welcome him and look forward to the expertise and energy he brings.
We’re excited to share the latest from ITS in our ITS Flow Time Newsletter – February 2026 edition. This month, we cover more technical solutions, real-life case studies, and practical guides. Dive into fresh updates and expert insights on fluid handling and hygienic processing technology. There’s plenty to explore: https://tinyurl.com/yxpm5jyj
