Progressive cavity pumps for highest product quality

21 April, 2020

The EHEDG pump is the latestaddition to the Seepex’s range of hygienicPC pumps which are used widelywherever thin to highly viscous, shearsensitive products and those containingsoft solids need to be transferred. Foodprocessors have to ensure that productquality and viscosity can be maintainedthroughout processing and packaging;selecting the best pumps for shearsensitive products is therefore vital todeliver the best product to consumers.

Gentle, low shear action

Traditional pumping systems can have adetrimental effect on the quality andtexture of some dairy products,particularly yogurt, with shear stresseschanging the product consistency byshear thinning, producing a ‘thin runny’product.

Often costly additives are used topreserve or restore product qualitychanges; however, there is anothersolution – the use of progressive cavitypumps with their gentle, low shearaction, ability to handle soft solidswithout damage and minimal pulsationflow rates.

Shear stress – backflow and ‘slip’

Traditionally, twin screw or lobe pumpsare used to handle products such asyogurt after the fermentation stage, whenthe product has set. The runningclearance between the screws or lobesresults in backflow– also known as ‘slip’– and this is the main cause of shearthinning which, in the case of yogurtproduction, can cause breakdown to arunny, thin product. The higher thepumping pressure, for example throughheating or cooling equipment, the morethis slip increases.

Seepex PC pumps are known fortheir gentle handling of viscousproducts. This is due to their uniquedesign, which enables the product tomove through the pump in a series of cavities. These cavities are notcompressed or distorted in any way,creating a gentle, non-pulsating flow.This ’non-slip’ action preserves thequality of shear-sensitive products suchas yogurt. Additionally, minimalpulsation action creates a smoothlaminar flow through pipelines andensures a constant feed through heatexchangers, minimising mechanicalstress and product thinning.

Accurate dosing

Seepex PC pumps are used in many dairymanufacturing plants globally, includingfor pumping fruit yogurt where the abilityto handle soft solids without damage isessential for maintaining fruit piece integrity. PC pump flow has minimalpulsation and linear accuracy, deliveringaccurate dosing with simple calibrationand controls when adding flavours andsyrups either in batch or in-line intoliquid or viscous products.

Seepex PC pumps enable foodprocessors to produce consistently highquality products, using a combination ofgentle pumping action, accurate productdosing and the highest hygenic standars possible.

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