Liquid

DOSAGE

However, both methods require that all components in the dosing line are selected, dimensioned, and assembled in balance with capacity and tolerances.

With Batch dosing, it may often be necessary to use a Coarse and a Fine dosing to achieve the desired balance between capacity tolerances. The majority of the product quantity is dosed with a high flow to keep the dosing time down, while the last 5-10% is dosed with a lower flow to minimize the dosing tolerance.

Products that contain suspended particles can make the batch dosing process difficult, as the particles will settle at rest and will not be dosed homogeneously or, in the worst case, block the line.

A ring line with constant flow and the correct choice of valves can be part of the solution.

Different methods for measuring the product quantity are available for Batch Dosing. A volumetric measurement with either a dosing pump or a volumetric flow transmitter is often the cheapest solution but is not always sufficient. Mass measurement with a flow transmitter or load cells can cover most needs if done correctly.

It is not sufficient to simply place a tank on load cells and expect a functional dosage. The system’s own weight and the weighing equipment’s limit values must be assessed in relation to the desired dosing quantities. The stability of the construction must be ensured so as not to affect the linearity of the weighing curve in case of height loads. And mechanical connections must not give way to pressure or tension on the equipment.

Finally, a successful dosing process requires its own dosing program. Loss-In-Weight dosing with automatic refilling during weighing can provide a very flexible process but requires that the software is built correctly.

Adaptive dosing with auto-learning of coarse and fine dosing times on the basis of previously run dosings can significantly reduce the dosing tolerances at changing set points.

With in-line dosing, one or more components can be continuously fed into a main stream.

This process often saves space as large weighing tanks can be dispensed with.

Measurement of the dosage amount is carried out by flow transmitters, either as volumetric or mass measurement.

The now combined products can be mixed into a homogeneous product in either a static or dynamic in-line mixer, depending on the required intensity.

In-line dosing to a great extent requires balancing and correct dimensioning of all components in both the main line and supply lines.

Selection of pump types and valves is essential to achieve a positive result.

With the correct setup, in-line dosing can in many cases be an economical and reliable solution.

FLOWTECH projects, supplies, dimensions, produces liquid dosing systems for all purposes and capacities.

MIXING

FLOWTECH designs and produces mixing systems adapted to the customer’s wishes and needs.

Our solutions cover the entire range from gentle stirring to high shear emulsions and dispersion.

Choosing a mixer solution depends on many factors, including product characteristics, recipe complexity, task type, capacity, foaming, hygiene, batch size and secondary functions.

No mixer solution is optimal for all tasks. That is why FLOWTECH has long-standing cooperation with many different component suppliers, each of whom has their own top competences. FLOWTECH’s many years of experience, combined with the component supplier’s data and specialist knowledge, is the basis for the design, manufacture, and commissioning of the ideal solution for the individual task.

Mixing can take place either continuously or in batches. Continuous mixing can have its clear advantages in certain processes. But factors such as traceability, quality assurance and recipe complexity can often make batch mixing the preferred mode of operation.

FLOWTECH has extensive experience with both modes of operation and can therefore advise on the most optimal solution.

FLOWTECH designs and produces mixing systems adapted to the customer’s own wishes and needs.

Our solutions cover the entire range from gentle stirring to high shear emulsions and dispersion.

The optimal solution

Choosing a mixer solution depends on many factors, including product characteristics, recipe complexity, task type, capacity, foaming, hygiene, batch size and secondary functions.

No mixer solution is optimal for all tasks. Therefore, FLOWTECH has long-standing cooperation with many different component suppliers, each with its own core competence. FLOWTECH’s many years of experience, combined with the component supplier’s data and specialist knowledge, is the basis for the design, manufacture, and commissioning of the ideal solution for the individual task.

Mode of operation

Mixing can take place either continuously or in batches. Continuous mixing can have its clear advantages in certain processes. But factors such as traceability, quality assurance and recipe complexity can often make batch mixing the preferred mode of operation.

FLOWTECH has extensive experience with both modes of operation and can therefore advise on the most optimal solution.

Secondary functions

Equipment for the mixing process also varies to a great extent according to the task, the products, and the customer’s preferences. For less demanding tasks, the possibility that the equipment will also be able to perform functions other than mixing will be more. This could, for example, be heating/cooling functions or storage/buffer function. Equipment for more demanding tasks will often be more specially designed for the mixer function.

Mixing Liquid/Liquid

Easily mixable products

Probably the most frequently occurring mixing process is the mixing of different liquids. For easily mixable or even soluble products, a mixer solution with relatively low turbulence, but with high flow, will typically be chosen. This will provide the most energy-efficient solution and ensure rapid mixing of large volumes.

FLOWTECH’s self-produced hydrofoil-type agitators are ideal for this type of task. The agitator is dimensioned for each task with choice of propeller diameter, number of propellers and speed of rotation.

The mixer is typically delivered in a top-mounted version, with an easy-to-service bottom guide. For hygienic applications, the propellers can be supplied in a ground version.

Demanding products

Greater difference in viscosity and density between the products of the process requires more turbulence at the expense of the flow.

A medi-shear mixer will often be the optimal solution in processes where an even distribution of the products is desired throughout the batch.

A medi-shear mixer can be relatively easily installed in small and medium-sized mixing tanks.

The advantage of medi-shear mixers is their ability to deliver a high mixing intensity with relatively low energy consumption.

Medi-shear mixers typically do not have a stator and are thus also easier to clean than traditional rotor/stator mixers.

Test for final clarification

The possibility to test the efficiency of the low-shear and medi-shear mixers on the specific recipe(s) in FLOWTECH’s own test stand provides critical design data and a precise picture of what quality of the finished product can be expected.

Tests of specific mixer types are often carried out in collaboration with the component supplier(s) that are deemed optimal for the task. FLOWTECH facilitates these tests with the participation of the customer to ensure the best result.

Emulsions

Making emulsions or pre-emulsions requires high mixer intensity. A properly laid out high-shear rotor/stator mixer will often be able to solve the task.

Dimensioning of the mixer head, motor size as well as the design of the stator design are some of the main parameters. Droplet size, mixer time and capacity are typical design requirements.

High-shear mixers can be placed as either top or bottom mounted in a container, which can often be a simple solution, but not always the optimal one. Problems with the mixing of air and the resulting foaming can cause challenges with certain products.

Placing the mixer in-line in a pipe string around the vessel is also a possible solution to avoid foam formation, as it eliminates suction funnel formation.

The option to suck vacuum on the mixing container can solve many challenges with foaming, and can be combined with other options to suck products into the container during the process.

Using high-shear mixing for the production of pre-emulsions before homogenization can often raise the quality of the finished product.

FLOWTECH has many years of experience in the design and manufacture of complete high-shear mixer equipment, incl. dosing of raw material, recipe management, sampling, and subsequent cleaning of the plant.

Liquid/Powder – Solution & Suspensions

The production of solutions and suspensions are necessary processes in many productions.

The processes are very product-dependent during the mixing itself, but also during the supply of the powder part.

During the addition of powder to a liquid, it is desired that the border between dry and wet zone is very sharp due to hygiene, washing and optimal function on the dry matter side. Read more about dosage of powder in liquids under Dosage.

The supply of powder to liquid can be made very simple if the product properties of powder and liquid allow it. Dusty powder or high viscosity in the liquid part can cause challenges with resp. moist powder on the inner tank top and pockets of dry powder on the liquid surface.

Some powders turn into a jelly-like phase if it is not mixed vigorously with the liquid immediately. These pockets of jelly can be almost impossible to mix out in the liquid.

With light product compositions, the powder part can be fed through the top of the mixer tank to the liquid surface. The design of the agitator ensures that the powder is pulled down into the liquid, either by using high intensity and a suction funnel or by slow moving anchor agitator either with baffles or scrapers for highly viscous mixtures.

The powder part can also be added to the liquid directly below the liquid surface, this can be done either with a vacuum or by inducer pipes led down to the mixer head.

Finally, in-line mixing with a powder mixer pump can be the optimal solution for certain products, as a powder is mixed immediately in a controlled liquid flow. Designing the setup around the mixer pump and choosing the mixer rotor/stator type is essential to achieve the optimal result.

Stirring

Agitation is an often-underestimated process, as it mostly takes place secondarily in storage and buffer tanks.

Nevertheless, improper execution of stirring can have a major impact on the finished product.

Stirring is done for various reasons such as maintaining homogeneity, preventing precipitation and heat transfer.

The different reasons require different execution of the pipe work and different intensity.

Maintaining homogeneity requires a suitable and evenly distributed flow throughout the height of the tank, where prevention of sediment has more focus on covering the entire bottom of the tank with sufficient turbulence.

Heat transfer from either spiral or knot wrap is about ensuring sufficient turbulence along the tank wall, in order to reduce the insulating stagnant layer of the product.

FLOWTECH’s designs and manufactures efficient hydrofoil agitators in both industrial, food and pharma versions. The profile of the agitator blades gives a very high downward flow with a very high energy efficiency.

Static Mixing

Continuous in-line mixing of either a few or many different liquids can be accomplished to a large extent with a static mixer.

The various raw materials are metered into the main string with flow meters. The total amount of liquid is passed through the static mixer, which generates the necessary turbulence to ensure optimal mixing.

The process can be adapted to more complex tasks, with the division of the mixing into several static mixers in series.

Cooling directly on the static mixer or between two mixers can further ensure the correct conditions for the process.

DELIVERY

Delivery from/to tanker is the first and last step in many productions.

As the process involves external actors and equipment as well as manual operator tasks, it is important to have a well-thought-out layout of both equipment, user interface and infrastructure around the tanker site.

Tanker transport to and from the delivery point often puts a strain on the infrastructure around the entire production. Location of the delivery point is often the key to minimizing this burden.

High-viscosity products such as requires heating places additional requirements on component selection and equipment design.

Long connection hoses are often a challenge for transfer pumps, especially since the emptying/filling time of the tanker is always an important parameter.

Both environmental and personal safety risks are also at play to a greater extent in this particular process due to the involvement of external personnel and equipment as well as manual processes.

To avoid errors and risks, a logical and simple user interface is a necessity for both internal and external staff.

The limits are set by well-thought-out and tested safety systems with clear and distinct messages.

At FLOWTECH, we regard delivery as a process which, on an equal footing with other parts of production, must function as a whole.

Existing and new equipment are integrated into a single, manageable process and not a task for specially trained operators.

FLOWTECH supplies design, equipment and user interface for the entire process.

STORAGE

Stock and Buffer/Day tanks are essential in most productions.

Correct dimensioning, equipment and finish are the core points of any tank project, whether it is small Buffer/Day tanks or a complete tank farm.

However, the project should be seen as a whole where topics such as piping, valve matrices, CIP and access road are at stake. An integrated P&ID and a complete 3D layout is often the best way to ensure a good solution.

For larger tank yard projects, a good solution can be to build as input/output equipment in a specially designed container solution. This significantly reduces on-site assembly and the equipment can be inspected by the customer before delivery.

FLOWTECH designs and manufactures tanks and containers adapted to the customer’s wishes and needs.

Production is based on customer-specified tasks as well as customized requirements and needs for the individual industry. This allows FLOWTECH to supply tanks and containers in all designs at competitive prices.

IBC & Drums

Delivery of raw materials in drums or IBC containers is often associated with a large amount of manual handling. Therefore, designing the necessary equipment for this handling is a task that requires experience and know-how.

Easy replacement, simple connection, stable empty messages, sufficient time for replacement and flexibility when changing products are some of the basic aspects that must be balanced in a well-designed system.

Some products require heating and agitation before pumping and others do not flow to the outlet or suction lance by themselves. These elements require additional equipment which necessitates well-thought-out solutions for the operator.

FLOWTECH designs and supplies equipment for handling the packaging your raw materials are delivered in and integrates them into your new or existing p

TRANSPORTATION

Liquid transport is, in the eyes of some, a simple task and a matter of flow and pressure.

We know after many years of experience that a liquid transport task must be taken as seriously as all other processes in production.

Highly viscous, Non-Newtonian, slurried gaseous or temperature sensitive are just some of the product properties that require special attention.

But the product is not the only factor that influences the transport process, long transport distance, high pressure at the consumer and start/stop must also be manageable.

Correct choice of pump type is a core task in liquid transport.

Balancing product features, capacities, plant type and operation, industry and customer preferences requires experience.

FLOWTECH collaborates with all the major pump suppliers who know the advantages and disadvantages of the individual pump types, as well as supplier-specific constructions.

Large quantities of product are often wasted in pipelines during product changes or production stops. Integration of water push or a cleaning pig system can reduce product loss to a minimum.

FLOWTECH dimensions, supplies and installs pipe strings that are adapted to your products and plants.

Liquid separation covers several different processes and can be about the separation of different liquid phases as well as liquid and particles.

In many productions, several of these processes are used at different stages.

CENTRIFUGATION

With a centrifuge, several liquid phases as well as liquid phases and particles can be separated.

The plate centrifuge can continuously separate several liquid phases based on density. In addition, a particle phase with smaller particle sizes and a dry matter content of less than 25% can also be handled.

For larger particles and/or higher solids content, the Decanter/Tricanter centrifuge can be used with advantage. The Decanter centrifuge can continuously separate liquid and particles, where the Tricanter can also separate 2 liquid phases and particles. The Decanter/Tricanter centrifuge is supplied in a number of different versions both in relation to hygiene and abrasive products.

FLOWTECH collaborates with all the largest manufacturers of centrifuges in order to be able to involve precisely the supplier with the optimal design and the correct skills and experience with the specific medium.

FILTERING

Filtration is used to separate particles or microorganisms from a liquid phase, either with the aim of purifying the liquid phase or concentrating the particle phase.

The process is divided into two principles, Dead-end and Cross-flow filtering. The dead-end principle retains the particles in the filter membrane where they accumulate. With the Cross-flow principle, the particles are carried along the membrane and can be carried with part of the liquid phase out of the filter.

The membrane filtration is categorized according to the density of the membrane.

Reverse osmosis is the closest category and is widely used for water treatment. Nano-filtration is the next category which removes impurities larger than 0.001µ. This is followed by ultra-filtration, which removes impurities larger than 0.01µ. And finally micro-filtration with a density of 0.1µ.

Filtering of larger particles is done with either cartridges, bags or slot filters.

FLOWTECH designs and produces complete units especially for the individual filtration task, incl. necessary pumps, valves, tanks and instruments.

TEMPERATURE TREATMENT (Heating/Cooling)

The need for temperature treatment of liquid products can arise for many different reasons. From a desire to lower the product’s viscosity over pasteurization / bactericidal to achieve a certain ratio for a reaction or process.

Heating unit

Heating of liquids is typically done with steam or electricity as the energy source.

In some cases, the surface temperature of the steam heat exchanger or the electric heater be so high that it damages the product. One option to avoid product damage is to insert a water circuit between the product exchanger and the heating surface to reduce the surface temperature on the product side.

A typical heating unit located either at weighing or storage tanks can fulfill several functions such as temperature regulation, transfer pumping, flow measurement, pressure regulation and overpressure protection.

A heating unit built on a frame/skid contains complete steam supply, condensate return, water circuit, product exchanger, product pump as well as valves and instrumentation.

In case of variations in the product flow, for example when dosing to several different consumers, a traditional heat exchanger arrangement may prove insufficient. This is often solved by using a tube heat exchanger with condensate regulation.

FLOWTECH supplies Heating units in any size and for any product and purpose, naturally CE-marked and approved according to applicable legislation.

PASTEURIZING

The pasteurization process for both low- and high-temperature pasteurization aims to kill microorganisms in the product and thereby extend the life of the product.

The typical process consists of regeneration sections I and II where the product is heated upstream of already treated product. The product is heated to final temperature in the heating section and led to the holding cell.

After the residence time in the holding cell has ended, the product is led via the booster pump to the secondary side of regeneration sections I and II, where it is cooled by the new product. The booster pump ensures a higher pressure on the secondary side of the regeneration sections than on the primary sections, thereby reducing the risk of contamination of treated product.

Finally, the product is cooled in the cooling section using cooling medium.

Pasteurization is typically used in dairy, juice, soda and beer production. However, heat treatment for the purpose of killing microorganisms can be widely used in many other industries.

FLOWTECH designs and produces pasteurization and heat treatment systems for all purposes.

CIP

With CIP or Cleaning In Place, correct cleaning of the production plant is desired without wasting costly production time on manual cleaning. In order to ensure that the CIP plant operates as cheaply as possible and with the lowest possible environmental impact, the plant must utilize the chemistry and energy supplied as efficiently as possible.

Correct choice of CIP plant type, dimensioning of this as well as choice of CIP fluids and cycle parameters is therefore essential to meet these expectations.

All well-functioning CIP plants are different because they are adapted and optimized for the particular production plant or process plants that they service.

There is therefore no well-functioning standard CIP plant.

Whether it is a new or an existing production plant, FLOWTECH can offer its advice to clarify the most optimal CIP routes as well as necessary capacities that form the basis for the design of the CIP plant.

THE PROCESS

A CIP process can consist of all or parts of the following sequences:

Push out of product.

Reduction of product loss when emptying the production plant with a cleaning pig system (Pigging).

Pre rinse

Get rid of the worst product residues with treated or untreated water.

Basic wash

Washing out fat and proteins with an alkaline solution.

Typically a Lye solution between 0.5 and 2% at 60-85°C, but solutions of up to 4% may be necessary in some cases.

Intermediate rinse

Excuse the alkaline solution.

Acid wash

For washing out mineral residues.

Typically a mild solution of Nitric acid at approx. 60°C.

Intermediate rinse

Rinse with acidic solution

DISINFECTION

In some plants, it may be necessary to run a sequence with a suitable disinfectant to kill microorganisms.

Final rinse

Washing out residual CIP fluids with treated (Di/RO) or untreated water.

Typically a longer fault than the previous ones.

Drainage of plant

If necessary/possible, the plant can be drained for final rinse water after the end of CIP.

The extent of the CIP process largely depends on the product and the type of production plant.

In recent years, a number of new chemical products have appeared on the market partly to increase efficiency, but also to reduce the amount of chemicals and reduce the environmental impact.

FLOWTECH finds the right solution in collaboration with the customer’s current or future chemical supplier.

SINGLE USE

Single-use systems only use the CIP liquid once, after which it is sent for neutralization. Despite the fact that it may sound like a waste of CIP liquid, there can be many reasons for choosing this solution.

In smaller decentralized plants where the same tank is used as both CIP and Balance tank and the CIP process can be managed with the installation of a CIP forward pump, the Single-use process will often be the most economical solution.

Another reason may be to minimize the risk of cross-contamination from one facility to another. In addition, requirements for optimal concentrations in the CIP fluid can result in this solution.

Single-use installations can also be carried out as in mobile versions. Either in a manually controlled version or as semi- or fully automatic with coupling indicators to ensure correct connection of the system before starting.

MULTI-USE

Multi-use CIP systems are distinguished by the fact that the majority of the CIP fluids can be reused in several production systems.

Each liquid component has its own tank and by in-line measurement of the return string it is determined when the individual liquid is clean enough to be recycled.

Depending on the production equipment, the CIP process can be controlled by regulating either pressure or flow on the CIP forward string. This can be selected for each individual production equipment.

Each production equipment gets a dedicated route valve of The CIP forward and CIP return strings, whereby the individual production facilities will in most cases be cleaned with a high degree of independence from each other. Of course, this also depends on the structure of the production facility.

A multi-use plant ranges from a few individual tanks that service individual production plants, to a complete central CIP system that covers the entire factory.

Automation of the plant can be carried out according to the customer’s wishes, but for larger plants a high degree of automation is recommended to relieve operators.

CIP of larger production plants is often a time-consuming task that can be advantageously carried out outside the normal production periods. Therefore, it will also often be desirable that the CIP process can be carried out with as few operators as possible.

RECOVERY

If special chemistry is used to clean its production facilities or the operation of the production facilities requires extremely frequent CIP, a Recovory facility may be a possible solution.

In a Recovery system, the degree of utilization of the CIP fluids is increased by filtering out product particles from the used CIP fluid through a MF, UF or NF filtration system.

The extent to which filtering the CIP fluids is an option and whether this is economically viable is assessed from plant to plant.

TANKS & CONTAINERS

FLOWTECH designs and manufactures tanks and containers adapted to the customer’s wishes and needs.

Production is based on customer-specified tasks as well as customized requirements and needs for the individual industry. This allows FLOWTECH to supply tanks and containers in all designs at competitive prices.

FLOWTECH has its own constructors and produces the tanks according to approved drawings, which ensures quality and documentation later when the tanks are installed.

Both small containers and large storage tanks are therefore subject to strict self-inspection, in order to be able to deliver a quality product on time.

We are happy to collaborate with the customer on larger tank solutions and prepare drawing material for authority approvals.

FLOWTECH is happy to carry out measurements at the customer’s premises to ensure that the desired tank can be adapted to existing facilities – foundations and building mass.

FLOWTECH transports and installs at a permanent location.

We only use experienced transporters and our own riggers for such tasks.

FLOWTECH offers as standard tanks manufactured in Denmark, which provides optimal conditions for good quality assurance.

When delivering larger tanks abroad, FLOWTECH has competences with sourcing and quality assurance of local suppliers, thus avoiding an expensive freight link.

FLOWTECH screens and visits a group of suppliers and selects the best one for the task. The supplier produces the tanks according to FLOWTECH’s production drawings and FLOWTECH carries out ongoing quality and delivery checks on-site.

STORAGE TANKS

FLOWTECH offers construction, delivery and installation of outdoor storage tanks of all sizes. Tanks are insulated with mineral wool, covered with lacquered trapezoidal plates, aluminum cladding or a fully welded jacket according to the customer’s wishes. The insulation is finished with a fully welded stainless top with non-slip coating.

The tanks are typically made with shrouds for the foundation, whereby an isolated space is created under the tank for valves, instruments, etc.

The tanks are carried out with instrumentation according to the customer’s wishes. Necessary ventilation opening is calculated according to capacity, use, CIP etc.

The tanks can be frost-proofed in different ways with either EL tracing, knot wraps or heating coils. Knob wraps and spirals can also be extended to perform direct heating or cooling of the product.

The access road is made of stainless or galvanized steel, either as separate conductors or with walkways for several tanks. Access roads are of course carried out according to the debt legislation and standards.

The tanks are calculated according to current legislation at the assembly site for structural strength, wind load, seismic effects, etc.

BUFFER TANKS

Buffer or day tanks are widely used in process installations.

The tanks are constructed exactly according to the customer’s needs in terms of Dimensions, Equipment, Instrumentation and Finish.

Designed in 3D by FLOWTECH’s own designers and can be inserted into the customer’s own layout drawings for initial approval of e.g. main dimensions and locations.

Complete production increases are drawn up and approved by the customer before production starts.

The tanks can be supplied as single tanks or complete tank systems, with or without installation, pumps, valves, etc.

The thoughts can be documented according to the customer’s wishes; Material certificates (Traceable or non-traceable), Food certificates, Weld log, Penetrant test, Surface roughness and more.

Either as self- or third-party control.

PROCESS TANKS

Tanks can have many purposes; Weighing, Mixing/Mixing, Separation, Heating/Cooling, Pressure/Vacuum, etc.

Each process tank must be designed for the specific purpose(s) and FLOWTECH’s designers are ready to help you achieve your goals.

FLOWTECH constructs and supplies CE-marked process tanks for all purposes and in all designs.

FLOWTECH collaborates with all leading suppliers of equipment for process tanks, so if you have special wishes for a supplier or type of equipment, that is no obstacle.

The process tanks can be offered delivered assembled on skids as a unit with other equipment such as e.g. Dosing pumps, Weighing equipment, Powder additions, etc.

It can also be offered to deliver the unit fully assembled with cables, compressed air hoses, electrical panels and control as a plug-and-play solution.