Alfa Laval Expands Tank Cleaning Portfolio with New Retractable CIP Devices
Alfa Laval has introduced two retractable clean-in-place (CIP) tank cleaning devices designed for hygienic processing applications in the dairy, food, and beverage industries.
The Controlled Rotating Retractor and Controlled Rotating Retractor UltraPure expand Alfa Laval's portfolio of retractable tank cleaning systems. The devices are designed to provide up to twice the cleaning efficiency of conventional static spray balls while reducing water and cleaning media consumption. Alfa Laval said the extended jet reach enables full cleaning coverage with fewer devices, including in difficult-to-reach areas.
Reduced Water and Cleaning Media Consumption
Alfa Laval said the retractable cleaning devices can reduce water and cleaning media consumption by up to 55 percent compared with static spray ball systems. Because each unit covers a larger surface area, fewer cleaning devices may be required, which the company said can reduce both capital and operating costs while maintaining cleaning performance.
Integrated Monitoring and Process Validation
The devices integrate with the Alfa Laval ThinkTop V70 sensing and control unit to provide real-time monitoring and performance validation. According to the company, the system is designed to support process control, reduce downtime, and improve worker safety by minimizing manual intervention.
Hygienic Design
During production, the retractable cleaning heads remain sealed and flush with the vessel wall, preventing contact with the product zone. During the CIP cycle, the cleaning head extends to clean product-contact surfaces before retracting once cleaning is complete, leaving the vessel ready for production.
Simplified Maintenance
Alfa Laval said the devices include a one-handed maintenance tool that allows wear parts to be removed without disconnecting the supply tube. The company said this design simplifies servicing while keeping the retractor securely connected, including in difficult-to-access locations.
Regulatory Compliance and Documentation
According to Alfa Laval, the devices comply with applicable U.S., EU, and Chinese regulatory requirements and support good manufacturing and hygienic practices.
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For pharmaceutical and biotechnology applications, the Controlled Rotating Retractor UltraPure includes Alfa Laval's Q-doc documentation package, which provides traceability for product-contact components. The documentation includes declarations of conformity, material certificates, applicable test certificates, and records intended to support equipment qualification and validation.
Alfa Laval: www.alfalaval.us
