Armfield – Miniature-Scale Research & Development Technology – FT174X Modular Miniature-scale HTST/UHT Process System

The base unit comprises a stainless steel table for mounting the process equipment, a feed pump and vessel, the touchscreen control panel and all associated electrical controls housed in an IP65 cabinet.

On top of the table are four mounting positions for the selected heat exchangers. There is also space for a variable holding tube.

Under the tabletop are storage positions for unused heat exchangers, plus space for the optional vacuum and extraction pumps used for direct heating. There is also space for the optional integrated homogeniser.

The system is PLC controlled, with a high-resolution TFT 8” colour touchscreen panel. All operation functions are controlled from this panel, including configuration, mode of operation (sterilisation, process or Clean In Place).

Different sets of processing parameters can be edited, stored and quickly recalled using the system’s menu capability.

Similarly, the ancillary items such as the homogeniser and sterile filler are also controlled from this panel. The system can be quickly and easily interfaced to other free-standing Armfield process items, such as a mixing vessel, a chiller (FT63 or FT64) or a sterile filling system (FT83).

The base unit provides the services to the heat exchangers. 
 

Four sets of services are provided:

Main heat

Steam is applied to the service side of the heating section of the product heat exchanger using an electro-pneumatic steam-control valve. The product temperature is measured at the end of the heat exchanger (or holding tube) and this value is used by a PID control algorithm, implemented in the PLC, to control the steam-regulating valve ensuring the user defined set point is maintained. The same steam output and control valve is used to provide the steam injection for the optional Direct Steam Injection module.

Preheat

A gentle preheat action is achieved by using steam at sub-atmospheric pressure (and hence low temperature). In this way, steam temperatures at or significantly below 100°C can be produced, and low differentials between steam temperature and product temperature are achieved. Stable temperatures of 60°C or less are feasible. Control of the steam pressure/temperature is achieved by a manual steam-control valve. Automatic PID control is an available option.

Cooling

Cooling water is applied to the cooling section of the product heat exchanger via a rotameter in order to measure flow rate.

Chilling (Optional)

Using an external recirculating chiller such as the Armfield FT63, FT64 or other chilled water supply.

Feed pump system

A progressing cavity feed pump is used as this gives consistent volumetric flow rate for a wide range of liquid viscosities. It consists of a stainless steel rotor within a food-grade rubber stator. All metal parts of the pump, which come into contact with product are made from 316l stainless steel. A mechanical seal isolates the product from the drive system.

This pump provides a very wide range of flow capability, from as low as 12 l/hr to as much as 120 l/hr (used for CIP). The pump is fitted with a feed tank and level sensor, a pressure-relief valve and temperature and pressure sensors.

Key Features

FT174X Modular Miniature-scale HTST/UHT Process System

Key Features

• Totally modular system
• Direct and/or indirect heating
• Tubular & plate heat exchangers, scraped surface
• Full sterile capability options
• Touchscreen control panel for ease of use
• Hygienic fittings as standard
• Integral homogeniser option
• Standard throughputs from 12-60 l/hr
• Maximum product temperature setting of 160˚C
• Controllable preheat option
• Built-in CIP facility
• USB data logging option
• Electronic flow meter option

Benefits

• High degree of user configuration
• Rapid start–up
• Switch-over between heat exchangers is quick and easy
• Links directly to sterile filling bench
• Small footprint can contain tubular, plate heat exchangers, DSI module & homogeniser
• Low product hold-up