The food and beverage processing industry spans a wide range of categories, from milk and dairy to baked goods, beverages, meat, and many other products. With such diversity in a wide array of process media, understanding exactly what is required to process these media is of the utmost importance.
Understanding the unique complexities of the food or beverage media you will be working with is key in finding the perfect valve for your processing needs. There are many factors to consider, including the media's temperature, pressure, viscosity and elements the valve will be exposed to. Achieving reliable results and safe food and beverage processing requires using valves and equipment that meet appropriate sanitary and performance standards.
Direct Contact Valves vs. Utility Service Valves
Valves in the food and beverage processing industry are divided into two main classifications: direct contact valves and utility service valves. For direct contact valves, the name says it all - those valves that come in direct contact with food such as milk, soda, condiments, and meat. The material most often used for direct contact valves is food‑grade stainless steel (typically 304 or 316L) due to its corrosion‑resistant and hygienic properties.
Cleaning‑in‑place (CIP) and steam‑in‑place (SIP) procedures often use aggressive cleaning agents; stainless steel is able to withstand these media while maintaining hygienic surfaces Utility service valves do not come in direct contact with food. These valves are suitable for handling substances such as steam, water, and other non-food-related resources.
Solenoid Valves for Food Processing
When it comes to food processing, one of the most commonly used valves on the market to use is a solenoid valve. Many solenoid valves are designed to withstand humid and corrosive environments and wide temperature ranges. Solenoid valves are typically constructed of stainless steel due to its contaminant-resistant qualities. For these reasons, solenoid valves are ideal for food processing purposes.
Stainless steel solenoid valves are generally used in the meat and abattoir industry, fish canneries, salting systems, ready meal industry, and fruit and vegetable canneries. Stainless steel solenoid valves are also used in salmon packing lines, fish fillet preparation systems, and pasteurization systems requiring high-pressure solenoid valves.
Sanitary Ball Valves for Beverage Processing
Sanitary valves are designed for use in applications requiring clean or sterile processing. To be considered sanitary, a valve must avoid crevices, cavities, and dead legs where product can accumulate, provide polished wetted surfaces, and maintain minimum radii to prevent product entrapment and bacterial growth. The wetted surfaces (that contact the process media) must be polished, and their radii must be of a minimum size to avoid any and all clinging or entrapment. Sanitary Ball valves provide tight shut-off and characteristic control.
There are many types of sanitary valves, including globe, diaphragm, pinch, knife or butterfly, just to name a few. In beverage processing, we often prefer sanitary ball valves because, with characterized ports, they offer good rangeability and avoid some of the side‑load and sealing complications associated with certain butterfly valve designs. While plastic, brass, and other materials are acceptable for use in sanitary applications, stainless steel is preferred by most. Some of the most common sanitary valve applications are used in dairy processing, brewing, and wine and spirits making.
Where to Purchase Food and Beverage Processing Valves
If you are considering where to purchase valves for your food and beverage processing needs, check out our wide selection of premier solenoid and butterfly valves online at the ValveMan.com valve store. Our site carries well‑known valve brands in the industry at competitive prices. ValveMan.com serves as a convenient, quick, and trustworthy source for your valve solutions.
