The biopharmaceutical industry is growing and changing almost by the hour. In order to keep the breakthroughs flowing freely, companies need to sink massive research budgets into each new project. So, there is very little room for waste or inefficient equipment. That is one main reason Holland’s Quattroflow Pumps are so in demand. Our pumps feature four piston-diaphragm technologies, no mechanical seals, and a high level of cleanability. Another big plus of the Quattroflow is its versatility. It is equally effective in multiuse/permanent applications as it is in increasingly popular single-use applications. Single-use pumps are attractive to the biotech world because they eliminate cleaning and maintenance. They do this by utilizing plastic bag pumps instead of tanks, and plastic tubing instead of steel.
Quattroflow pumps are also fantastic at transferring shear sensitive media and biological products in a sterile and efficient way, so they are perfect for vaccines and other pharmaceutical-related products.
Some of the other benefits of Holland’s Quattroflow Pumps include:
- Low levels of heat transference to products being processed
- Low shear and pulsation compared to Peristaltic and air operating pumps
- Low noise output and less overall energy required to operate and peak performance
Bimetallic Steam Traps
The use of steam traps is standard practice when engineering systems that require the quick removal of condensate. Condensate, if allowed to collect, will inhabit space designed for steam, keeping it away from heat exchange surfaces. Eliminating this condition is not only critical to proper system operation, but is essential to effective utilization of steam and sensible heat. There are a number of types of steam traps available; of thermostatic traps, there are bellows, capsule, liquid expansion, and bimetallic, just to name a few. Each has advantages, and is designed for specific operating conditions.
Spirax-Sarco actually offers a number of great resources on the distinguishing features of various types of traps. One that recently caught our eye on Twitter was a thorough video explanation of their bimetallic steam traps. These are ideal for applications that see superheated steam and pressure. Because of this design criterion, bimetallic steam traps are manufactured from robust materials, and constructed to withstand high pressure and water hammer. This design relies on thermal expansion, which is inherently energy-efficient, and includes features such as self-draining, fail open, and because of all-metal construction; they are also resistant to freezing.
As the video demonstrates, bimetallic steam trap operation relies on the thermal expansion of metal plates making their operation simple and reliable. During normal operating temperatures, steam and condensate enter the steam trap body, this causes the bimetallic plates to expand, which closes the condensate discharge valve. In the closed position, the condensate valve will allow the buildup of condensate in the steam trap; this causes the temperature within the trap to decrease. Once the temperature drops to a predefined range, typically 50°F to 100°F below normal operating temperatures (range is adjustable), the bimetallic plates contract, opening the valve and draining the built up condensate. Have additional questions? Feel free to contact us today.
The Aseptiquik Sterile Connector Comes in Two Versions; The Aseptiquik X for Larger Sizes and the Aseptiquik S for Smaller Sizes
We’re very excited to offer the new AseptiQuik® line of connectors, featuring intuitive designs and robust construction for increased sterile connection flexibility. Ideal for sterile fluid transfer applications that require a secure connection between two single-use assemblies, AseptiQuik® is available in two formats: AseptiQuik® X for large flow applications and AseptiQuik S for small flow applications.
AseptiQuik® X is a 1” sterile connector allowing for the quick and easy sterile transfer of large volumes of media, even in non-sterile environments. Its intuitive “TWIST-PULL-TWIST” connection process was designed to reduce the risk of operator error. Membrane pull tabs and integrated lock rings provide additional security, with the “Colder Click” supplying audible confirmation of completed assembly.
AseptiQuik® S sterile connectors are available in either 1/8” or 1/4” options, and also employ an intuitive three-step connection process to reduce the risk of operator error: “FLIP-CLICK-PULL.” Their genderless design eases single-use systems specifications, with one part number for both halves. Integrated pull tab covers reduce part complexity and, like in the larger X version, ensure simultaneous removal of both membranes. Also like the X connector, AseptiQuik® S supplies a reassuring “Colder Click.”
AseptiQuik® connectors are manufactured by Colder Products, one of the companies we represent here at Holland Applied Technologies. For more information about AseptiQuik® options, Colder Products, or Holland’s other sterile processing solutions, contact us today.
Gamajet Tank Cleaning Equipment
The Gamajet Line of Rotary Tank Cleaners
“Tank cleaning is the number one culprit in water consumption/waste, as well as a major cause for lost production and revenue due to tank downtime”
Gamajet is one of the leading tank cleaning spray nozzle manufacturers in the country. Holland Applied Technologies and Gamajet have partnered recently to give our customers the best choice in tank cleaning capabilities.
Many types of spray devices are available in the food and pharmaceutical industry for cleaning tanks. Anything from standard spray balls to rotary wetting devices to Rotary Impingement Technology. Gamajet uses the Rotary Impingement Technology to get the most efficient and cost effective cleaning of the customer’s vessel.
While Time, Temperature, and Chemical action all play an important role in the cleaning process, it is the Mechanical Force that provides the best cleaning action. Gamajet’s unique solution for each application guarantees a repeatable pattern each time a vessel is cleaned. Every application is engineered to its specific needs and each nozzle that is sold is 100% tested before leaving the factory. The Mechanical Force created from the Gamajet nozzles help customers decrease the amount of time needed for tank cleaning and in turn, use much less water and chemical in the process. Many customer’s Return On Investment for purchasing the nozzle is less than two months time.
Gamajet offers a wide variety of nozzles to cover any application. Cleaning tanks from 200ft diameter all the way down to 55 gallon drums. The nozzles are designed to fit through small openings in tanks and totes. Accessories are available to aid in positioning, validation of cleaning, and water/chemical supply.
Call Holland Applied Technologies for information regarding Gamajet Tank Cleaning Nozzles to see how you can improve your efficiencies. Phone 800-800-8464
Changes Coming to Beverage Packaging Equipment and Processes
One bright spot in today’s economy is the $119 billion (and growing!) non-alcoholic beverage market. The demand for sodas, waters, juices, teas, etc. is increasing, and so is the variety. Innovations in both product and packaging mean changes and enhancements for beverage processing, packaging systems, and related machines. Here are a few recent innovations that we’ve found intriguing — just imagine the impact on equipment and processing these have had:
- Ramune soda – a popular Japanese soda sealed with a marble that is opened by dismantling the cap and using part of it to force the marble down into the bottle. (Beverage packaging historians will recognize this technology as the Codd Stopper, patented in 1873.)
- Dasani water and Odwalla juice – as we shared on our Facebook page, Coca-Cola is now distributing product in PlantBottleTM packaging, made from 30-100% plant-based materials. Dasani comes in PET bottles made with up to 30% plant-based materials, and Odwalla single-serving juice bottles are made from up to 100% plant-based materials.
- Tea of a Kind – This product’s unique “twist” is a nitrogen-pressurized cap that, when twisted open, brews tea instantly in what originally appears to be a bottle of clear liquid.
- Coobo bubble tea (tapioca balls suspended in tea) – this German company explains on its website, “To make Bubble Tea work, we needed to find a way of getting the Bobos (Bubbles) into the bottle, which is not an easy job, as we came to find out!”
As a designer and manufacturer of hygienic process skids and modules for over 20 years, Holland Applied Technologies has worked on a wide variety of beverage projects. We are also one of the largest distributors of sanitary stainless steel process components in the U.S., including lines by Waukesha, APV, Graco, ITT, Saint Gobain. We also offer repair services for sanitary process components and fabricate custom sanitary proces components.
Contact us at 800-800-8464 for assistance with design, supply, or manufacture of your beverage processing systems and equipment needs.
Food Industry Safety Laws Focusing on Prevention
Producers and consumers alike have a heightened awareness of the importance of sanitary processing conditions in the food industry. In the past month alone, the United States has seen salmonella in its peanut butter and related products; possible metallic foreign objects in its organic bread; and E. coli bacteria in ground beef. The continuing meningitis outbreak, while arising in the pharmaceutical industry, also thrusts the need for contamination prevention into the public eye.
As the vast Food Safety Modernization Act continues implementation, food facilities are reviewing their existing processes and equipment, taking measures to prevent contamination, and continually monitoring these systems for effectiveness, making additional changes as necessary. Compliance also includes science-based standards for the safe production (and harvesting) of fruits and vegetables. On the FDA’s part, they are working to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of their inspection systems, as well as increasing scrutiny of food imports. Non-compliant food companies face stiff fines.
Our thorough understanding of sanitary standards, extensive technical expertise and world class product line of sanitary process equipment allows us to assist our food, beverage, personal care and pharmaceutical industry customers with a range of solutions – and, ultimately, to protect customers. Contact us at 800-800-8464 for assistance with your sanitary process applications.
Next Generation in Mixing and Heating Technology
The APV Cavitator is The Next Generation in Mixing and Heating Technology. This new
The APV Cavitator
patented technology involves the mixing of liquids with gases or solids at microscopic levels through the use of controlled cavitation. By using this new technology, cavitation can be used to break materials into very small sizes thus increasing surface area for mixing, emulsifying and heating purposes.
Aeration, Emulisification, Powder Hydration, Dispersion, Scale Free Heating and simple Mixing can all be performed with the new SPX/APV Cavitator. Typical applications may include – Homogenization/Pasteurization of eggs, Hydration of gums/polymers, Emulsification of Mayonnaise, or Hydration of personal care products such at lotions/creams/shampoos.
Liquid enters specially design rotor/housing design that allows for controlled cavitation of the product
As liquid passes through the APV Cavitator, the liquid enters specially design rotor/housing design that allows for controlled cavitation of the product. Shockwaves from the cavitation break apart particles to increase surface area for both better mixing and possible heat transfer if required.
Rental Test Units are available for customer trials. Please contact Holland Applied Technologies for more information.
