FT174XModular Miniature Scale HTST/UHT Process System Didactic Equipment Vocational Training Equipment Food Machine Trainer
DESCRIPTION The FT174X is a modular HTST/UHT processing system designed to treat products at flow rates of 10-40 l/hr or up to 60 l/hr for water (or similar low viscosity products). Standard modules for direct heating (steam injection) or indirect heating (using tubular and/or plate heat exchangers), SSHE, aseptic processing, upstream or downstream homogenisation and additional chilling are available. These, along with many other options, enable multiple modules to be included in the same system, giving high process adaptability by reconfiguration of flexible product hoses, using quick-release connections. The sterilisation options enable it to be linked to an sterile filling bench to produce sterile product, even when using long holding tubes and/or downstream homogenisation. As with all systems, it comes with hygienic fittings throughout as standard, it is easy to clean and very flexible in use. The touch-screen control panel makes it extremely user friendly to configure and monitor processing parameters. The operator is prompted at every stage whenever intervention is required. BASE UNIT (FT174X) 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 and CIP Pump. The system is PLC controlled, with a high-resolution 8” full 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 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: 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. 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. Chilling (Optional), using an external recirculating chiller such as the 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 10 L/hr to as much as 150 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. 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 10 L/hr to as much as 150 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. SOFTWARE The armBUS software enables the operator to select the appropriate stage of the process and a mimic diagram with measured variables is displayed. The speed of the pump can be varied to meet the required flow rate. Results are saved in a log, which can be viewed and manipulated with the armBUS results viewer. Results can be printed or exported in a spreadsheet format, which can be opened in a wide range of packages for further analysis.
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