Sales & Support: +27 12 548 7204

13 April 2023

Features That Food & Beverage Pumps Must Have

The food and beverage sectors are under pressure to come clean. Ensuring operations are environmentally friendly is important. Pumps play a major role in assisting with production and meeting government legislation. Pumps used in the food & beverage industry need to meet certain criteria. This makes them safe to use so they do not contaminate products they come into contact with.

We cannot stress the importance of maintaining hygienic processing operations enough. Food & beverages not handled correctly could become contaminated. This could lead to dire consequences throughout the process.

Some important features of pumps for the food and beverage industry are:

  • Materials are important in pump construction. The pumps need to be made from materials for food and beverage safety. Manufacturers often use resistant materials like stainless steel in this sector. Stainless steel is easy to clean and ideal for corrosive liquids. Stainless steel does not react with most food and beverage products.
  • The food and beverages sector requires a pump with a hygienic design. This is to prevent bacteria and other contaminants accumulating in hard-to-reach components. Features such as smooth surfaces and designs for easy cleaning are essential. Easy disassembly is important
  • Another important feature is the gentle handling of products. Pumps often damage delicate food and beverage products through rough handling. Pumps need designs for gentle handling of these products.
  • Food and beverage pumps need sanitary connections to prevent contamination. These often include DIN or tri-clamp connections.
  • Complying with food and beverage safety regulations is important. Some regulations could include requirements for performance, designs and materials.
  • Maintenance should be easy to avoid downtime and avoid risk of contamination. Regular maintenance will help keep the pumps clean.

Challenges Pumps in the Food & Beverage Industry Face

Some challenges could include leakages and loss of flow. Other challenges are downtime, resulting from breakdowns and a loss of revenue. Employees could also face safety risks, and there are environmental issues to consider.
Application of a wide range of pumps is necessary in the food and beverage industry. This is to maintain hygienic conditions and prevention of contamination, & other challenges.

We apply pumps to a broad range of applications to handle high- and low-viscosity fluids.

Various pumps address solutions for various processing challenges:

  • Manage general sanitisation and cleaning.
  • Coping with a wide range of temperatures.
  • Protection from contamination with the application of hygienic conditions.
  • Functions for loading, unloading and transferring of substances.
  • Complying with all health and government guidelines and certification.

Food safety and quality legislation in South Africa are mainly the responsibility of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF); the National Department of Health and the Department of Trade and Industry.

How Will I Know Which Pumps are The Right Ones for Me?

Finding the right pump for your food and beverage business is crucial. There are so many pumps with diverse capabilities, the process could prove daunting. Pumps have a wide range of capabilities. Air operated double-diaphragm pumps (AODD) are often the go-to choice in the food and beverage industry.

However, we also use other pumps like Peristaltic Hose Pumps in the food and beverage industry.

AODD Pumps are often the #1 Choice in the F & B Sector, although we use other types, too.

Pumps play a major role in keeping processes in the beverages and food industry running smoothly. Selecting the kind that best meets one’s needs is important.
Some reasons for choosing AODD pumps include reliability, safety, and the simplicity in transferring fluids, solids, and slurries.

There are certain advantages of using AODD Pumps in the Food & Beverage Sector:

Safety and simplicity when transferring fluids, solids, and slurries.

  • They can run dry without incurring damage to the pump.
  • They are self-priming.
  • They can pump fluids with solids without damaging the pumping system.
  • They need no electricity to operate (a huge plus factor in our power-strapped economy).
  • Deadhead safety with pump safety and restarting with no issues.
  • AODD pumps do not separate or shear food and beverage products.
  • The initial monetary outlay is low and requires no additional controls. AODD pumps offer great value for money compared to other pumping systems.
  • They can offer variable flow and head pressures with simple controls.
  • AODD pumps can be safely and completely submerged in fluids.
  • AODD pumps can run continuously without causing damage to the pumping system.
  • The pumps have a wide range of porting options to accommodate various fluids. Bottom discharging ports are a great advantage for the discharge of fluids.

AODD Pumps Offer Users Bottom Discharge Porting. How Does it Work?

Most AODD pumps have their discharge ports at the top of the pump. Fluids with solids battle to pass through these ports.

Bottom discharge ports help avoid frequent maintenance and prevent damage. Settling solids often cause damage in the pump. Bottom discharge porting circumvents this issue. The fluid passes through the bottom ports with the help of gravitational force.

Other ports could provide users with increased suction. When selecting AODD pumps, use a professional pump supplier like our team at AQS Liquid Transfer to help you determine the best porting options for your application.

The right choice will help increase the longevity of your pump and its efficiency. This will go a long way towards saving both money and time long-term.

Other Popular Choices are Peristaltic Hose Pumps

Peristaltic pumps are simple to maintain and clean. This gives them an added advantage in the food and beverage sector. Many opportunities are available for peristaltic pumps, as they are perfect for food and beverage applications.

Some advantages include metering flavourings and liquid ingredients. We use them for transferring viscous solids. They are perfect for slurries or fruit and vegetable skins and waste.

A perfect example is our Abaque Peristaltic Hose pumps, and our RealAx range of products. They operate in some of the harshest environments.

Why is Leak Detection Important in the Food & Beverage Industry

We determine where leaks occur in various ways. Leak detection of expensive products is achieved through visuals, electronics, and mechanically.

What is Visual Leak Detection?

Visual leak detection helps in identifying ruptures in the pump’s diaphragm through external inspection.

What is Electronic Leak Detection?

We use electronic leak detection using remote monitors. Monitor your pump’s diaphragm using modular controls and detection probes.

What is Mechanical Leak Detection?

We conduct mechanical leak detection using a pneumatic valve. The valve opens when the diaphragm fails. It then activates a solenoid signal or similar device to the customer.

Find Out More About Pumps for the Food & Beverage Industry

Get the right pump for your food and beverage operation by contacting our team of specialists at AxFlow AQS Liquid Transfer today. We offer professional advice about the pump best suited to your food and beverage operation. We also stock our own range of hoses compatible with the RealAx brand.

Find out more about our full range of Abaque, Real Ax, and other brands by contacting us on +27 12 548 7204, or fill out our enquiry form. Let us help you get the best pumps for your food & beverage business.

Sources – Features That Food and Beverage Pumps Must Have | SANDPIPER (sandpiperpump.com

Do you still have questions? Give our AQS Liquid Transfer team a call on +27 12 548 7204 or fill out our enquiry form, our friendly team will get back to you with first-hand expertise on how to select a borehole pump for your needs.

Contact Us Today

Go to Top