Automation News: Issue 1

FOOD PROCESSING

Advanced valve control: tailored to help keep it clean

VM10 valve island was integrated into the system to achieve this. The valve island enables centralised management of all pinch and ball valves, simplifying operation while improving responsiveness and ensuring that each ingredient is delivered accurately and in the correct sequence. Pressure control is equally critical in such systems. Inconsistent pressure can lead to irregular flow rates and inaccurate mixing, which could compromise cleaning effectiveness. To address this, IMI Norgren Excelon Plus Pressure Regulators were incorporated, providing precise and reliable pressure management for the valve island and associated piping. The combination of high- performance pinch valves, diverter valves, and controlled pressure regulation creates a fully integrated system where each component functions seamlessly with the others. From a systems engineering perspective, this project demonstrates the value of cross-

sector collaboration within IMI. By combining Membracon’s expertise in food processing machinery with IMI’s advanced pneumatic and valve technologies, we were able to deliver a solution that meets stringent hygiene standards while optimising operational efficiency. Every component, from chemically resistant pinch valves to the centralised valve island and precision pressure regulators, was selected and integrated with durability, reliability, and safety in mind. The resulting cleaning system provides significant benefits to the food processing operator. On- site disinfectant production reduces dependency on external chemical supplies and ensures freshly prepared disinfectant is always available. The pneumatic pinch valves protect mechanical components from exposure to aggressive chemicals, minimising wear and

maintenance requirements. Centralised control simplifies operation and monitoring, allowing staff to manage the cleaning process with confidence and precision. This project exemplifies

how the integration of specialised valve technologies and pneumatic control can address complex challenges in food

When it comes to food processing, maintaining the highest hygiene standards is essential to ensure both product safety and reliable production outcomes. Contamination risks in this industry can have serious consequences, making cleaning processes a critical aspect of operational management.

processing. By focusing on chemical resistance, operational precision, and safety, it is possible to design a cleaning system capable of sustaining rigorous hygiene standards without compromising reliability. Such systems play a critical role in maintaining compliance, protecting consumers, and ensuring production lines operate efficiently and safely, shift after shift.

T hese processes must not only be thorough but also consistent, efficient, and capable of handling the aggressive disinfectants commonly used in modern facilities. Developing systems that meet these demands requires careful engineering to balance safety, durability, and precise control. Recently, for IMI’s Industrial Automation sector collaborated with Membracon, an original equipment manufacturer, it was asked to design and implement a bespoke machine cleaning system for a food processing customer. The primary goal was to create a reliable on-site disinfectant production capability, enabling equipment to be cleaned efficiently after each production shift. This project demonstrated the importance of

integrating advanced valve technologies, pneumatic control, and precise pressure regulation to achieve a robust and effective solution. The challenge presented by the customer was twofold. Firstly, the system needed to generate sufficient volumes of disinfectant on-site. The disinfectant is composed of four highly reactive chemical ingredients, each stored in separate barrels, which must be accurately mixed into a single-use batch. Secondly, the chemical properties of these ingredients are highly aggressive, necessitating equipment that could withstand corrosive media without compromising operational safety or performance. Conventional valves and control systems are often unable to tolerate such chemicals, leading to rapid wear or potential failure.

To address this, Membracon developed a dedicated mixing machine that utilised IMI PBM pinch valve technology to manage the flow of the chemical components. Pinch valves are ideal for this application because the process media never comes into direct contact with the valve body. Instead, a flexible tube carries the media, and the valve operates by pneumatically pinching the tube to control flow. This design provides high chemical resistance, consistent performance, and reduced wear, making it particularly suitable for handling aggressive disinfectants safely and reliably. In addition to the pinch valves, precise and centralised control of multiple valve operations was required to maintain accurate dosing and mixing. An IMI Norgren

Written by Lourens Derksen, Sales Manager for IMI’s Industrial Automation sector

Author biography: Lourens Derksen is a Sales Manager for IMI’s industrial automation sector. Responsible for the BENELUX region, Lourens leads the team across various industries, including general industry and food & beverage. With more than two decades of engineering expertise, Lourens is passionate about solving customer challenges, improving processes, and ensuring their success through innovative solutions and dedicated support.