High-flow hygienic centrifugal pump on a baseplate (bare-shaft pump with bearing support and flexible coupling, to 1,000 m³/h)

01

Flow to 1,000 m³/h, 90 m head and 10 bar: the high-capacity hygienic envelope

INOXPA describes its DIN-FOOD as a hygienic high-capacity centrifugal pump, up to 1,000 m³/h, for brewing, dairy and beverage processes and ultrafiltration, with uses in textiles and some chemical, cosmetic and pharmaceutical processes. Alfa Laval's LKH range, for comparison, covers 13 sizes with flows up to 500 m³/h and differential pressures up to 11 bar at 50 Hz. [1] [3]

Editorial calculation: hydraulic power is density × g × flow × head. Water at 500 m³/h (0.139 m³/s) against 40 m needs 1,000 × 9.81 × 0.139 × 40 ≈ 54.5 kW delivered to the liquid, before pump and motor efficiency are added.

Alfa Laval states that the LKH's semi-open multi-vane impeller gives a low NPSH requirement and that balancing holes improve circulation around the shaft seal and reduce axial forces. [3] INOXPA's DIN-FOOD uses a double-curvature impeller with blades on its rear side to reduce axial thrust. [1] At high flow the suction side decides the selection: INOXPA's start-up checks include confirming that inlet pressure is high enough above vapour pressure (NPSHr) to avoid cavitation, and state that a shut-off valve on the suction pipe must not be used to regulate flow. [2]

Give the supplier the flow and head at the duty point, the liquid, its temperature and viscosity, the suction conditions (tank level, line length, NPSH available), and the CIP and SIP regime.

02

Bare shaft on a bearing support: oil-bath bearings, coupling alignment and the baseplate

In the DIN-FOOD the lantern and bearing support are CF8 or GG-22 castings, the motor is an IEC B3 foot-mounted type, the impeller position is axially adjustable on the bare-shaft version, and a stainless steel baseplate is an option; a close-coupled construction is offered only for the 250 models. [1] Dultmeier, a pump distributor, explains why the long-coupled layout is chosen: the bearing pedestal between the seal cavity and the motor protects the motor bearings from seal leaks, and standard motors are easy to source in larger sizes, but the coupling must be aligned carefully at assembly and again after installation. [4]

INOXPA aligns pump and motor at the factory but asks for the alignment to be checked after installation, with a straight edge laid across both coupling halves, repeated on both sides, and an outside calliper at two diametrically opposed points; the table above gives selected rows of its limits. Pipes are to be supported close to the pump inlet and outlet so that they put no strain on the pump. [2]

The bearings run in an oil bath filled with NSF H1 registered PAO oil (Total Nevastane SH-68 is the example given). INOXPA asks for the oil level to be checked regularly, for example weekly or every 150 hours, the first oil change after 150 hours, and then every 2,500 hours or at least once a year. [2]

Ask for the bearing support material, the coupling type and size, the alignment record from the factory, the baseplate material and levelling feet, and the oil type and volume.

03

Hygienic details at this size: 316L, Ra ≤ 0.8 µm, DIN 11864-2 flanges and steam-in-place limits

The DIN-FOOD's wetted parts are 1.4404 (AISI 316L) with an inside finish of Ra ≤ 0.8 µm and a matt outside; the volute casing is formed from 8 mm cold-formed plate; connections are aseptic flanges to DIN 11864-2; the pump is fully drainable and designed according to EHEDG guidelines. The standard seal is a hygienic SiC/carbon/EPDM mechanical seal, with SiC/SiC for abrasive products, tandem or pressurised double seals, FPM gaskets and an ATEX version as options. [1]

For steam or superheated-water sterilisation, the manual sets 140 °C for at most 30 minutes, cooling with sterilised air or inert gas, and EPDM or PTFE elastomers, with FPM and NBR not recommended. The pump must not run during steam sterilisation; because it causes a large pressure loss, a bypass with a discharge valve is recommended so steam reaches the whole circuit; and cold liquid must not enter until the pump is below 60 °C. The pump must never run dry. [2]

Alfa Laval offers the LKH in executions for evaporation, high pressure, self-priming and high-purity duties, with options of shaft seal types, elastomers, casing drain, heating jacket and surface finishes. [3]

State the CIP and SIP temperatures and times, the elastomer and seal arrangement, the flange standard, the surface finish required inside, and any ATEX zone.

04

Data for a high-flow hygienic centrifugal pump quotation

Paste it into your enquiry below or into an email to a maker, then replace every bracket.

Duty: [flow m³/h; head m or differential pressure bar; liquid; temperature; viscosity]
Suction: [NPSH available; tank and line layout]
Construction: [bare shaft with bearing support and baseplate, or close-coupled; motor frame and enclosure]
Hygiene: [wetted material; inside finish Ra; flange standard; EHEDG or 3-A]
Seal: [single, tandem or pressurised double; faces; elastomers]
Cleaning: [CIP temperature; SIP temperature and time]
Documents: [performance curve; alignment record; material certificates]

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