Cleanliness and hygiene are among the highest concerns in food processing. Pinch Valves from AKO are available with FDA approved food quality inner rubber linings including Natural Rubber, EPDM or Nitrile. Multiple types of stainless steel end connections are also available, including Tri-clamps, threadeded BSP ends, RJT threaded spigot ends, weld-on ends, and flange connections. Together, both of these food grade materials for the internal rubber sleeve and the end connections make the full bore passage throughout the pinch valve safe for food and beverage media to flow through.
EHEDG Certification can be provided for special configurated hygienic pinch valves if required. This type of certified valve is very easy to clean in place (CIP) and is also piggable. With it’s extremely low maintenance and simple function, AKO pinch valves are the ideal solution for conveying, throttling, dosing and pulsing food and beverage substances in all forms such as liquids, pastes, powders, syrups, granules, through to whole foods such as vegetables and nuts.
The Importance of the Pinch Valve in the Food Industry
The list of foodstuffs that AKO pinch valves are suitable for handling is endless. If you look in your food cupboards at home it is more than likely that every product has been processed using a valve of some sort – the function of the pinch valve plays an important part in food production – it speeds up the packaging and dosing process and saves time with it’s lightening fast opening/closing times and extremely simple design. Even some of the most abrasive media like sugar, and oil based food substances can be suspended and shutoff with ease using a reliable AKO pinch valve. The filling technology can also be handled with AKO pinch valves to fill barrels, cannisters, bottles and cans.
Examples of Foods & Beverages Processed using Pinch Valves
- Sugar
- Salt
- Flour
- Fats
- Starches
- Spices, Seasonings, Sauces
- Rice
- Grain, Nuts & Seeds
- Cake mix & Baking ingredients
- Fruits & Vegetables
- Syrups
- Stabilisers & Emulsifiers
- Confectionary
- Batter & Coating mixes
- Gelatin
- Rapeseed
- Oils
- Cereal
- Oats
- Coffee
- Yoghurt
- Cheeses in processed & soft forms
- Ice creams
- Mouses, aerated desserts
- Margarine & other spreads
- Meat
- Crisps
- Pet Food Gravies & Gels
- Cows Milk, Condensed Milk, Baby Formula, etc.
- Wine
- Ale, Beer
- Fizzy drinks
- Chocolate
- Soft drinks, Juices, Smoothies
- Liquors
- Drinking water
- Baby food
