Pipe Replacement

[Brad93]

To avoid clogging up @Maker's thread.

I've been asked to make a replacement pipe for a pump that lifts icing up into a weir.

I believe the current pipework is plastic, they want stainless steel. Must be fairly easy to dismantle, so I was thinking of using camlocks, however are there concerns over their level of hygiene?

Pipework is dismantled and the pump after every shift for cleaning.

Perhaps we should use RJT fittings. This would be easier in some sense as these can be readily welded.

Ideas? Best part is they need it by next week.

 

[Maker]

Is it just that 12 inch piece and an elbow?

If so, you wouldn't be able to assemble it if you used camlocks, it would have to be something with little or no insertion depth (like most sanitary fittings).

 

[Bornfree]

We always used RJT fittings in food production. Very easy to disassemble and reassemble and you can get stainless wrenches to fit the nuts.

 

[minimutly]

Alpha laval will have all the stainless fittings you need. Purge and tig weld, the less dismountable joints the better. I've seen some right dogs dinners of joints screwed together - the German firm that built all the new kit where I worked were masters at making up valve blocks, pipes all lined up etc. Very neat and tidy.

 

[Brad93]

Is it just that 12 inch piece and an elbow?

If so, you wouldn't be able to assemble it if you used camlocks, it would have to be something with little or no insertion depth (like most sanitary fittings).

Good point

 

[James1979]

RJT would be my choice. Designed to be removed and replaced by ‘operatives’ rather than maintenance fitters

 

[Hitch]

Rjt have a fair bit of give in them, but not the most hygenic.


A lot of the highcare/hygenic side we do is SMS or Triferrule these days. Some DIN too.
Some of that will be driven by the site requirements, and what their favoured fittings are, Some from what machinery it's going on.
.

 

[Ruffian]

I'm trying to see how your going to attach to whatever.
Or are you just going to make a stub to go into what I am guessing is a press fit seal?

Rjt or din would be my go too also but there is other options.

Could just make a link pipe in hygienic spiralax for ease.

 

[Brad93]

To be honest its just a bakery, it pumps icing up into a weir.

As you can see what they currently have is plastic pipe. I don't know whether this is original, but i dont think any plastic push fit connections meet any hygiene standards!

As said its dismantled at the end of every shift for cleaning.

There is two machines, so while one is being cleaned the other is in production and vice-versa.

The round part at the bottom of the pipe, is a vane pump. That has a threaded union, but I'm not sure what size yet.

 

[Munkul]

We started using these on a trial process rig, we like them a lot, I'd reccomend these over any other hygenic fitting because all the faces are open for easy cleaning and gasket changes.

Hygienic Clamp Unions | DPL UK

The Hygienic Clamp Union offers simple, rapid disconnection with the use of tools. In sizes ranging from ½” to 12” the CIP (clean in place) compatible.

www.dpluk.co.uk

Some of these, and a smoothbore teflon lined hose, would be the "ideal" spec IMO

 

[James1979]

We started using these on a trial process rig, we like them a lot, I'd reccomend these over any other hygenic fitting because all the faces are open for easy cleaning and gasket changes.

Hygienic Clamp Unions | DPL UK

The Hygienic Clamp Union offers simple, rapid disconnection with the use of tools. In sizes ranging from ½” to 12” the CIP (clean in place) compatible.

www.dpluk.co.uk

Some of these, and a smoothbore teflon lined hose, would be the "ideal" spec IMO

I like them. Wonder if they’d work for the vinegar kit I get roped into from time to time.

 

[Brad93]

Can't use a hose. The weir needs the support of the pipework.

 

[Munkul]

Can't use a hose. The weir needs the support of the pipework.

ah, perfect. Use those clamp fittings on S/S pipe, the pipe will slide straight out from the flanges after a little bit of resistance from the gaskets

 

[Munkul]

Sorry these are the exact ones I bought

Tri-Clamp Unions | PAR Group

Often used in the brewery, pharmaceutical and food industries, Tri-clamp unions provide a smooth, non-contaminating internal pipework joint.

www.par-group.co.uk

 

[Hitch]

Heres a triferrule/triclamp Union. As you can see, the inside ends up pretty smooth.
Easily removed too. Gaskets can be a pain to seat if it's a really tight fit.

 

[Brad93]

Pipework wise it won’t be a tight fit there will be plenty of wiggle it’s just the weir gets pretty full of product and the pipe helps support that weight.

Here is the union on the pump.

So if I go with the ferrule/triclamp connections which I do like, what’s gonna be the best way of connecting to this thread? Pump is aluminium so sadly I can’t just Machine it off and weld an ferrule fitting on.

 

[Hitch]

I guess that's bsp?

Weld a socket to a ferrule... concentric reducer if needs be to get the sizes together, or just flare the fittings to suit if they're close.

You can buy in ferrules made up with bsp fittings I believe too.

 

[Maker]

Does the thread being there affect its hygienic-ness? It's just one big crevice for bacteria to gather.

 

[Brad93]

Well I’ve put in a request for a quote from berkley stainless fittings.

See what they come back with.

 

[winchman]

The Union looks like dairy pipe to me, personally I would use Triclovers if it was me, far more hygienic but as with all food grade type stuff choose the supplier wisely as lots of poor grade gaskets about usually cheap with no paperwork and traceability.
This place is fantastic

Pure Transfer | Gaskets, Hoses & High Purity Products

At Pure Transfer, our primary goal is to deliver High Purity Fluid Transfer solutions, coupled with exceptional customer service.

www.puretransfer.com