Foodec
Alfa Laval Foodec decanter centrifuges are ideal for industries where delicate food and beverage products are processed – and where easy cleaning is crucial. The Foodec decanter centrifuges for food processing are specially designed for use in food and beverage processing applications. In industrial food processing, hygiene standards are particularly important in order to comply with strict sanitary regulations.
Benefits of using Foodec decanter centrifuge for beverage and food processing
- Higher extraction yield, drier cake and clearer liquid
- Minimize separation costs while delivering a high quality end product
- Easy and fast cleaning with CIP thanks to AL cleaning technology and innovative control system software
- High operational flexibility to adapt to different processes or raw materials
- The drive system offers much lower power consumption than alternative technologies
Foodec decanters are ideal for use in food industry applications in which the material being processed has to be separated into a liquid and a solid phase.
Foodec units are available with two-phase gravity liquid discharge or with pressurized liquid discharge (paring disc). Foodec decanter centrifuges for food processing deliver a high extraction yield and a very low solids content in the liquid.
For uses where levels of cleanability has a higher demand, the special Foodec Hygiene Plus units are available, with additional features that make cleaning easier, faster and even more straightforward. Foodec decanter centrifuges feature a consistent focus on reliability, cleanability, continuous operation and easy maintenance. Ideal for industrial food and beverage processing.
How it works
How centrifugation in food processing works with Foodec
Separation takes place in a horizontal cylindrical bowl equipped with a screw conveyor. A stationary inlet tube introduces the product into the bowl, and a distributor gradually accelerates it. Centrifugal forces separate solids from the liquid. The solids are collected and compacted on the bowl wall.
A conveyor rotates inside the bowl at a slightly different speed. This transports the settled solids on the bowl wall towards the conical end. Foodec's design increases hydraulic pressure inside the drum to improve flow through a narrow opening. The compacted and dewatered solids leave the bowl via discharge openings at the smaller diameter of the conical end. Separation takes place in the entire length of the cylindrical part of the bowl, and the clarified liquid leaves through a paring disc (internal centripetal pump).
All wetted parts in Foodec decanter centrifuges are made with stainless steel. The control system is equipped with a graphic user interface and multiple communication options.
Optional features
Alfa Laval Foodec decanter centrifuges are available with other options based on your specific operating requirements.
- Energy-saving power tubes can reduce the overall energy footprint. for applications where low energy consumption is important,
- A paring disc configuration, featuring a pressurized outlet if oxidation or foaming are a concern.
- For higher levels of hygiene, the Foodec Hygiene Plus model contains all the most advanced features for outstanding drainability and cleanability on the inside as well as the outside of the centrifuge bowl, including smooth surfaces, to help maintain optimal hygiene. Foodec Hygiene Plus units are also available with additional TrueStainless and SaniRibs options:
TrueStainless™
Designed for long-lasting and unmatched hygiene.
TrueStainlessTM ensures solid stainless steel is used for the frame and other key parts that may be in contact with corrosive atmospheres, leading to optimal hygiene and longer equipment life.
SaniRibs®
The cleaner, more efficient way to transport solids.
Our unique seal welded ribs create optimal friction which offers better, more efficient solids transportation. This innovative technology also eliminates pathogen hot spots and allows for easy cleaning, meaning longer production runs, less manual maintenance, and improved profits.
Applications
Brewery
Alfa Laval has a proven track record for supplying advanced-technology industrial food processing machinery and equipment to meet brewing industry requirements - with prime focus on the separation processes involved.
Fruit juice
For all fruit juice producers, efficient juice extraction and maximum yield at minimum cost is crucial. You also have to observe stringent hygiene standards. Foodec decanter centrifuges have the versatility and hygiene focus to enable you to achieve all this.
Milk
Alfa Laval Foodec decanter centrifuges provide you with an efficient, profitable way of processing casein and lactose into attractive, high-value dairy products.
Soy protein
The unique design of the Alfa Laval Foodec decanter centrifuges features a series of built in advantages that provide you with substantial processing benefits. The most hygienic and efficient way to process soy protein isolate.
Plant-based beverages such as oat, almond and rice drinks
Foodec is ideal for plant-based drink production with focus on reliability, optimization of water and energy consumption and getting the most out of your raw material, from soy and oat to almonds, rice and beyond.
Tomato
Tomatoes are used in huge numbers of food products. This also means that there are many different types of tomato processing involved. Foodec decanter centrifuges are one of the few types of equipment with the versatility and hygiene focus to be able to handle this.
Wine
Foodec decanter for grape juice processing and winemaking. The high efficiency of decanter centrifuges for food processing makes it possible to replace traditional presses and clarification equipment in winemaking.
Services
Maintenance of Foodec decanters is key for ensuring optimum process performance and best possible hygienic conditions.
Depending on process conditions (running time, type of raw, process temperature, number of CIP cycles etc.), Alfa Laval recommends having:
- a decanter inspection at least every 4-6 months
- a major service at least every year.
Qualified Alfa Laval field service engineers can perform inspection and service either on site or in an Alfa Laval service center.
Maintaining bowl and conveyor in good condition is essential for hygienic process conditions and process performance. Bowl and/or conveyor repair is done at an Alfa Laval service center.
With connected services such as remote support and monitoring maintenance intervals can be extended. Maintenance, repairs, condition and remote monitoring can be bundled in a Service Agreement, tailor to your particular needs.
Alfa Laval also offers trainings for on-site maintenance staff.
Contact our dedicated service expert for a Service Agreement offer that is specially tailored to your needs.
