Pneumatic double-diaphragm pumps (AODD pumps) are an excellent solution for pumping and transferring a wide variety of fluids in different areas of application, e.g. in the food industry.
Thanks to their characteristics, these pumps represent an excellent solution also for the food and beverage market, guaranteeing use in line with the strict hygienic standards required by the sector. This aspect is fundamental for a sector in which safety and quality are the main elements to evaluate when planning the production process and minimising risks.
Designed to gently handle a wide variety of processes within the food and beverage market, pneumatic double diaphragm pumps can improve the production efficiency, reliability and safety of any industry application.
Hygiene is a major concern for food producers. However, like all operational sectors, food companies must remain profitable. In addition to cleanliness, companies also focus on minimising product waste and maximising energy efficiency.
Efficiency and safety of pneumatic pumps in the food industry
The hygiene factor is the main concern of food producers. However, like all operating sectors, food companies must remain profitable. In addition to cleanliness, companies also focus on minimising product waste and maximising energy efficiency.
Pumps used in the food industry must therefore be able to:
Examples:
The following are specific examples of common food products and the specific characteristics that the pumps must meet in each case:
Transfer of sauces and condiments
Tomato sauce, mayonnaise
Pump Characteristics: Pumps must be able to handle viscous substances without compromising product quality. The ability to clean and disinfect is crucial to avoid cross-contamination between different types of sauces.
Dosage of syrups and sweeteners
Corn syrup, liquid sugar.
Pump Characteristics: Pumps must have precise flow control capability and be resistant to the adhesion of sticky substances.
Handling of dairy products
Milk, liquid yoghurt.
Pump Characteristics: Hygiene is a priority when handling dairy products. Pumps must be manufactured from sanitary materials and meet strict cleanliness standards. The ability to operate at low pulsations is also beneficial to preserve product integrity.
Honey and maple syrup transfer
Honey, maple syrup.
Pump Characteristics: The ability to handle sticky liquids without clogging is essential. Pumps must be resistant to sticking and designed for easy cleaning after transfer of viscous products.
Processing of doughs and bakery ingredients
Bread dough, mixture of ingredients.
Pump Characteristics: The ability to transfer viscous products and products containing suspended solids, such as seeds or fruit pieces, is crucial. Pumps must be robust and easy to clean to meet hygiene standards.
Beverage and juice handling
Fruit juice, soft drinks.
Pump Characteristics: The preservation of taste and quality is essential. Pumps must be able to handle delicate liquids without altering their properties. Cleanability contributes to maintaining product purity.
Dosage of dyes and additives
Food colours, additives.
Pump Characteristics: Pumps must provide accurate flow control and be compatible with a wide range of ingredients, including colourants and additives.
Careful selection of pneumatic pumps in the food industry ensures not only efficiency in ingredient handling, but also compliance with food safety standards and preservation of the quality of end products.
Reliability in the food industry:
These pumps are considered among the most reliable pumps for the food industry for a number of reasons that are aligned with the specific requirements of this sector. These characteristics make them the preferred choice for ensuring the integrity and safety of food products:
Compliance with hygiene standards:
The pneumatic pumps are designed with sanitary materials, such as stainless steel or polymers certified for food use. This ensures compliance with strict hygiene standards, essential in the food industry to prevent contamination and guarantee product safety.
Ease of cleaning and disinfection:
The cleanability of pneumatic pumps is essential in food environments. These pumps are easy to disassemble and clean. The quick emptying system ensures easy removal of the fluid from the product chambers to allow all flushing and sanitising operations without the presence of internal impurities.
Handling viscous substances without compromising quality:
In food production, the handling of viscous liquids is common. Pneumatic pumps are able to handle these substances without compromising the quality of the final product, ensuring efficient and accurate transfer.
Compatibility with a wide range of ingredients:
The versatility of pneumatic pumps makes them suitable for a wide range of ingredients, from delicate liquids to viscous products and products with suspended solids. This provides flexibility in production and allows food industries to use a single pump for multiple applications.
Low pulsation operation:
In sensitive applications, such as dough handling in bakeries, the ability to operate at low pulsations is essential to preserve product quality. Pneumatic pumps minimise pulsations, preventing damage to delicate ingredients.
Adhesion resistance and easy maintenance:
Resistance to adhesion of sticky substances is a key feature. Pumps must be easy to disassemble and clean to ensure efficiency and maintain product quality. The simplicity of design of these pumps contributes to easy maintenance.
Intrinsic safety:
Pneumatic pumps are designed to operate safely, without risk of leakage or contamination. This is essential in the food industry, where product safety and process integrity are a priority.
Simple and economical maintenance:
The simplicity of the design of this type of pump and the absence of mechanical parts make it very easy to maintain, allowing it to have a long service life. These factors make them better value for money than other types of pumps, such as gear pumps.
Certifications and Food Safety
Finally, we cannot forget a decisive aspect related to pneumatic pumps in the food industry:
Compatibility with food safety standards and certifications:
Pneumatic pumps are designed and manufactured to meet stringent food safety standards. Having recognised certifications in the food industry ensures that the pumps meet the safety and quality requirements set by regulatory bodies.
In the context of the European Union and, more specifically, in Spain, the use of pneumatic pumps in the food industry is subject to specific regulations and standards. In the European Union, food regulations are governed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other specific regulations.
Regulations for pump safety in the food industry
In the food industry, pumps used in food handling and transfer processes must comply with various regulations to ensure food safety and product quality. In Europe and Spain, some of the key regulations are:
The bottom line: protecting health
These regulations ensure that pumps used in the food industry meet the highest standards in terms of safety, hygiene and quality, thus contributing to the protection of consumer health and food integrity. It is essential that pump manufacturers and users are aware of these regulations and adhere to them at all stages of the food chain.
In addition, it is important that companies operating in the food industry in Spain follow the national regulations established by bodies such as the Spanish Agency for Consumer Affairs, Food Safety and Nutrition (AECOSAN) and the Ministry of Health.
Pneumatic pumps for the food industry
The combination of hygienic characteristics, disassembly and cleanability, precise control, versatility, intrinsic safety and cost makes pneumatic pumps the most reliable choice for food industries where quality and safety are critical.
At ProDos we have a wide range of pneumatic pumps for the food sector. Visit our shop and find out which one suits your needs.
