16.1 Introduction
Sanitary valves are ubiquitous throughout processing systems. Without them,
modern processing systems would be cumbersome and inefficient. Valves
provide operators with the ability to stop, direct, meter, and control the flow of
products and ingredients throughout the process. Because of their widespread
use, valve design and sanitation can impact on every particle of product passing
through the process system.
16.2 Valvetypes
Valves come in multiple configurations. They are well developed to operate in
systems that process fluids, semi-fluids, fluids with particulates, viscous
products, and dry products. Some valve designs operate well in more than one
of these different environments.
16.2.1 Valves commonly used in fluid product processing systems
The following are descriptions of valves commonly used in processing systems
for fluid products, including viscous products and products with semi-solid or
solid particulates within the product stream.
∑ Plug valve(Fig. 16.1): a simple design consisting of a tapered plug inserted
into a tapered body. The valve can be configured as a shut-off valve or with
one or more ports to direct flow to different product streams. The valves are
most commonly manually operated but can be affixed with a power actuator.
16 Improvingthe hygienicdesign of valves
F. T. Schonrock, 3-A Sanitary Standards Inc., USA