APV, a subsidiary of Invensys, has launched the Rannie/Gaulin 185Q homogeniser - a high capacity solution primarily aimed at dairies.
This latest addition to the renowned APV range is a high capacity version, capable of functioning at rates up to 50,000 litres per hour and pressures of 650 bar. Defined by APV as a solution for food and dairy homogenisation applications the system provides a more advanced processing solution than the company's existing range represented by the Gaulin and Rannie 132 and 200.
APV sales and marketing manager Frank Poulsen said: "This new model means that we can supply our customers with a homogeniser that matches their specific capacity requirements very closely".
The new homogeniser is said to demonstrate exceptional operational efficiency. APV says that its advanced technology design combines low energy and water consumption with reliable operation, both of which are critical in today's competitive food and dairy markets. With capacities ranging from 10,000 - 50,000 litres per hour, manufacturers have the choice to select the version for their needs, saving energy that would be wasted by running a higher capacity model.
The APV 185Q is equipped with a Micro-Gap valve, which is capable of operating at reduced pressure whilst increasing homogenisation efficiency. APV says that, furthermore, a two-stage operation is an alternative for extra fine particle dispersion.
Special attention has also been given to ease of maintenance and performance monitoring to ensure that the homogeniser runs at optimum efficiency. In the event that homogenisation pressure, feed pressure, cooling water, oil pressure, oil level or temperature move from prescribed parameters, a visual message appears and an electric signal is passed to the control room to alert the operator. Frequently a small adjustment to return the oil pressure, level or temperature back to the correct setting will prevent any impact on the homogenisation pressure, which could otherwise cause an interruption to the production schedule, APV claims. This set of diagnostics, which provides unique operational advantages, is the company's latest step in the development of the "intelligent" homogeniser. Additionally, they allow key operating parameters to be collected and saved into a database for review in order to determine optimum performance.
The 185Q is equipped with a sound proof cabinet as standard, which reduces noise levels to less than 80 dbA. Other environmentally friendly features include a cooling system, which minimises the use of water by engaging automatically only when the oil temperature moves outside the critical range of 40 - 500C. It is also designed to eliminate the risk of water becoming mixed into the oil.
The sound proof cabinet has panels and doors which open to all sides for maintenance of the critical components. These are conveniently lit for ease of inspection from above and below. APV has received favourable comments from customers who have trialled the new 185Q, indicating that it is easier and quicker to service than its counterparts, due to its simple construction and unusually small number of wear parts.
The APV 185Q will be showcased on APV's stand at the WorldWide Food Expo in Chicago from October 29th to November 1st, Booth Number S7241. Customers who will not be visiting the exhibition but would like to know more about the 185Q should contact their local APV company or distributor.
For further information about this and other systems supplied by APV please contact Nell Burden.
The APV product portfolio includes a wide range of pumps, valves, heat exchangers and homogenisers designed for use in the food, dairy and brewing industries, as well as in chemical, healthcare and pharmaceutical processing. APV is part of the Invensys Group, a global leader in production technology. The group helps customers improve productivity, performance and profitability using services and technologies and an understanding of their industries and applications.