 |
Unique Series– Fit to any process
Extensive worldwide research in the marketplace has shown that no single valve has been able to fulfill all process requirements, until now.
The Unique mixproof valve is designed with user flexibility in mind. These valves can be tailored exactly to the features you need for your specific application – so you’re not paying for features you don’t need. And, if you do need extra functionality in the future, they can be added to your existing valve.
Due to the modular nature of the Unique mixproof valve, there are many options available when specifying a valve. Some are balanced and unbalanced plugs, seat lift, CIP for the plugs, leakage chambers and any combination in between! In fact, it’s possible to change the configuration from an unbalanced to a balanced plug with external CIP just by changing three parts of the valve. All other components remain the same.
One of the major benefits of customizing the Unique mixproof valve to your application is that you only get the features you need. That way, you only experience wear on the parts used and aren’t spending time maintaining functions not actually used. Even further, there is no risk of problems occurring on the features/functions outside your needs.
This approach also means economy on all sides: economy when purchasing, economy when using and economy if upgrades are needed. When purchasing the correct valve for the process, options can be specified from a very long list of configurations.
This means that you only pay for the features you want, saving you money! When upgrading, like adding a CIP function, the same valve body is used and only the upgraded parts need to be added. And since the Unique valve family uses the same spare parts, stocking spares is easy.
Here are some of the features you can choose from, and combine in any way you want:
• Upper plug balanced or unbalanced
• Upper plug with or without external CIP connections
• Lower plug balanced or unbalanced
• Lower plug with or without external CIP connections
• Seat lift integrated in the actuator
• External CIP of leakage chamber |
| The new Unique mixproof valve featuring the Alfa Laval modular concept. |
Unique Series – SpiralClean system
The innovative SpiralClean system offers many benefits and economies. It cleans more efficiently, uses less cleaning fluid and can be fitted to both the upper and lower plugs, as well as the leakage chamber or any combination of them.
All external CIP systems for the Unique mixproof valve include the SpiralClean design as standard.
The SpiralClean system is a great example of how small details in the design characteristics can have a major impact on the result. By controlling the CIP flow patterns, the cleaning effects of the fluid are increased considerably and thereby require a much shorter cleaning cycle.
The SpiralClean system ensures that a directional flow of CIP fluid reaches all the surfaces in much less time than with conventional systems. The direction of attack is designed to enhance the cleaning action, meaning less fluid has to be used to achieve the same level of cleanliness.
The SpiralClean system exploits both gravity and centrifugal forces in the cleaning process.
Also, the SpiralClean feature is a part of the modular concept and can be specified at purchase or added to an existing Unique valve. Innovative design means that simple changes to the internal parts can upgrade a Unique valve to include CIP for the upper plug, lower plug or leakage chamber.
Another benefit from the SpiralClean system is that it allows the Unique mixproof valve to run under aseptic-like conditions. If you apply steam to the CIP pipes, this will form a steam barrier to the atmosphere.
|
 |
| Components of the new modular concept add versatility and efficiency to our mixproof valves. |
 |
Unique Series– Features you can rely on
Reliable
The Unique valves have several features that add up to an extremely reliable valve. The valve is designed so that only the parts in use are exposed to wear, optimizing the service intervals.
When the valve opens, the radial gasket slides inside the upper plug. In this way, the radial gasket is always protected in use and easily cleaned using the seat lift option. When the valve is closing, the upper plug moves into its axial seat. Then, the lower plug with the radial seal moves into position. Through this defined movement, the friction on the radial seal is kept to a minimum, thus prolonging its life. The leakage chamber is designed with a restriction on the CIP inlet flow, which prevents any form of pressure build-up in the chamber.
|
 |
| Open Valve - The radial seal is fully protected in the open position. |
Simple and cost-effective maintenance
There is no need for mechanical adjustment of the Unique mixproof valve plugs, saving time during installation and maintenance. Simple assembly of this valve is the key to easy and effective maintenance. The Unique mixproof valve consists of a limited number of different parts and a minimum number of seals, adding up to extremely simple handling of the valve during service and maintenance. |
| 1. No mechanical adjustment of valve plug |
7. Upper-balanced plug (optional) |
| 2. ThinkTop ready |
8. Rigid 4mm 316L Stainless Steel valve body |
| 3. Maintenance-free and repairable actuator |
9. “Pulled-out” ports |
| 4. External CIP available (optional) for leakage chamber, upper and lower plugs, in any combination |
10. Lower-balanced plug (optional) |
| 5. Double lip seal-pressure and vacuum means no contamination |
11. Lower plug External CIP (optional) |
| 6. Welded body – minimum number of seals, optimum hygienic conditions (clamped body optional) |
|
| |
Standard configurations
When configuring a valve, the key issue in most cases is the actual application. It is vital that the valve is able to perform under the anticipated conditions and that it can be properly cleaned during the normal cleaning procedures. To assist you in the selection, we have included some standard configurations of this Unique mixproof valve.
• Unique Basic
• Unique SeatClean
• Unique HighClean
• Unique UltraClean
• Unique PMO
You can either choose one of these standard configurations or include specific features to ensure that the valve matches your process needs. And, all the Unique mixproof valves are authorized to carry the 3A symbol. |
 |
| Unique Basic – for low cost and CIP solutions This configuration of the Unique Basic mixproof valve uses the basic components, providing safety and leakage detection. The typical applications could be water inlet for water push of product or CIP supply and return lines. This basic valve is not suitable in applications with risk of pressure shocks or sticky products. |
Unique SeatClean – for standard solutions
• Actuator with seat lift integrated • Balanced lower plug This is the standard configuration of the Unique SeatClean mixproof valve, designed to meet the typical demands of a process valve in the food and beverage industries. The plugs and seats are cleaned by means of a seat lift during normal cleaning procedures. This valve also includes a balanced lower plug that eliminates the risk of mixing products by pressure shock or when the pressure in the pipe is high. |
 |
Unique PMO – for compliance with Pasteurized Milk
Ordinance drainage requirements
• Actuator with seat lift integrated The Unique PMO valve meets the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) criteria for dairy operations. It provides separation of milk products and cleaning solutions, eliminating the need for manual pipe swing connections. |
Unique HighClean – for high hygienic solutions
• Balanced lower and upper plugs
• SpiralClean of leakage chamber, upper and lower plugs When you are dealing with sticky products or products with high contents of solids, the Unique HighClean mixproof valves are sure to meet your processing needs. The HighClean uses our patent pending SpiralClean system to meet the high hygienic standards of the sanitary flow industry. With balanced plugs, the Unique HighClean protects against high pressure and water hammer effect. |
 |
Unique UltraClean – the highest hygienic solution
• Actuator with seat lift integrated
• Balanced lower and upper plugs • SpiralClean of leakage chamber, upper and lower plugs To meet the highest demands for hygienic processing, look to the Unique UltraClean from Alfa Laval. During the cleaning process, the plugs are lifted independently to ensure the plugs and seats are cleaned together with their corresponding pipe. At the same time, the leakage chamber and balanced plugs are cleaned with our patent pending SpiralClean system. This configuration also protects against high pressure and water hammer effect, has few product wetted seals and allows no product spillage during operation. |
|
|
