Flexible Impeller Pump on Mobile Trolley for Milk Transfer

Requirement for a Versatile, Easy to Clean, Hygienic Mobile Transfer Pump for a Dairy Farm

A dairy contacted North Ridge Pumps requiring a mobile pump to transfer milk from vessels to nearby smaller containers, they were hoping for a flow rate around 40L/min at 6 metres head. The farmer was very specific in that he wanted the ability to clean the pump easily, vary the output, and to use the pump for different products, such as yoghurt in the future.

Milk is shear sensitive and requires a gentle pumping action to ensure the product is not damaged. We have had a lot of experience with milk transfer applications and know that a flexible impeller pump is the ideal solution. Our pumps are food grade and FDA approved, available with food grade connections and customisable to include; mobile trolleys, control panels and motor variators. 

Specifying our Hygienic Variable Speed Flexible Vane Pump

We specified one of our trolley mounted VA Flexible Impeller Pumps complete with on/off control panel, enabling the pump to move easily between processes and tanks. This model comes complete with a mechanical varitor for controlling the motor speed and therefore the flow rate produced by the pump. This is a variable speed flexible vane pump, meaning it can handle varying viscosities with little effect on flow rate, making it perfect for other thicker fluids such as yoghurt. The pump was fitted with tri-clamp connections and an EPDM food grade impeller to ensure hygiene.

The customer specified the need to be able to clean the pump easily. We recommended performing CIP after each use, this involves flushing the pump through with hot water and a dilute chemical to ensure all the milk is removed from the pump head. We ensured the mechanical seal and impeller material were correctly selected for compatability with the high temperature water and chemical. 

Below is the specification of the supplied pump: