Introduction
In modern food processing plants, the efficient movement of liquids and semi-solids is
crucial for automation, hygiene, and productivity. Pipelines and pumps form the backbone
of fluid transport systems, allowing for the continuous flow of materials such as milk,
juice, sauces, oils, and slurries.
Food products must be handled carefully to avoid:
Contamination
Degradation of quality
Mechanical damage (especially to particulate or shear-sensitive products)
2. Pipelines in Food Processing
2.1 Materials of Construction
Stainless Steel (SS 304/316):
Most common material in food plants.
SS316 is preferred where corrosion resistance is critical (e.g., for salty,
acidic, or chlorinated foods).
Easy to clean and sterilize.
Plastics (HDPE, PVC, PP):
Used for non-critical or utility pipelines (e.g., water, air).
Low cost but may not withstand high temperatures or aggressive cleaning
agents.
Glass-lined or enamel-coated steel:
o For chemically aggressive products (e.g., fruit acids).
Key Requirement: All materials must be food-grade and non-reactive.
2.2 Design Considerations
Internal Surface Finish:
o Smooth finish (Ra ≤ 0.8 µm) minimizes microbial adhesion.
Diameter Selection:
o Based on flow rate (Q), fluid viscosity (μ), and velocity.
o Typical velocities:
Water/milk: 1.5–3.0 m/s
Viscous fluids: 0.3–1.0 m/s
Layout:
o Minimize bends, dead legs, and elevation changes.
o Use sanitary fittings: tri-clover, SMS, DIN, etc.
Slope:
o Gravity drainage typically requires a slope of ~1–2%.
Insulation:
o Prevents heat loss/gain; common for hot fluids and chilled products.
o
2.3 Types of Pipelines
1. Product Pipelines:
o Carry food products.
o Sanitary-grade, corrosion-resistant.
2. Utility Pipelines:
o Carry steam, water, air, refrigerant.
o Different material standards.
3. CIP Pipelines:
o Integrated into cleaning systems (Clean-in-Place).
o Often dedicated to cleaning solutions.
3. Pumps in Food Processing
Pumps move fluids through pipelines and process equipment. The selection of a pump
depends on:
Type of fluid (viscosity, temperature, solids content)
Desired flow rate and pressure
Sensitivity of the product (e.g., foaming, shear)
3.1 Types of Pumps and Applications
Type Mechanism Used For
Centrifugal Rotating impeller creates velocity Thin liquids (milk, water, juice)
Positive Traps and pushes fixed fluid
Viscous fluids (yogurt, syrup)
Displacement volume
Lobe Pump Intermeshing rotors Chunky sauces, fruit pieces
Type Mechanism Used For
Sterile fluids, pharma
Peristaltic Pump Tube compressed by rollers
ingredients
Gear Pump Fluid trapped between gears Oil, chocolate, molasses
Flexible diaphragm creates Metering acids, flavor
Diaphragm Pump
suction concentrates
Piston Pump Reciprocating piston Dough, viscous batters
Note: Positive displacement pumps are suitable where consistent flow is needed
regardless of pressure.
Pumps are selected in the light of process requirements (volumetric capacity and its
controllability, inlet and discharge pressure), process conditions (viscosity, temperature,
corrosiveness and erosiveness of the fluid to be pumped), power requirement, cost and
additional conditions dictated by the specific usage.
For pumping food materials, compliance with sanitary requirements (ease of cleaning in-
place, no stagnant regions, building materials suitable for contact with food, no risk of
contamination with lubricants, no leakage through seals etc.) is essential.
Generally, centrifugal pumps are used for high volume, low head applications with liquids
of relatively low viscosity.
Positive displacement pumps, on the contrary, are more frequently used in high pressure,
low-capacity applications and can handle highly viscous liquids. As a rule, centrifugal
pumps are simpler and less expensive.
Excessive agitation, high viscosities, impact and shear may not be acceptable in the case
of fluids with a ‘ structure ’ , materials prone to foaming and, of course, liquids carrying
fragile solid particles. Special pumps are available for such applications.
When high discharge pressure is required, the best choice is a reciprocating piston pump.
This is the type of pump used, for example, in high pressure homogenizers for forcing
fluids through the homogenizing head at pressures of 10 to 70 MPas.
Variable (controllable) flow rate is often a process requirement. With centrifugal pumps,
this is easily achieved by installing a valve, preferably after the discharge.
Centrifugal pumps usually operate at constant speed, which is usually the speed of the
motor directly coupled with the pump. Positive displacement pumps run at lower.
4. Pump Selection Criteria
4.1 Product Characteristics
Viscosity: Thick fluids need PD (positive displacement) pumps.
Particulates: Large solids require lobe or progressive cavity pumps.
Shear Sensitivity: Emulsions, foaming products need gentle handling.
4.2 Operational Requirements
Flow Rate (Q): Depends on plant throughput.
Head (H): Total lift or pressure required.
Cleanability: Must support CIP or SIP (sterilize-in-place).
Energy Efficiency: Avoid oversizing pumps.
Material Compatibility: Must resist food acids, salts, and cleaning agents.
