Abstract: A self-cleaning return pump system for use with a clean-in-place system for cleaning vessels includes a recirculation loop for providing flow communication including a return pump, an eductor, and a separator. The return pump is arranged to discharge a liquid through the eductor into the separator and is supplied with a substantially continuous flow of liquid from the separator. A return line provides flow communication between the vessel to be cleaned and a suction port of the eductor. The separator has a top discharge port and a bottom discharge port. The top discharge port is configured to discharge a liquid or a liquid-air mixture therefrom to the clean-in-place system. The return pump causes liquid flowing through the recirculation loop at the eductor to have sufficient dynamic head to draw liquid or a mixture of liquid and air from the vessel through the return line, into the eductor. The liquid or liquid air mixture is discharged into the separator.

Abstract: A readily cleaned liquid transfer system is designed for use with an associated vessel or container, such as a barrel, having therein a liquid to be removed. The system comprises a recirculation loop, a transfer manifold, and a transfer hose for providing flow communication between the transfer manifold and the recirculation loop. The transfer manifold has an inlet port which is located at about the bottom of the barrel, and an outlet port. The recirculation loop which has water flowing therethrough which is used as a diluent, also includes an eductor pump. The eductor pump hydrodynamically drives or draws the liquid in the barrel, through the transfer manifold and the transfer hose, into the recirculation loop. The recirculation loop discharges a blended product to a product tank.

Abstract: A single motive pump, clean-in-place system is disclosed for use with an associated piping system and with a vessel to be cleaned of contaminating material. The system comprises a recirculation loop, a return line from the vessel to the recirculation loop, and a feed line from the recirculation loop to the vessel. During a wash recirculation cycle, the system uses a single motive pump to provide recirculation flow, feed flow, and, via an eductor pump, return suction from the vessel. An alternate embodiment of the clean-in-place system uses a water storage tank when adequate water flow rate or supply pressure are unavailable.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed in a rotary, lobar, positive-displacement pump and in a rotary, centrifugal pump, whereby all product-contacting areas of the pumps can be effectively cleaned without disassembly, i.e., cleaned in place. Non-rotating seals seal the impellers and isolate the pump shafts from the product zone. Each seal has an elastomeric member molded integrally thereto. The seal is biased by the elastomeric member so as to be slidably pressed against an impeller. In the lobar pump, certain passageways can be selectively closed and opened, so as to adapt the pump for being used to pump a pumpable material when closed and for being cleaned by a cleaning solution flowing therethrough when opened. Valves may be alternatively provided for analogous purposes.

Abstract: In a flow controller, a housing structure connectable in a process line is adapted to receive a process fluid from an upstream pump and to discharge the process fluid to a downstream device. A flow restrictor mounted in the housing structure is movable between an operative position wherein the flow restrictor coacts with the housing structure to define a restricted orifice and an inoperative position. A piston movable within a hydraulic cylinder is connected, via a shaft, to the flow restrictor. A valve controlled by a timer admits a hydraulic fluid, preferably water, into the hydraulic cylinder to move the piston, so as to move the flow restrictor to the operative position and hold it, and permits the hydraulic fluid to drain after a timed interval sufficient to permit the process fluid to fill the process line between the flow controller and the downstream device.

Abstract: A pulsation dampener useful to dampen pressure pulsations in milk flowing between a reciprocating-piston pump and a homogenizer. A rigid tube having a perforated portion is surrounded by an elastomeric sleeve. A rigid sleeve surrounds the elastomeric sleeve. Mounting ferrules are welded to opposite ends of the rigid sleeve. Annular beads at opposite ends of the elastomeric sleeve fit into annular grooves in the mounting ferrules. When matching ferrules are clamped tightly to the mounting ferrules, parts of the elastomeric sleeve are displaced, so as to form seals around the rigid tube. The rigid tube, the mounting ferrules and the elastomeric sleeve respectively are configured so as to permit the rigid tube to be axially withdrawn from or inserted into the elastomeric sleeve, without substantial interference, when the matching ferrules are removed.

Abstract: A clean in place diaphragm valve is disclosed including a valve body portion having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet in fluid communication with a valve chamber, the valve body portion including a dished interior, valve chamber surface in which the fluid outlet is disposed; an annular wall member surrounding the fluid inlet within the valve chamber, having a first diaphragm seating surface adapted to maintain the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet in fluid separation when a diaphragm is sealed against the first diaphragm seating surface to close the valve; a second diaphragm seating surface on the valve body portion surrounding the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; a flexible diaphragm disposed over the valve chamber to define the valve chamber between an inner surface of the diaphragm and an interior surface of the valve body portion; a bonnet disposed to compress the diaphragm against the second diaphragm seating surface; a clamp for maintaining the diaphragm in sealing engagement against the second diaphragm

Abstract: A simple but effective valve assembly is disclosed wherein a valve stem retaining spring clip is mounted within a valve stem removal aperture in the valve handle to prevent inadvertent disassembly of the valve handle from the valve stem. The valve assembly of the present invention includes a valve body having a fluid entrance and a fluid exit; a valve plug longitudinally movable within the valve body and disposed, in a valve closed position, against a valve seat to prevent fluid from entering said valve body; a valve stem disposed longitudinally through the valve body connecting the valve plug to a valve handle assembly; a valve body neck portion for securing the valve handle assembly to the valve body and a valve handle assembly including a valve stem retaining notch and an adjoining valve stem receiving aperture larger than the diameter of a handle connecting portion of the valve stem.