Alfa Laval LKB

Alfa Laval LKB

The Alfa Laval LKB is a hygienic butterfly valve engineered for reliable on-off flow control in stainless steel pipe systems handling low to medium-viscosity liquids. Its large disc opening area and low flow resistance suit dairy lines, beverage filling circuits, food processing CIP returns, and brewery transfer systems. This versatile valve is highly modular and cost-effective, offering easy configuration for either manual or pneumatic operation.

Two body configurations are available: the standard LKB with weld ends and the LKB-F with fittings. Both share the same architecture — two body halves in 304L or 316L stainless steel, a disc, bushings, and a seal ring — assembled with screws and nuts for maintenance access. Manual operation uses a spring-locking handle; pneumatic operation is covered by LKLA actuators in ø85 mm or ø133 mm sizes, with NC, NO, and A/A functions available. Connection standards span ISO, DIN, SMS, BS, and DS, ensuring a food grade butterfly valve fit for existing pipework without adaptation.

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The Alfa Laval LKB hygienic butterfly valve is built around a split-body design that keeps wetted surface area low and makes seal replacement straightforward without removing the valve from the line. Body halves, disc, and bushings are held together by screws and nuts — a configuration that eliminates hidden crevices and supports effective cleaning. The substantial opening area ensures the valve maintains low flow resistance in routing duties.

Stainless steel butterfly valve material and finish

Wetted steel parts are 1.4307 (304L) or 1.4404 (316L), with the disc offered in 1.4301 (304) or 1.4404 (316L). Non-wetted steel parts are 1.4301 (304). Internal surface finish is ≤ Ra 0.8 µm / ≤ Ra 32µin, meeting the hygienic surface requirements common to dairy and food processing. Reliable performance is further supported by dry seal rings that accommodate varied process conditions.

Temperature and pressure operating data

Seal selection covers Q, EPDM, FPM, HNBR, and PFA. EPDM is rated for fluid temperatures from -10 °C to +140 °C. For all seal types, the maximum temperature when operating the valve is 95 °C. The maximum inlet pressure for both LKB and LKB-F models is 1,000 kPa (10 bar). These specifications ensure process integrity across standard heating and cleaning cycles.

Actuator options and failure modes

Manual operation uses a spring-locking handle, which is standard on DN125 and DN150 sizes in two or four-position versions. For automated lines, the LKLA actuator is available in ø85 mm and ø133 mm sizes. These actuators support NC (normally closed), NO (normally open), and A/A (air/air) configurations. Each pneumatic actuator uses a shared bracket that is also compatible with ball valves, streamlining hardware requirements on multi-valve modules.

Position indication and control units

The LKB integrates with ThinkTop for automated control and indication. Where standalone indication is required, options include units with micro switches, inductive proximity switches, or Hall proximity switches. For hazardous environments, an explosion-proof indication unit with inductive proximity switches is available. Handles can also be specified for electrical position indication or with infinite intermediate positions for manual throttling, though infinite handles are not for DN125 and DN150.

Technical Details

  • Product wetted steel parts: 1.4307 (304L) or 1.4404 (316L)
  • Disc material: 1.4301 (304) or 1.4404 (316L)
  • Other steel parts: 1.4301 (304)
  • Inside surface finish: ≤ Ra 0.8 µm / ≤ Ra 32µin
  • Product wetted elastomers: Q, EPDM, FPM, HNBR, PFA
  • Max inlet pressure: 1,000 kPa / 145 psi (10 bar)
  • Temperature range: -10 °C to +140 °C (EPDM)
  • Max operating temperature: 95 °C (All seals)
  • Actuator sizes: ø85 mm, ø133 mm
  • Actuator functions: NC, NO, A/A
  • Connection standards: ISO, DIN, SMS, BS, DS

Options and Configurations

  • Male parts or clamp liners in accordance with required standard
  • ThinkTop for control and indication
  • Indication unit with micro switches
  • Indication unit with inductive proximity switches
  • Indication unit with Hall proximity switches
  • Explosion proof indication unit with inductive proximity switches
  • Bracket for actuator (also for ball valves)
  • Handle with two or four positions (standard on DN125 and DN150)
  • Handle for electrical position indication
  • Handle with infinite intermediate positions (not for DN125 and DN150)
  • Multipositioning handle and Lockable Multiposition Handle
  • Special cap for 90° turned handle position
  • Service tool for actuator
  • Service tool for fitting 25-38 mm (DN25 - DN40) valve discs
  • LKLA ø85 mm and ø133 mm actuators
  • Weld ends and male part/nut and liner connections
  • Sanitary butterfly valve seal options: Q, EPDM, FPM, HNBR, PFA
Tanks and stainless steel tubes and pumps in an industrial setting.

Industries

The Alfa Laval LKB hygienic butterfly valve provides reliable routing for dairy processing, food and beverage processing, and brewery applications. Its robust stainless steel design and low flow resistance make it ideal for liquid transfer in hygienic pipe systems. These valves are widely utilized across pharmaceutical production and biotechnology for on-off duties with low-viscosity media.

Advanced Sensing and Control for Process Optimisation

Integrating Alfa Laval ThinkTop V50 and V70 units into your valve clusters delivers maximum uptime and significant resource savings. Their 360° LED status indication gives operators real-time flow path monitoring from any angle.

  • Resource savings: Pulse and Burst SeatClean reduce CIP fluid consumption by up to 95%.
  • Fast setup: Auto-Setup and Live-Setup cut commissioning time by up to 90%.
  • Durable: IP69K rated, -10°C to +60°C, Nylon PA12 and 1.4301 stainless steel.
  • Easy integration: Supports 24VDC PNP, AS-Interface, and IO-Link. MTTF of 224 years.
  • Universal fit: Directly interchangeable with ThinkTop Classic; fits all Alfa Laval hygienic actuators.

Ready to optimise your CIP return and process flows?

Our products
Alfa Laval Sensing and Control Think Top V50 and V70
Marcus Schmidt, Euroflow GmbH owner

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As an Alfa Laval Master Distributor in Southern Germany, Euroflow GmbH delivers premium components and expert solutions for the dairy, brewing, beverage, food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. Operating across postal codes 66-99 and 07-08, we serve Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Saarland, Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, Thuringia and Saxony with dedicated technical expertise.

As your competent partner for system integration, tank construction and end-user solutions, we provide comprehensive support in selecting optimal equipment for viscous product handling and cleaning processes. Our focus on pumps, valves, heat exchangers and tank equipment ensures reliable process performance.

Contact us today for a personalised quote and discover how our technical expertise can optimise your operations.

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FAQ

Euroflow serves customers across southern and central Germany — covering postal code areas 66–99 and 07–08, spanning Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Saarland, Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, Thuringia, and Saxony. As an Alfa Laval Master Distributor for tank manufacturers, plant engineers, system suppliers, and end customers, we provide expert support in selecting and designing systems for viscous product handling and cleaning applications.

The LKB and LKB-F butterfly valves are rated for a maximum inlet pressure of 1,000 kPa, which is equivalent to 10 bar or 145 psi. This rating applies to the standard hygienic design across all available connection standards.

Yes, when fitted with EPDM seals, the valve has a temperature range of -10 °C to +140 °C. However, the maximum temperature allowed during actual valve operation is 95 °C for all seal types.

The LKB is compatible with the LKLA pneumatic actuator in either ø85 mm or ø133 mm sizes. These actuators can be configured in Normally Closed (NC), Normally Open (NO), or Air/Air (A/A) modes to suit your process requirements.

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+49 721 / 470 518 – 10

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 info@euroflow.de