The Alfa Laval MultiJet series operates on a geared rotation principle that sets it apart from static spray balls and simpler rotating heads. Cleaning fluid pressure drives the nozzles through a mechanically geared rotation around both the vertical and horizontal axes at the same time. This produces a cleaning pattern that starts coarsely distributed on the first cycle, then grows progressively denser with each subsequent cycle until the full pattern is complete. Once that full pattern is reached, the unit restarts the sequence. The outcome is thorough, repeatable surface coverage with a low volume of cleaning media.

How geared rotation covers the full tank interior

In the first pass, the jets lay out a sparse grid across the tank wall. Each additional cycle fills in the gaps, steadily closing the distance between impact lines. By the time the complete pattern is reached, the entire interior surface — including heads, walls, and bottom — has been struck by the jet stream. This mechanically defined progression keeps the coverage geometry consistent from cycle to cycle, which matters for process validation and audit documentation.

Nozzle configuration and throw length for industrial tank cleaning

All MultiJet models accept interchangeable nozzle sets. The MultiJet 25 is available with nozzle diameters of 4 x Ø5.5 mm, 4 x Ø4.6 mm, and 4 x Ø3.9 mm, giving a maximum throw length of 9–14 m and an impact throw length of 4–8 m at operating pressures between 3 and 8 bar. The MultiJet 40 supports both 2-nozzle and 4-nozzle configurations: the 2-nozzle version reaches a maximum throw length of 22–31 m with impact throw of 11–18 m, while the 4-nozzle version gives 8–17 m maximum throw and 4–10 m impact throw. The MultiJet 45 runs in a 4-nozzle configuration with nozzle options of 4 x Ø10 mm, 4 x Ø8 mm, 4 x Ø7 mm, and 4 x Ø6 mm, covering a maximum throw of 8–17 m and impact throw of 4–10 m at pressures between 3 and 12 bar.

Choosing the correct nozzle diameter sets the balance between jet impact force, throw length, and total flow rate for a given supply pressure. Performance charts for each model plot flow rate, impact throw length, and cleaning time against inlet pressure across all nozzle options, so engineers can match the unit to actual tank geometry and CIP supply conditions.

TRAX simulation for the MultiJet 40

For the MultiJet 40, Alfa Laval offers TRAX — a simulation tool that models how the unit performs inside a specific tank or vessel geometry. TRAX calculates wetting intensity, pattern mesh width, and cleaning jet velocity across the tank interior. This output is used to find the optimal mounting position and the right combination of flow rate, operating time, and pressure for the application. A TRAX simulation is available on request at no charge, and the results can serve as reference documentation for tank cleaning validation programmes.

Solid-particle recirculation on the MultiJet 45

The MultiJet 45 is built to handle CIP media containing solid particles up to 3 mm in size, which allows recirculation of the cleaning liquid without pre-filtering fine suspended material. This makes the unit compatible with CIP systems where the return media carries residual solids from the tank being cleaned. Particles above 3 mm must be kept out of the supply line, as they can cause increased wear to the internal gearing. A filter in the supply line is recommended regardless of particle content.

Rotacheck process validation

The MultiJet 25 and MultiJet 40 are compatible with Alfa Laval Rotacheck, a system for validating the cleaning process. Rotacheck records that the unit completed its rotation cycle correctly during each cleaning run, producing data suitable for regulatory and audit requirements in industries where cleaning process documentation is mandatory.

Self-lubrication and materials of construction

All MultiJet units are self-lubricating: the cleaning fluid lubricates the internal gearing and rotating components directly. No external lubricant is introduced, which cuts a potential contamination source and lowers maintenance requirements. The MultiJet 25 is built from 316L stainless steel (UNS S31603), Duplex steel (UNS N31803 and UNS S21800), EPDM, PEEK, PVDF, and PFA — with the polymer components carrying FDA compliance 21CFR§177. The MultiJet 40 and MultiJet 45 use 316L stainless steel alongside PTFE, PEEK, ETFE, FPM, and TFM. Maximum operating temperature across all models is 95 °C, with a maximum ambient temperature of 140 °C.