The Alfa Laval TJ20G and TJ40G rotary jet head series is purpose-built for removing the toughest residues from hygienic process tanks. Both units operate on the same mechanical principle: the pressure of the cleaning fluid drives a geared rotation around the vertical and horizontal axes simultaneously, so the nozzles trace a progressively tighter spiral across the tank interior. The first cycle lays down a coarse distribution of cleaning fluid; each subsequent cycle tightens the pattern until a full, verified clean is complete. At that point the sequence restarts automatically.

How the CIP tank cleaning pattern builds full coverage

Coverage density increases with each cycle rather than being applied in a single pass. This approach concentrates mechanical impact where residues are heaviest while using less fluid overall. Specific throw lengths and operating pressures for each model are listed in the Product Specs section. Both units use the same recommended pressure range, and nozzle diameter selection allows engineers to tune jet impact length and flow rate to suit the target tank geometry and duty.

Self-lubricating design for hygienic environments

There is no separate lubrication circuit. The cleaning fluid lubricates the internal gearing throughout each cycle, which removes an additional maintenance point and eliminates any risk of lubricant contamination in the product zone. Wetted materials for the TJ20G are 316L stainless steel (UNS S31603) and Duplex steel (UNS N31803); the TJ40G uses AISI 316 and SAF 2205. Seals and internal components in EPDM, PEEK, PVDF, and PFA all carry FDA compliance 21CFR§177. Full material specifications and surface finish values are in the Product Specs section.

TJ20G vs TJ40G — selecting the right unit for tank size

Tank volume is the primary selection criterion. The TJ20G covers the 15 to 150 m³ range; the TJ40G is designed for tanks from 150 to 2,250 m³. Both share the same working principle and certification options, but differ in nozzle geometry, throw length, and weight. Engineers can refer to the Product Specs section for the full dimensional, flow, and pressure data for each model before making a selection.

Variant options for distillery and heavy-duty applications

The TJ20G distillery variant allows larger particles in the cleaning fluid to pass through without damaging the internal mechanism — useful wherever grain or other biological matter enters the recirculation loop. For the TJ40G range, the HD variant applies the same principle at larger scale: its geometry prevents particles from becoming trapped inside the unit during operation. A separate TJ40G Burst variant uses a specialised nozzle design for rapid chemical wetting of the tank surface, reducing overall cycle time versus the standard pattern sequence. Full variant descriptions and configurations appear in the Options and Configurations section.

CIP validation with Alfa Laval Rotacheck

The cleaning process can be validated using Alfa Laval Rotacheck. This matters where regulatory frameworks or internal quality systems require documented proof that the full cleaning pattern has been executed correctly on every cycle — a common requirement in pharmaceutical, dairy, and beverage production environments. Both the TJ20G and TJ40G support this validation approach.

ATEX certification for use in explosive atmospheres

Both models carry ATEX approval under Directive 2014/34/EU, Category 1, for installation in Zone 0/20 environments. Temperature ratings and model-specific classifications are detailed in the Options and Configurations section. A high-temperature version of the TJ20G is also available for the most demanding ambient conditions.