The Alfa Laval Unique Mixproof Process mixproof valve enables simultaneous routing of two different products or fluids through shared pipeline infrastructure with no risk of cross-contamination. Two independent plugs and seals separate the flow streams. The leakage chamber at atmospheric pressure that forms between them provides a passive safety buffer: if either seal degrades, product escapes to atmosphere rather than crossing into the adjacent stream.

Double block-and-bleed valve design maintains physical isolation

The double-seat construction maintains two product streams in strict separation by sustaining a low-pressure leakage chamber between the two sealing elements. Because this chamber sits at atmospheric pressure, neither product stream can exert sufficient force to bridge the gap and contaminate the other. Leakage detection holes on the valve body enable visual inspection without disassembly, giving operators a straightforward way to confirm seal integrity during normal production. When wear is detected, targeted seal replacement follows, reducing the need for full-valve teardown.

Seat lift cleaning minimizes CIP media consumption

The valve incorporates seat lift cleaning, which briefly lifts each plug off its seat during a CIP cycle to allow cleaning fluid to reach sealing surfaces that would otherwise remain shielded. This mechanism ensures that CIP media contacts every critical surface without requiring the valve to be removed from the line. Reduced water and CIP media consumption follows directly from this targeted approach, which also eliminates spillage and product loss during cleaning cycles, contributing to efficient resource management.

Maintenance-free actuator and simplified moveable parts

The actuator requires no routine maintenance. Combined with a small number of straightforward, moveable parts, this keeps scheduled intervention time short and reduces the likelihood of unplanned downtime. The valve operates as a normally closed (NC) unit, controlled remotely via compressed air at 600-800 kPa (6-8 bar). Remote control supports integration into automated process sequences. The proven valve body, plug, and seal assembly is predefined and available in multiple sizes to meet fundamental hygienic processing requirements.

Pressure and temperature ratings for hygienic processing

The valve accepts product pressures up to 1000 kPa (10 bar) and is rated down to full vacuum, covering the range of conditions found in typical hygienic processing lines. Temperature capability depends on the elastomer selected: both EPDM and HNBR versions operate from -5 °C to +125 °C, accommodating standard CIP temperatures as well as cold-side duties. Product-wetted steel parts are manufactured from 1.4404 (316L) stainless steel with an internal surface finish of Ra < 0.8 µm, meeting the hygienic surface requirements expected in global food and beverage environments.