The Best AODD Pump Award Series: Solids-Laden Liquids in Sanitary Applications

At SANDPIPER, we back up the common phrase, “best in class,” with proven performance and reliability. Our "Best AODD Pump Award" blog post series is designed to highlight why our air-operated double-diaphragm (AODD) pumps truly deserve this accolade. We explore the specific performance categories and attributes that matter most to end users and distributors, showcasing how SANDPIPER pumps excel in various applications and markets.

In this installment, we’re focusing on the SANDPIPER FB-Series FDA-compliant food processing AODD pump. The FB-series pump stands out for its exceptional capabilities in handling solids-laden liquids. It proves itself to be the top choice for sanitary applications, including:

• Meat processing and rendering (blood, casings, evisceration)
• Personal care (filling line, mixing/blending, transfer)
• Pharmaceutical (high-purity needs, filter press, tank transfer)
• Clean-in-place and wastewater management (loading/unloading, transfer, filter press)
• Processed food (product and ingredient transfer, mixing)
• Beverage (recirculation, transfer, filling)

Material Compliance

Food and beverage processing manufacturers know that compliance with FDA regulations is non-negotiable. Choosing the right pump materials is crucial for maintaining your certifications and ensuring easy cleaning. The FB-series pump is constructed with FDA-compliant materials, ensuring that your processes meet stringent regulatory standards.

Each component of the pump, including the construction materials, balls, valves, and seals, must be easily accessible and non-reactive. This allows for thorough cleaning, which is essential for maintaining FDA compliance. Non-reactive materials ensure that there is no chemical interaction with the pumped liquid, which could compromise the purity and safety of the end product.

The pump construction typically involves materials like stainless steel, PTFE, and other FDA-approved polymers. Stainless steel is favored for its durability and resistance to corrosion, making it ideal for handling a variety of food and beverage products. PTFE and other similar polymers are used for their excellent chemical resistance and non-stick properties, which help in reducing product buildup and ease cleaning procedures.

Balls and valves in the pump must also meet stringent standards. They should be made of materials that resist wear and tear while ensuring a tight seal to prevent leaks and maintain product integrity. Seals, often made from materials like EPDM or PTFE, provide an essential barrier to prevent cross-contamination and ensure that the pump can handle a wide range of temperatures and pressures without compromising performance.

To determine chemical compatibility with these pumps, refer to SANDPIPER’s Chem Guide.

Maximum Flow Rates

With maximum flow rates of 71 gpm (268 lpm), 185 gpm (700 lpm) and 234 gpm (886 lpm), the FB-series pump easily handles solids-laden liquids in sanitary applications without compromising on the integrity or cleanliness of the product. This makes it ideal not only for food and beverage processing but also for pharmaceutical and personal care applications, where maintaining product purity and efficient throughput is critical.

Overall Construction

Durability and reliability are hallmarks of the FB-series pump’s construction. Built to withstand the harsh conditions of sanitary environments, this pump features robust components that resist wear and tear and require minimal maintenance, allowing operators to focus on production rather than repairs. Its design ensures leak-free operation, which prevents product loss and contamination and reduces the risk of spills and related hazards. The pump's construction also facilitates easy disassembly and cleaning, essential for maintaining hygiene in sanitary applications where daily cleaning is often required.

Compatibility With Washdown Chemicals

Sanitary environments require regular cleaning with washdown chemicals, which can be harsh on equipment. The FB-series pump is designed to be compatible with these chemicals, ensuring that it can be cleaned thoroughly without degrading the materials or performance. This compatibility not only extends the pump's lifespan but also ensures that it maintains optimal performance and hygiene standards.

Interchangeability With Older or Existing AODD Pumps

One of the standout features of the FB-series pump is its interchangeability with older or existing AODD pumps. This means that facilities looking to upgrade can do so seamlessly without extensive modifications to their existing setup. The ease of integration minimizes disruption to operations and provides a straightforward path to improved performance and compliance.

Additional Features

The FB-series pump is equipped with several additional features that make it the perfect choice for food and beverage applications. Its modular design allows for easy customization to meet specific processing needs. The pump also offers enhanced suction capabilities, ensuring that even the thickest sauces and pastes are handled efficiently. Furthermore, its energy-efficient operation helps reduce overall production costs, making it a cost-effective solution for food processors.

The SANDPIPER FB-series FDA-compliant food processing AODD pump is meticulously designed to handle the most challenging sanitary-application, solids-laden liquids, including sauces, juices, applesauce, ketchup, pastes, and more. Its material compliance, impressive flow rates, durable construction, compatibility with washdown chemicals, and seamless interchangeability with existing pumps make it the best choice for any food processing facility.

SANDPIPER’s engineering experts provide world-class support, extensive technical resources and troubleshooting advice, certifications, and a reliable range of parts and accessories.

To learn more about how FB-series FDA-compliant food processing pumps are redefining industry standards, speak with a SANDPIPER expert or find an authorized distributor today.