Airlock for Dairy and Food Processes

The Global Hygienic Airlock (GHA) is a USDA Dairy accepted dismountable airlock that is ideal for applications where dry raw or finished products are being handled in the process and where inspection or system clean-out are required. Because the GHA is designed for high process rates it possesses a number of features suited for processes that have a higher sanitary requirement. 

The round inlets and outlets of the GHA incorporate seals and product contact surfaces that meet food safety requirements. FDA and EC 1935/2004 approved materials are used in the product contact areas. Endplates and the rotor can be disassembled and removed from the valve housing for cleaning. All endplates have specifically been designed for access to the seal area for cleaning or seal replacement. Upon reassembly, the rotor end clearances can be adjusted and set through by use of the integral adjustment screws included in each endplate. 

Easy Disassembly for Cleaning

A unique feature of the GHA is the rail system consisting of externally mounted precision shafts, which are fixed to the tail side endplate on one end and are supported by special composite linear bearings pressed into the valve housing on the other. The endplate/rotor assembly can be unbolted from the housing and the assembly can be pulled from the housing and drive coupling while still remaining rigid to the housing via the rail system. These features simplify removal and provide access to the internal valve cavity, rotor pockets and all other product contact areas for quick and easy cleaning. Once the cleaning process is complete, the endplate/rotor assembly simply slides back into place through use of the rail system and is secured with the supplied fasteners.

Valve Interference Detection (VID)

The Valve Interference Detection (VID) system is designed to protect the GHA from damage and prevent product contamination due to interference between the valve rotor and housing. The VID system employs ceramic bearings and other innovative techniques to electrically isolate the moving rotor from the valve housing and drive system. A simple electronic evaluation unit monitors the resistance between the rotor and housing allowing it to determine if the circuit is functioning properly and if the rotor is contacting the housing.

USDA Acceptance 

The GHA has been reviewed and accepted by the USDA Dairy Grading Branch for use in dairy plants surveyed and approved for USDA grading services.

GHA Features: 

• Oversized rotor shaft creates a naturally radiused rotor pocket for more complete product release
• Differential pressure up to 1.5 barg is possible without manipulating standard design or clearances
• Available design for NFPA 69 blocking valve requirements
• FDA and EC 1935/2004 approved materials of construction in product contact areas
• Available with integral rail system for endplate and rotor