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Dairy and Brewery Process Conditions and Valve Requirements
| Process Step | Typical Conditions | Valve Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Milk reception and storage | Cold milk at 2 to 6 °C | Hygienic ball or butterfly valves, easy dismantling for cleaning |
| Pasteurisation (HTST) | About 72 °C for 15 seconds | Smooth bore, EPDM or PTFE seals, pressure rating |
| UHT treatment | About 135 to 150 °C | Aseptic-style design, steam barriers, high-temperature seals |
| Cheese and yoghurt production | Warm curds, acids, cultures | Full bore valves for viscous media, large connections |
| Wort production and boiling | Hot wort 70 to 100 °C, hops and trub | Full bore, heat resistance, anti-clog design |
| Fermentation | Yeast, CO2, cooling at 8 to 20 °C | 316L, careful sealing, sampling valves |
| Beer filtration and storage | Cold beer 0 to 5 °C, CO2 pressure 1 to 3 bar | Hygienic valves with pressure rating and gas-tight seals |
| Filling and packaging | Pressure fillers, CO2 counter pressure | Low dead volume, polished, reliable seals |
| Cleaning in place (CIP) | Caustic 1 to 2% at 70 to 85 °C, acid 0.5 to 1% at 60 to 70 °C | EPDM or PTFE seals, 316L, good drainage |
| Steam in place (SIP) | Steam 121 to 135 °C | Seals and bodies rated for steam |
Typical valve parameters
| Parameter | Typical Specification |
|---|---|
| Body material | 304, 316L (CF8, CF3M, F304, F316L) |
| Internal finish | Polished Ra 0.8 µm or better; electropolished Ra 0.4 µm on request |
| Seat and seal | EPDM (most common), PTFE, silicone, FKM for fats |
| Connections | DIN 11851, SMS 1145, IDF / ISO 2853, tri-clamp (ISO 2852), welded |
| Size range | DN10 to DN100 for ball valves; DN25 to DN150 for butterfly valves |
| Pressure rating | Typically 10 to 16 bar; CO2 lines with higher requirements on request |
| Temperature | -10 °C to +140 °C, with steam sterilisation up to about 135 °C |
| Operation | Lever, locking lever, pneumatic or electric actuator |
Seals meet harsh chemistry. Hot caustic and acid cycles, followed by steam, age seals quickly. EPDM is standard in dairies and breweries because it resists hot caustic and steam, but it should not be used with fatty products such as cream and butter without checking the grade. We select seal compounds with the full cleaning programme in mind.
Dairy and Brewery Valve Range and Connection Options
Plants often combine connection types, such as DIN 11851 on older lines and tri-clamp on new lines. We make valves in each, and supply adaptors, so that systems can be extended and modified without replacing everything.
| Product | Size Range | Connection Options |
|---|---|---|
| Sanitary ball valves, 2-piece and 3-piece | DN10 to DN100 | DIN 11851, SMS, tri-clamp, weld |
| Sanitary butterfly valves | DN25 to DN150 | DIN 11851, SMS, tri-clamp, weld |
| Sanitary check valves | DN15 to DN100 | DIN 11851, tri-clamp, weld |
| Sampling valves | DN10 to DN25 | Tri-clamp, DIN 11851 |
| Y-strainers and hop strainers | DN15 to DN100 | Tri-clamp, DIN 11851 |
| Three-way valves for CIP routing | DN15 to DN80 | Tri-clamp, weld |
| Sight glasses and flow indicators | DN25 to DN100 | Tri-clamp, DIN 11851 |
| Fittings and adaptors | DN10 to DN100 | Union nuts, liners, ferrules, clamps, adaptors between standards |
Typical applications
- Dairies: milk reception, silos, separators, pasteurisers, cheese vats, yoghurt lines.
- Breweries: brewhouse, hot and cold wort lines, fermenters, bright beer tanks, filtration, kegging.
- Cideries, wineries and juice plants: similar hygienic requirements, with acidic liquids.
- CIP stations: caustic, acid and water circuits with changeover valves.
- Filling lines: bottle, can and keg fillers, carbonation and product return lines.
If you tell us the process stage and product temperature, we can recommend a valve type, a seal compound and a connection that matches your existing equipment.
Buyer tip: list for each valve the product, the highest temperature, the cleaning programme, the connection type and the size, for example "DN50 DIN 11851 ball valve, wort at 98 °C, caustic CIP at 85 °C". Such detail lets us select the seal and the finish correctly, and quote with confidence.
Dairy and Brewing Hygiene Standards and Regulations
Dairy equipment is regulated in many countries, and brewing equipment follows similar hygiene principles. A valve must therefore suit the connection standard of the plant and must carry documents that prove material compliance. The references below are those most often cited.
| Area | Standard Reference |
|---|---|
| Threaded dairy connections | DIN 11851, SMS 1145, ISO 2853 (IDF unions) |
| Clamp connections | ISO 2852, DIN 32676 |
| Aseptic connections | DIN 11864 |
| Hygienic tube dimensions | DIN 11850, DIN 11866, ASME BPE |
| Hygienic design guidelines | EHEDG, EN 1672-2, ISO 14159 |
| Dairy sanitary standards, United States | 3-A Sanitary Standards, referenced by the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) |
| Food contact materials, EU | Regulation (EC) 1935/2004, Regulation (EC) 2023/2006 |
| Food contact materials, United States | FDA 21 CFR 177 |
| Stainless steel | EN 10088, ASTM A351 CF8 / CF3M, ASTM A182 F304 / F316L |
| Surface finish and passivation | ISO 4287, ASTM A967 |
| Pressure testing | API 598, EN 12266-1, ISO 5208 |
Dairy equipment in the United States. Plants subject to the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance use equipment that meets 3-A Sanitary Standards, and some regulators ask for 3-A symbols on valves. 3-A authorisation applies to specific products. If your plant needs it, tell us before ordering, and we will confirm whether we can supply authorised designs or only valves built following the principles.
In Europe, the principles of EHEDG and the connection standards of DIN and SMS are the common language of dairies and breweries.
Reference note: national dairy regulations differ, and some require specific approvals or inspector acceptance of equipment. Tell us the country of the plant and whether an authority inspects the equipment. We will check whether special documents are needed, and say clearly what we can provide and what must be arranged locally.
Documents for Dairy and Brewery Customers
Dairy and brewery owners often work with major equipment suppliers and engineering contractors, who in turn ask for complete document sets for the whole plant. We prepare documents that can be inserted into a plant documentation file with little change.
- Material certificate: EN 10204 3.1 for body, ferrule and trim, with heat numbers.
- Food contact declaration: for stainless steel and seals, referencing EU and FDA rules.
- Seal documents: compliance statements for EPDM, PTFE, silicone and FKM, from the seal makers.
- Surface finish report: roughness measurements for sampled valves, and electropolishing records where applicable.
- Passivation record: acid treatment per ASTM A967, with test result.
- Pressure test report: shell and seat tests per API 598 or EN 12266-1.
- Weld documentation: for weld-end valves, weld procedure and inspection summary on request.
- 3-A or EHEDG information: design conformity statements, where applicable.
- Quality management: ISO 9001 style system and batch records.
Match documents to your project. A brewery equipment builder may ask for a simple declaration and surface report. A dairy that exports may need more detail. Tell us which documents your customer requires, and we will prepare the right set, rather than send a large but irrelevant pack.
A sample document pack can be sent for review before your order.
Audit tip: keep the material certificate, the seal statement and the surface report together for each delivery, together with the packing list showing line numbers. Dairy inspectors and brewery auditors often start with these items, and a clear file saves time and avoids misunderstandings during the visit.
Traceability for Hygienic Plant Projects
On a dairy or brewery project, hundreds of valves and fittings are installed, often by different crews, over several weeks. If a valve fails an inspection or a seal batch causes a problem, the project team needs to know where each item came from, and which others are affected. Our records are organised for this kind of work.
- Metal parts: heat numbers, mill certificates and PMI checks for body, ferrule and trim.
- Seals: supplier lot numbers and compliance documents for EPDM, PTFE, silicone and FKM seals.
- Polishing and passivation: batch records and test results.
- Weld records: for welded ferrules, welder identity, procedure and inspection results.
- Assembly: assembly sheet with parts lot numbers and lubricant type.
- Shipping: packing by area or line if requested, with labels showing the line number, valve tag and lot.
| Item | Record | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Body and ferrule | Heat number, certificate | Proof of grade |
| Seal | Supplier lot, compliance document | Proof of compliance |
| Surface | Roughness and passivation record | Proof of cleanability |
| Weld | Welder, procedure, inspection | Proof of weld quality |
| Carton | Line number, valve tag, lot | Easy site allocation and later traceability |
Packing and labelling by line or area can save your site team a great deal of time, because they can hand each crew the right box without sorting hundreds of loose items.
Why line labelling helps: on a large project, installers can lose hours looking for the right valve among hundreds of boxes. Labels by line or area, printed at our factory, let the site team issue valves in the right order, and make later maintenance records more accurate and easier to keep.
Testing for Dairy and Brewery Service
We test valves for pressure and leakage, and for the surface and seal conditions that matter in hygienic service. We can also simulate the effect of hot cleaning on sample seals, to reduce the risk of early failure.
| Test | Method | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Shell and seat test | Water or air per API 598 / EN 12266-1 | 100% of valves |
| Surface roughness | Portable profilometer on bore and sealing faces | Sampling |
| Visual and dimensional inspection | Check of threads, unions, ferrules and sealing grooves | 100% visual, sampling dimension |
| Thread and union check | Gauges for DIN 11851 and SMS threads | First article and sampling |
| PMI | XRF analyser | Incoming and sampling |
| Passivation check | Copper sulfate or ferroxyl test | Per batch |
| Seal immersion test | Sample seals in hot caustic and acid, weight and hardness change measured | On request |
| Steam test | Exposure of sample valve and seals to steam cycles, then leak test | Type test or on request |
| Cycle test | Repeated operation, then leakage check | Type test |
Thread fit is vital for DIN 11851. The threaded union nut must run smoothly and tighten evenly, or the profiled gasket will not seal. We check thread profile and dimensions with gauges, and test sample connections with standard unions from different makers, to confirm interchangeability.
We welcome visits and can send photos and videos of testing, on request.
Interchangeability check: DIN 11851 unions from different makers should fit, but small differences in thread tolerance exist. We test our parts with standard unions from several sources, and we mention any observed difference in the test record, so you know whether our valves can be mixed with existing fittings.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dairy and Brewery Valves
Q: What is the difference between DIN 11851 and tri-clamp?
DIN 11851 uses a threaded union nut and a profiled gasket, and is common in dairies in Europe. Tri-clamp uses a clamp and a flat gasket, and is common in breweries, pharma and many modern plants.
Q: Can I connect DIN 11851 to tri-clamp?
Yes, with adaptors that have DIN 11851 on one end and a tri-clamp ferrule on the other. We supply them in many sizes.
Q: Which seal is best for milk and beer?
EPDM is the common choice for water-based products and hot caustic or acid cleaning. For cream and butter, check fat content, and consider FKM or PTFE. We can recommend a compound for your process.
Q: How hot can dairy valves go?
With suitable seals, up to about 135 °C for steam sterilisation, and higher for special designs. Seal temperature limits, not the stainless body, usually set the limit.
Q: Do I need electropolishing?
Mechanical polishing to Ra 0.8 µm is normal for dairies and breweries. Electropolishing gives smoother surfaces and better corrosion resistance, and is used for demanding hygiene or pharmaceutical duties.
Q: Can I use butterfly valves in beer lines?
Yes, hygienic butterfly valves are widely used for beer, wort and CIP lines. For very high carbonation, ball valves or special designs may seal better.
Q: What are SMS fittings?
SMS is a Scandinavian standard for hygienic fittings with a threaded union and a flat gasket. It is common in Nordic dairies and some food plants, and we supply SMS valves and fittings.
MOQ and Pricing for Dairy and Brewery Valves
Dairy and brewery customers include equipment builders, who buy in volume, and plant owners, who buy replacements and extensions. Our terms are built for both.
| Item | Typical Terms |
|---|---|
| Sample order | 1 to 5 pieces per model |
| Standard MOQ | 50 to 100 pieces per size for valves; fittings 100 to 200 pieces per item |
| Mixed connections | DIN 11851, SMS and tri-clamp accepted within one order |
| Seal and gasket kits | Small quantities accepted, shipped with valves |
| Pricing basis | EXW, FOB Ningbo, CFR or CIF in USD or EUR |
| Quote validity | 30 days, adjusted for stainless steel price changes |
| Payment | 30% T/T deposit, 70% before shipment; L/C at sight for approved accounts |
What affects the price
- Connection type: DIN 11851 and SMS parts cost more than basic tri-clamp.
- Grade and finish: 316L and electropolished surfaces cost more.
- Valve design: 3-piece and actuated designs cost more than 2-piece valves.
- Seal compound: PTFE, FKM and silicone cost more than EPDM.
- Documents: 3-A, EHEDG and extended documents add cost.
Plan spares. Seals and gaskets are the parts that wear. Ordering a few sets with each valve shipment is inexpensive, and saves a rush shipment when a seal fails during the brewing or milk season.
Ordering advice: before the brewing or milk season, review your spare seals and gaskets, and order a full set for each critical valve. A few sets cost little, and they prevent a stoppage caused by a failed seal at the busiest moment of the year, when delivery from China would take weeks.
Lead Time, Customisation, Hygienic Packaging and Trade Terms
Lead time and stock
Standard DIN 11851 and tri-clamp valves and fittings ship in 10 to 20 days. Custom polishing, special connections, actuated valves and manifolds need 25 to 45 days. For plant extensions and new breweries, we can schedule shipments in stages to match the installation sequence.
Customisation
We can customise connection standard, size, finish, seal compound, handle colour, marking, actuator, manifold layout and packing by line or area. We can also supply valve and fitting sets for specific equipment, such as fermenters, brite tanks and pasteurisers.
Hygienic packaging
- Each valve cleaned, dried and sealed in a clean bag
- Protective covers on unions, ferrules and threads
- Inner cartons with dividers, export cartons on pallets
- Labels with size, connection, grade, seal and lot, or line number if requested
- Neutral or customer-branded packing
Shipping and trade terms
| Term | Details |
|---|---|
| Incoterms | EXW, FOB Ningbo, CFR, CIF, DAP |
| Port | Ningbo-Zhoushan; Shanghai as an alternative |
| Transport | Sea freight, air freight for urgent items, express courier for samples |
| Documents | Invoice, packing list, bill of lading, origin certificate, material and test certificates |
We can ship dairy and brewery valves together with other stainless products and deliver to European ports or to your warehouse on DAP terms, with documents sent in advance.
Handling advice: protect union threads and ferrule faces from knocks, keep gaskets clean and dry before assembly, and tighten union nuts by hand and a light tool only. Over-tightening damages threads and gaskets, and a short assembly guide is included with shipments on request for your maintenance staff.
