One-Nut Design and Electronic Rupture Protection Secure 3-A Accreditation for AODD Pump

Flotronic Pumps has secured 3-A accreditation for its new H series air-operated double-diaphragm pump. Among a number of critical design features, Flotronic’s one-nut design, which allows rapid pump disassembly and straightforward CIP, was crucial to the success of the H series pump’s application. Its electronic rather than pneumatic rupture protection system was also a deciding factor.

3-A Sanitary Standards Inc is an independent not-for-profit corporation dedicated to advancing hygienic equipment design for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. It sets high standards for cleanability of equipment as well as for the provenance of the parts and raw materials used and the pump’s ability to shut-down immediately to avoid contamination in the event of a problem. “Ease of cleaning and robust rupture protection and associated alarm systems are vital for 3-A accreditation,” said Peter Wheal, Flotronic’s Chief Engineer. “We were confident that our one-nut design would completely satisfy 3-A cleaning and maintenance demands. One nut means that the pump can be maintained in minutes, with cleaning made easier by a specially designed support stand that allows full rotation for draining. Wetted surfaces polished to 32 µin Ra maximum and an electro-polished overall finish also make cleaning effective.

“We also knew that we needed to find a cost-effective alternative to our pneumatic rupture protection system and the solution is an electrical unit connected to sensors in the pump’s air domes. The presence of any leakage is immediately detected, avoiding the need for any secondary chamber, with a control unit shutting the pump down when activated.”

Flotronic designed the H series not only to meet 3-A’s stringent criteria but also with the US market particularly in mind. Meeting the high standards demanded by 3-A is a requirement of many US companies. “While 3-A is not a statutory requirement, it is a standard increasingly required by the sanitary industry and particularly in the US,” said Jane Waite, Flotronic’s Managing Director. “Being authorised to display the 3-A symbol ensures credibility of the new ‘H’ series, at home and abroad.”  

Flotronic Pumps Ltd, +44 1444 881871, www.flotronicpumps.co.uk.