GEA : hermetically sealed control valve extends shelf life of food and beverages

The P/DV type D-tec^® control valve uses hermetically sealed D-tec^® stem diaphragms. These provide improved contamination protection against the atmosphere and thus ensure microbial stability of the product throughout the entire process. While the D-tec^® valve line can be used in aseptic processes, GEA sees the application of the new control valve primarily for ultraclean applications. The control valves are selected for products that require an extended shelf life, with or without cooling, depending on the pH value, cold chain and storage characteristics. These products include iced tea, fruit juice, fruit yoghurt and ESL milk.

Pascal Bär, product manager for aseptic valves at GEA, adds: 'Durability is important to the consumer, but not at any price. Today's consumers are very sensitive to the topic of preservatives. Ultraclean processing is beneficial here because it helps to achieve the desired shelf life of a product with less preservatives. As part of a customized process chain, our new D-tec^® P/DV valve control valve takes manufacturers this one step further.'