Are you looking for valve technology that combines hygiene, reliability and future-proof innovation? Then GEA hygienic valves are the obvious choice for modern food production. Since the late 19th century, GEA has been a driving force in the development of hygienic process technology - especially for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries.
Together with us at Colly Flowtech, GEA today offers a complete range of hygienic valves - from standard products to fully customized valve matrices.
What is a hygienic valve?
In hygienic valve controls the flow of liquids in processes where the highest possible purity is required, such as in dairies, breweries, pharmaceutical production or other food industries.
To ensure a safe process, the valve needs to be:
- easy to clean (CIP/SIP compliant)
- minimize dead spaces where bacteria can thrive
- withstand aggressive chemicals and high temperatures
GEA valve types - a solution for every need
GEA's range of valves is broad, well thought out and developed with a focus on hygiene, safety and efficiency. Among other things, we offer together:
- Seat valves (Seat valves) - Ideal for single or double shut-off applications. GEA's modular VARIVENT® system allows each valve to be tailored to the requirements of the application.
- Mixproof valves (Mixproof valves) - Allows simultaneous handling of two different liquids in the same piping system, without risk of cross-contamination. Ideal for processes with high hygiene requirements and CIP.
- Butterfly valves (butterfly valves) - Simple, reliable and cost-effective for processes where frequent cleaning is essential.
- Pigsystem (Recovery system) - Optimizes production by pushing out residual product in the piping system. The result: less waste, shorter cleaning time and better resource utilization.
GEA valves are also EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group) certified and designed to work seamlessly with both CIP and SIP. This means less downtime, fewer cleaning cycles and increased product safety while saving you money. In short: a clear difference to standard valves and a smart choice for the future of food production.
Want to know more about the technology behind these valve types? Read more here: Valves for efficient production in hygienic environments.
Future-proofed and customized - for your unique process
GEA valve technology is not only built for today's demands, it is also ready for tomorrow's. Several models can be equipped with smart sensors and digital monitoring that provide real-time data on status, wear and flow behavior. This means you can make better decisions, identify anomalies earlier and optimize operations based on actual process data.
But we also know that no two productions are the same. That's why we always start with a thorough understanding of your process - whether you're working with beer, cheese, brine or pharmaceuticals. By combining GEA's technology with our knowledge of your specific challenges, we ensure that the solution works in practice and makes a difference where it really counts.
Want to know more? Contact us at Colly Flowtech or me and we'll talk further about your process, your requirements and how GEA valve technology can contribute to cleaner, safer and more efficient production.
This text was written by Ronnie Nilsson (ronnie.nilsson@colly.se), Salesperson at Colly Flowtech.
Frequently asked questions about hygienic valves
What is a hygienic valve and why is it needed in food production?
A hygienic valve is used to control fluid flows in processes where high purity is essential, such as in the dairy, brewing, pharmaceutical or food industries. They are designed to prevent contamination, withstand heavy-duty cleaning agents and cope with both CIP (Cleaning in Place) and SIP (Sterilization in Place).
How are hygienic valves different from standard industrial valves?
Unlike standard valves, hygienic valves are designed to minimize dead spaces where bacteria can thrive. They are also certified to high hygiene standards such as EHEDG, making them particularly suitable for processes with high food safety requirements.
What are the different types of hygienic valves?
There are several types of hygienic valves used in the process industry depending on the application and hygiene requirements. Common examples include globe valves for precise flow control, mixproof valves to separate liquids without the risk of cross-contamination, butterfly valves for easier shut-off, and spike systems to minimize product spillage. The choice of valve depends on factors such as pressure, temperature, cleaning procedures and the type of media handled.
How can I know which hygienic valve is best for my process?
We always start by understanding your specific process - whether it's beer, cheese, pharmaceuticals or other liquids. Together with you, we develop a solution that is tailored to your specific requirements and challenges. Contact us at Colly Flowtech and we will help you further!
Are GEA hygienic valves EHEDG approved?
Yes, GEA hygienic valves are certified according to EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group). This guarantees that they meet the highest standards of hygienic design and cleanability in the process industry.
Do you have any questions?
Explore GEA's valve solutions
Safe control and monitoring of overflow valves in breweries, dairies, fruit juice production plants and in the pharmaceutical industry.
The T.VIS® Q-15 used to control and monitor overflow valves of the VARIVENT Q series can optionally be equipped with solenoid valves. The proximity switch is mounted in the valve lantern as standard.
In addition to the safe control and monitoring of Q-valve-specific functions, the T.VIS® Q-15 offers the possibility to mount the control top directly on the Q-valve.
VESTA® valve blocks are compact and versatile sterile valves with two independent actuators. The concept of the single-piece housing enables merging, separating or diverting of product flow in tight space conditions.
VESTA® valve blocks offer optimized piping by simultaneously reducing dead spaces. In contrast to concepts with individual valves, solutions with VESTA® valve blocks reduce the required quantity of fittings and therefore also contribute to economical installation concepts.
VESTA® shut-off valves are used for the controlled shut-off of pipelines in sterile process technology. The modular structure allows optimum valve adaption to process requirements and capacities.
Besides standard shut-off valves, the VESTA® valve line also offers valves with graduated housings for transit and diversion in installations. The type HCA graduated offer the seamless and cost-effective integration of VESTA® sterile valves in larger pipelines at low extraction volume.
VARIVENT® single-seat valves are used for simple shut-off in hygienic applications. The valves are characterized by their ease of operation and flexibility. To avoid water hammers, individual variants in the VARIVENT® modular system are configured for different flow directions.
The 24 / 7 PMO Valve® 2.0 is standardized and tailor-made for use in PMO-regulated systems. 24 / 7 PMO Valve® is a registered trade mark of GEA. It describes double-seat valves that have been authorised for use in PMO-regulated systems, where seat lifting occurs to clean the leakage chamber while the other pipeline is carrying product. This grants system operators the possibility of cleaning all valve parts in contact with the product simultaneously with the production process. In this way, the valves permit uninterrupted production on a 24/7 basis.
VARIVENT® mixproof valves type C and K are used for mixproof separation of incompatible products at pipeline junctions within CIP systems or gas blocks.
VARIVENT® double-seat valves are used for mixproof shut-off of incompatible products at pipe junctions.
A special feature of this valve is that the pig can be conveyed through the cylindrical design of the housing. Pigging technology enables valuable products to be recovered at the end of the process step, thereby minimizing product residues in the pipe.
We are at the beginning of a new era in which successful companies and brands define themselves through their status as pioneers for maximum safety of their products - protecting consumers and their own workforce.
The new GEA VARIVENT® Mixproof valve type MX offers innovative technologies as essential elements of future-oriented safety concepts. It offers a measure of product safety that goes far beyond previous requirements.
