Alfa Laval IsoMix External Drive, Instruction Manual

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5 Operation
Study the instructions carefully and pay special attention to warnings! Always check the machine before operation. Alfa Laval
recommends a soft starter for the machine to reduce the load on tank and machine. For operation instructions from motor
supplier see chapter 9.3 Drive unit instructions.
5.2 Specifications and limitations for use of IMXD in dry-hopping
For best dry hopping results with Alfa Laval IsoMix External Drive (IMXD), the following procedures are advised:
- Complete pre-slurrying in an external tank is best practice, as it ensures that the hops are completely disaggregated before
dosing into the tank.
- In pre-slurrying, agitator design must be optimized to ensure fast disaggregation and consistent homogeneity of the hop
slurry during transfer from the slurry tank to the IMXD system. Multiple impellers are recommended, with the lowest impeller
submerged at a tank volume of 10% of the tank capacity.
- IMXD circulation shall be initiated before hop dosing begins.
- For pre-slurried hop dosing, solids content in the slurry should not exceed 10%, and slurry addition rate to the IMXD should
not exceed 50% of the IMXD circulation rate.
- For direct introduction of hops into the tank through the IMXD, the solids concentration in the hops inlet flow should not
exceed 5%.
- IMXD circulation shall be maintained until hops are fully disaggregated.
- IMXD circulation shall be maintained during the entire dry hopping process, through to transfer from tank until the minimum
level for mixer operation is reached.
- CIP should be started as soon as possible after the tank is emptied, while the surfaces of the tank and inside the IMXD
are still wet.
- CIP must include caustic wash. Hot caustic would be preferred if possible.
- Minimum CIP duration for IMXD loop is 5 minutes per stage. Flow rate as per Alfa Laval recommendations.
5.3 Inspection
Part
Inspection interval
Gear motor
- Clean surfaces to avoid overheating
Monthly
- Check for oil leakages Monthly
Sealing
- Verify that the seals are not leaking
Monthly
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