4 Operation
Study the instructions carefully and pay special attention to warnings! Always check the Agitator before operation (see chapter
3.3 Pre-use check). Alfa Laval recommend a soft starter or a frequency converter for the Agitator to reduce the load on tank
and Agitator. For operation instructions from suppliers (see chapter 8 Appendix).
4.3
Cleaning - recommendations
Ensure the drain in flange is not clogged up, by cleaning drain regularly.
Ensure that all surfaces in contact with product are totally clean in order not to contaminate the product.
Pay special attention to:
- Impeller device surfaces
- Surfaces between impeller devices and shaft
- Surfaces around sealing
- Surfaces around weldings
CAUTION
Mechanical seals are designed for cleaning in place (CIP) and sterilising in place (SIP).
CIP = Cleaning In Place. SIP = Sterilising In Place.
Always rinse well with clean water after cleaning.
4.4
Temperature limits
The highest allowable ambient temperature is 40ºC.
The highest allowable operating temperature of the media when an Ex zone is present is 90°C to comply with a temperature
class T4 (Maximum surface temperature 135°C).
When an Ex zone is NOT present (both inside and outside the tank) the temperature can be increased for shorter periods of
time, eg. 10-20 minutes during a sterilization phase or the like, can be allowed and accepted without changing the oil service
interval and without reducing the lifetime of the gear motor. The highest allowable oil temperature of the gear motor is 140°C
and the oil service interval, which at 70°C is about 40.000 hours, will be reduced by 50% for each 15K the oil temperature is
increased above the 70°C. Therefore the oil temperature must be observed if the temperature is increased. The service interval
of the gear is stated on the gear name plate.
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