The FT174XA HTST/UHT Modular System

he FT174XA unit comprises a stainless-steel table for mounting the process equipment, a feed pump and vessel, the touchscreen control panel, steam line components and all associated electrical controls housed in an IP65 cabinet. The base unit provides the services to the heat exchangers. Under the tabletop are positions for multiple options or accessories. These include the vacuum, extraction and CIP pumps, homogenizer and the hot water circulator options. The system is ArmBUS controlled, with a 15” full color HD touchscreen panel PC (IP65). The touch-screen control panel makes it extremely user friendly to configure and monitor processing parameters. These, along with many other options, enable multiple modules to be included in the same system, giving high process adaptability by reconfiguration of flexible product hoses, using quick-release connections. The sterilization options enable it to be linked to an Armfield sterile filling bench to produce sterile product, even when using long holding tubes and/or downstream homogenization. As with all UHT Armfield systems, it comes with hygienic fittings throughout as standard. Different sets of processing parameters can be edited, stored and quickly recalled using the system’s menu capability. Similarly, the ancillary items such as the homogenizer and sterile filler are also controlled from this panel. The system can be quickly and easily interfaced to other free-standing Armfield process items, such as a mixing vessel, a chiller (FT63 or FT64) or a sterile filling system (FT83XA).