New problem solver for the filtration system

The filtration system is often one of the most sensitive points in your production line. If the filter section malfunctions, it directly affects your product quality, uptime and energy consumption. At one of our customers, the area around the filters had become a recurring bottleneck. Here, rigid process pipes created tension and leaks, which resulted in difficult everyday maintenance. 

Over time, it became more difficult to keep everything tight, and each adjustment made the installation a little more inefficient. The challenge was not the filters themselves, but the way they were connected. 

Instead of continuing with yet another temporary solution to the existing pipe system, the customer made a strategic decision. They switched from rigid pipes to a flexible, corrugated teflon hose strategically placed around the filters. Today, these act as flexible permeate hoses, connecting each individual membrane filter directly to the collection system.

The goal was clear: to remove hidden mechanical stresses from the filter area. At the same time, they wanted a solution that could handle both daily process operations and heavy CIP/SIP cycles. The choice fell on our corrugated teflon hose, as it combines a number of technical properties that are difficult to achieve in a single component with other materials. The smooth inner surface of the Teflon ensures that the liquid flows easily with minimal pressure loss. At the same time, the flexible shape of the hose acts as a shock absorber, protecting the sensitive membrane housings from both vibrations and the large temperature fluctuations in the plant.

Replacing the fixed process pipes not only solved the customer's immediate problem. It also brought a number of operational benefits that will ensure more stable production in the future. 

Here are 3 reasons for choosing this food-approved hose for the filtration system: 

The corrugations in the hose provide a very flexible construction. This means that the hose can absorb both axial and radial movements without transferring the stresses to your filter housing. Where rigid pipes fight against the natural movements of the system, the corrugated teflon hose follows the flow. This ensures continuous tightness and significantly reduces the risk of unplanned production stoppages. 

PTFE material is extremely hard-wearing. It can handle temperatures from –70 °C up to +260 °C. This makes the hose suitable for most filtration systems where production takes place at one temperature, while the cleaning sequences (CIP/SIP) require something completely different. You get a solution that remains stable even when the system switches between cold products and hot cleaning cycles. 

An often overlooked advantage of PTFE material is its transparency. The transparent surface allows your operators to visually monitor the flow directly around the filters. This means you can quickly detect air pockets, discolouration or unwanted particle accumulation. This gives you significantly better process control precisely where filtration matters most to your end quality. The corrugated shape makes it easy to monitor the flow and perform inspections during full operation. 

In addition to better inspection and easier access to filters, PTFE hoses also contribute to more energy-efficient operation. The smooth, non-stick interior provides a more stable flow and reduces turbulence and pressure loss through the filtration section, which can ultimately lower the pump's energy requirements.

Although the corrugated PTFE hose was the ideal choice for the filter section in this case, there are other areas in your plant where other materials make more sense.

In those parts of the plant where you need extreme flexibility and a very small bending radius, silicone hoses may be the right choice. This is especially true at filling stations and filling lines or in zones with more moderate temperatures.

In applications where the operating pressure is higher, or where a transparent hose is needed further out in the system, our PUR 401 Food can be a strong alternative or supplement. 

• It can operate at pressures up to approx. 13 bar and typically covers temperatures from –40°C to +90°C. 
• It's completely transparent and also allows visual inspection of the product on lines with higher pressures. 
• It's food-approved and developed for modern process and food production, where documentation requirements are high.  

In this specific filtration task, however, the focus was less on maximum process pressure and more on movement, temperature range and chemical exposure close to the filter housing. And here, the corrugated PTFE hose stands out as the most robust solution. 

Are you also looking for a solution for your filter installation? Or do you need more advice on choosing the right food hose? Contact us today at inquiry@alfotech.eu or +45 7020 0422, so we can help you in the best possible way according to your needs.