Unique Sampling Valve

Designed for standard hygienic sampling, the single-seat sampling valve has two positions: open and shut. It can easily be upgraded to a double-seat valve by replacing the handle or actuator with an upgrade kit.

Open position to start the sampling process
Manual valve: rotate the handle counter-clockwise to open the valve.
Pneumatic valve: open the valve by activating the actuator.

In the open position, the valve stem and the membrane are retracted, which enables the product to flow freely through the open valve.

Shut position for sterilization
Manual valve: to stop the sampling process and shut the valve rotate the handle clockwise
Pneumatic valve: shut the air connection.

This action shuts off the flow and makes the channel between the connecting hoses available for sterilization. If steam is used for Sterilization-in-Place, we recommend using an optional pressure relief valve on the outlet. 

As an option, Alfa Laval offers the Alfa Laval Steam Generator, which enables you to steam-sterilize where there is no permanent steam supply on hand. 

A new level of accuracy with patented new technology

Single-seat technology can pose challenges for complete sterilization. In the closed position, the membrane seal comes into contact with the valve seat. These points of contact are virtually impossible to clean due to tight surface compression and may therefore accumulate product residue and microorganisms. You can achieve an extra level of security using Alfa Laval’s unique double-seat technology. The single seat version can be simply upgraded to a Unique double-seat sampling valve with an easy-to-use upgrade kit.

The specially engineered Unique double seat sampling valves are an excellent choice for applications that require higher cleanability. Its patented double seat technology ensures higher cleanability and sterilization of the valve seat and pipe connections. Designed for truly sterile sampling, the double-seat sampling valve has three positions: open, shut and sterilization.

Open position to start the sampling process
Manual valve: rotate the handle counter-clockwise to open the valve.
Pneumatic valve: open the air supply air to the open connection. This retracts the valve stem and membrane seal and enables the product to flow freely through the open valve. 

Shut position to stop the sampling process
Manual valve: rotate the handle clockwise.
Pneumatic valve: shut off the air to the open connection. 

Sterilization position:
Manual valve: rotate the handle clockwise to the steam position.
Pneumatic valve: apply air to the steam connection. This extends the valve head’s inner spindle into the inner seat and stops product flow in the valve port. At the same time the outer spindle of the valve head retracts and lifts the membrane seal away from its normal seat. The hard-to-reach areas on the seat surface are now exposed, ensuring thorough sterilization and making the Unique double-seat sampling valve a solid and reliable choice for 100% representative sampling.

As an option, Alfa Laval offers the Alfa Laval Steam Generator, which enables you to steam-sterilize where there is no permanent steam supply on hand. 

Alfa Laval Unique Sampling valve can be configured with a manual or pneumatic actuator. The pneumatic actuator provides a remote sampling option, and an indication proximity switch can be added for valve positioning.

In the single seat configuration, the pneumatic actuator opens and shuts the valve.

When fitted with a double-seated sampling valve, the pneumatic actuator furthermore ensures total sterilization of the entire valve seat and pipe connections.