Manifolds: bespoke solutions

Manifolds are collectors comprising a set number of valves to control and regulate the flow of different fluids moving around a production plant.

The manifolds manage these flows by simultaneously opening and closing the valves to enable or stop the flow of different products along different lines.

This means different actions can take place at the same time, i.e. one tank can be filling with a product, while another product can be emptying from another tank along a different line, and a third tank can be undergoing CIP cleaning.

As this intersection of lines and different products make this a critical point in the plant, any valves regulating this traffic have to prevent the potential contamination of products prepared with other products or cleaning solutions (CIP), using a specific design, double seats and double gaskets to prevent any mixing. 

SPECIFICATIONS AND P&ID 

The customer prepares and provides a set of requisites and specifications based on their needs.

This involves the number of lines, the number of actions to undertake, the type of valves for each case, valve automation and control, maintenance accesses, air and electrical connections, sizing, etc.

These requisites are ultimately represented in a P&ID, provided either by the customer before the INOXPA engineering team supervises and proposes any potential improvements, or INOXPA designs the P&ID based on the customer’s conveyed requirements and needs, which they later review and approve.

MANUFACTURING 

Manufacturing occurs using accurate measurements by highly qualified staff, with surveillance of every factor involved in the process, such as temperature-induced expansions or contractions, weld tolerances, pressures, etc.

The frame, valve array, air connections, product collection trays, walkways for easier maintenance, electrifical works, control panel, pipe connections,… every component is manufactured and fitted with precision prior to inspection.

All work is documented to ensure compliance with the different applicable industrial guidelines and, once manufactured, the manifold is tested to check all its components and operations prior to receiving final approval.

Lastly, the manifold is protected and packaged for shipping, and if requested by the customer, it is installed and implemented in the plant, completing the project.