The tight seal, impervious media and ease of removal of the BFM® connector help to make cleaning and maintenance during clean in place (CIP) a breeze.
Seeflex 040E has excellent abrasion and chemical resistance. The connector can be used during the CIP process and very easily removed for cleaning any residual chemicals.
In most cases, maintaining the BFM® blue band connector is purely a matter of good housekeeping. If the CIP chemicals (usually either caustic or acid) are not washed off thoroughly then they will leave yellow stains on the Seeflex 040E media.
This is not contamination but simply discolouration of the media through a lack of rinsing. Chemical solution that remains on the connector will evaporate leaving a corrosive layer of chemical on the connector fabric.
It is therefore highly recommended that you wipe both the inside of the spigot and the connector after CIP to remove any residual cleaning chemicals.
No crevices to collect product so no build-up or contamination risk. Superior seal means they're safe for use in CIP cleaning cycles.
Strong and durable material designed to handle low concentration levels of caustic and acid often found in CIP wash fluids.
BFM® have a wide range of products that conform to important global standards such as 3A, USDA, FDA, EC & ATEX.
Less clean-ups and replacements plus faster, easier changeovers mean more productivity.
The maximum concentration levels that should be used during a CIP for acid is 0.8% and for caustic it's 1.5%. Any greater level does not provide an increased benefit in terms of cleaning the system, it is purely wasting chemicals. Excess levels will also adversely affect other parts in the system, such as seals and gaskets.
AVOID THE FOLLOWING:
We always recommend that the BFM® connector is removed and wiped clean after the CIP process to ensure no residual chemicals. Whilst there is potential for CIP chemicals to get into the internal gap during CIP, the BFM® fitting is still far superior to any other type of connector in this situation.
The BFM® Wash Sleeve connector is a Seeflex 040E with a Wash Sleeve stamp that makes it easy for your staff to identify which connector should be used for your CIP wash process.
Using a BFM® Wash Sleeve connector reduces the risk of any residual chemicals contaminating your end product. Changing out the Wash Sleeve after the clean-in-place cycle also serves as a good reminder for staff to wipe the residue off the inside of the spigot to help extend the operational life of your process connectors.
BFM® fitting outperform traditional hose clamp systems in virtually every processing application and condition. Here are some common process applications that are challenging for flexible connectors:
If you operate under pressure, we know keeping your product inside your process brings all sorts of challenges, usually around dust control and connector failure.
Processors often operate equipment under negative pressure to avoid leaking product out of machinery, but you need to ensure your connectors seal properly too.
The constant movement on sifters puts stress on flexible connections between equipment, and often causes problems like poor sealing, leaks and failures.
Metal Detector applications can be a challenging environment for traditional clamped connector systems because steel cannot be in near proximity to the detector.
Static dissipative connectors like the BFM® fitting range will help reduce the chance of spark discharges occurring that can potentially ignite combustible dust explosions.
This uniquely shaped snap-fit connector made from our popular Seeflex 040E material features a tapered infeed end, 110º angled ‘corner’ bend and straight drain output end.
It is designed to redirect the CIP wash fluid out of the process equipment at the end of the CIP cycle, helping to ensure the rest of the plant stays dry and product is free from chemicals used in the cleaning process.
The product was designed in response to requests from systems integrators who were designing new process lines and wanted a more cost-effective way to drain Clean-In-Place (CIP) wash water.
Replace your CIP system with a BFM® Corner Connector 040E.
