From manual cleaning to scheduled Clean In Place (CIP) processes, regular maintenance of your BFM® flexible connector and spigot helps keep your factory free from contaminants and ensures that your process is performing at maximum efficiency.
BFM® fitting makes it easy to keep your factory clean - and keeping your BFM® connectors clean is simple too.
The BFM® fitting are resilient and will outlast many comparable media, although they will naturally wear with usage over time. Good regular maintenance will give you the best possible life.
You can clean both non-breathable connectors (such as Seeflex 040E) and the breathable connectors (such as LM3) with some simple manual techniques
Important Note: if you are using BFM® connectors during CIP, it is still important to remove and wipe both the connector and spigot clean at the end of each cycle to ensure there is no residue of any chemical cleaning solutions.
The best way to clean the BFM® Seeflex connectors is by simply wiping them down with Isopropyl alcohol and a microfibre cloth, which leaves the connectors clear as a window and has the added advantage of sanitizing the connectors.
You can also rinse or wash your BFM® connector using non-corrosive detergents in warm water. It is important that the BFM® connector is wiped clean and dry of any residual chemicals after washing, and the internal surfaces of the BFM® spigots are also wiped clean and dry.
Seeflex Range includes: Seeflex 020E, Seeflex 040E, Seeflex 040AS, Seeflex 060ES, Flexi-Connector, Flexi-Earthed and Flexi-Light.
NOTE: Over time, the chemicals used in CIP may cause a slight yellowing of the Seeflex material, but it will not affect the connector performance or integrity.
Breathable (or woven) connectors are cleaned slightly differently due to the material they are manufactured with. Woven fabrics such as PTFE and polyester are absorbent and permeable so they are likely to leak liquids, especially when under pressure so CIP is not generally recommended.
Follow the instructions below for best practices when cleaning woven connectors:
Breathable Connectors include: LM3, LM4 and Teflex Woven.
The FM1 Breather Bag can be washed but it is not recommended.
BFM® fitting works very well in CIP installations. The tight seal, impervious media and ease of removal make cleaning and maintenance during CIP a breeze.
Our most popular connector, Seeflex 040E, has excellent abrasion and chemical resistance.
The connector can be used during the CIP process and is very easy to remove for cleaning any residual chemicals.
Many companies like to have a separate connector, especially for the CIP process. BFM® can supply a product that is clearly marked 'Wash Sleeve' (shown adjacent) and the ease of change means this connector can be simply snapped in for the wash cycle only.
For more information, visit our CIP application page.
There are no tools required to install BFM® connectors. Simply bend and position the cuff against the grooves of the spigot and release the tension!
The BFM® fitting flexible connector system provides so many advantages in terms of operational efficiency, it's an investment that pays for itself many times over.
We have over 50 distributors around the world ready to assist you now.
