Blog Post

Sanitary processes in industries like dairy, brewing, and biotech require precision, cleanliness, and reliable flow control. One of the most critical components in such applications is the sanitary butterfly valve with actuator. These valves ensure leak-free shutoff, minimal contamination risk, and seamless automation of fluid handling systems.

This article explores the features, applications, benefits, and selection tips for the best sanitary butterfly valves with actuators used in hygiene-sensitive industries.

What Is a Sanitary Butterfly Valve with Actuator?

A sanitary butterfly valve is a quarter-turn valve with a disc mounted on a rotating shaft, used to control flow through a pipeline. When paired with an actuator (either electric or pneumatic), the valve can be operated automatically without manual intervention.

Sanitary valves differ from standard industrial valves due to their hygienic design, smooth surfaces, and easy-to-clean construction, ensuring compliance with CIP (Clean-In-Place) and SIP (Sterilize-In-Place) protocols.

Key Components

1. Valve Body – Made from 304 or 316L stainless steel, offering excellent corrosion resistance and surface finish.

2. Disc/Seal – Engineered with FDA-approved elastomers like EPDM, silicone, or PTFE.

3. Actuator – Can be:

   • Pneumatic: Fast response, ideal for automated systems.

   • Electric: Precise control, suitable for low-pressure operations.

4. Control Accessories – Positioners, limit switches, and sensors for smart automation and feedback.

Why Use Sanitary Butterfly Valves in Dairy, Brewing & Biotech?

Industries dealing with consumables or sensitive biological materials demand sterile processing equipment. Sanitary butterfly valves meet this requirement due to:

• Smooth, crevice-free surfaces that prevent bacterial buildup

• Quick disassembly for inspection and cleaning

• Resistance to aggressive cleaning agents used in CIP/SIP cycles

• Minimal dead space, ensuring no residual product remains in the line

Applications by Industry

1. Dairy Industry

In dairy processing, it’s crucial to maintain the purity of milk and milk products. Sanitary butterfly valves help control flow between pasteurizers, tanks, and bottling systems.

They are used in milk pasteurization, yogurt fermentation, and cheese production. These valves prevent cross-contamination with their tight-sealing and easy-to-clean design.

2. Brewing Industry

Brewers require reliable and sterile fluid control during fermentation, storage, and bottling.

These valves are used to manage flow of wort, beer, and cleaning fluids. Stainless steel construction resists acids and cleaning agents. Automated valves reduce manual handling and maintain consistent batch quality.

3. Biotech Industry

Biotechnology involves the production of sensitive biological compounds like enzymes, vaccines, and pharmaceuticals.

Sanitary valves ensure sterile processing in bioreactors and filtration systems. Electric actuators offer precise modulation and zero contamination risk. These valves are compliant with FDA, 3-A, and EHEDG sanitary standards.

Benefits of Using Sanitary Butterfly Valves with Actuators

1. Automated control – No manual effort; improves efficiency and system reliability

2. Hygienic design – Polished surfaces (Ra ≤ 0.8 µm) prevent biofilm formation

3. Cost-effective – Fewer moving parts, lower maintenance compared to ball valves

4. Quick shut-off – Actuators enable rapid opening/closing, reducing downtime

5. Long service life – Durable materials and low-wear design for heavy-duty use

Pneumatic vs. Electric Actuators: Which to Choose?

Choose the actuator type based on your plant infrastructure, process sensitivity, and control needs.

How to Select the Best Sanitary Butterfly Valve for Your Application

1. Material Compatibility
   Use 316L stainless steel for high-corrosion environments. Select FDA-certified seat materials (EPDM, PTFE) based on temperature and chemical exposure.

2. Valve Size & Pressure Rating
   Ensure correct diameter and pressure rating for your flow requirements.

3. Type of Actuator
   For automated CIP/SIP systems, pneumatic is ideal. For lab-scale or precision control, electric is preferred.

4. Certifications
   Ensure valves meet 3-A, FDA, EHEDG, and ASME BPE standards.

5. Maintenance & Cleanability
   Look for tool-free disassembly, clamp connections, and crevice-free interiors.

Top Features to Look For

• Tri-clamp or butt-weld ends for hygienic installation

• Visual indicator for valve position

• Integrated limit switch box for automated systems

• Compact actuator design to save space

• High cycle life with minimal wear

Conclusion

When it comes to hygienic processing in the dairy, brewing, and biotech sectors, the sanitary butterfly valve with actuator stands out as a trusted solution. With features like hygienic design, fast automation, easy cleaning, and reliable shut-off, these valves ensure safe and efficient operation in sensitive environments.

Selecting the right valve depends on factors like actuator type, material compatibility, certifications, and maintenance needs. By choosing a high-quality sanitary butterfly valve with actuator, you ensure long-term reliability, compliance, and product purity in your critical processes.