With processes in hygienic industries such as beverages becoming increasingly complex, some of the challenges include higher volumes, increased efficiency, reduction in water and energy use. That is why it is essential to optimize flow management without compromising flexibility, plant safety, product quality or hygiene. A valve matrix - also known as valve cluster - is a great option for maximizing process efficiency through optimised flow management. Each stage of the design and installation process is an important component to fully realising potential in your process by saving time and avoiding lost revenue associated with production downtime. Compared to traditional flow plates, a valve matrix is designed to allow simultaneous circulation of liquids - including CIP - on several levels with the exact number of lines and rows to match the specific requirements of your process. The matrix ensures the flexibility for you to run multiple products to multiple destinations, while other lines are being cleaned. Installing a valve matrix with Alfa Laval Unique Mixproof Valves combines outstanding product safety with good cleaning conditions and no risk of cross-contamination. It rules out the opportunity of human errors, which can occur using manual connection of lines and handling of swing bends. Alfa Laval valve matrices can be supplied pre-assembled and pre-tested as well as fully wired and with all the necessary pneumatic tubing, junction boxes and control panels pre-connected. This means you can bring even complex installations online as quickly as possible, saving time and avoiding lost revenue associated with on-site assembly, troubleshooting and downtime. Technology leader Anton Paar has launched three new compact refractometer models: Abbemat 3200, 3100, and 3000 . These instruments are available with or without temperature control in different temperature and measuring ranges. They promise fast, easy, and precise refractive index and concentration measurements. In the daily laboratory routine many tasks and responsibilities need to be handled. Complicated worksteps or equipment that clutters valuable workspace are not welcome. The new Anton Paar refractometers are designed to give exactly the functions needed, and smoothly integrate into laboratories in the beverage industry, without taking up much space or time – or money. The new Abbemat models need only as much room as a sheet of printer paper, which saves valuable space on the laboratory bench. The 5.8 inch intuitive colour touchscreen supports fast navigation, provides a precise overview of your measuring results and methods, and supports fast navigation. Low sample volume, nearly no maintenance, and an attractive price range allow you to stay within your time and money budget. Reliable refractive index measure- ments with an accuracy of ±0.0001nD are obtained at the push of a button. The measurement data is stored on an internal data memory and can easily be exported or printed for further reference via USB, RS-232, or Ethernet ports. The sample well and the measuring prism withstand even aggressive chemicals. Three models are offered with or without temperature control in different temperature and measuring ranges to cover all eventualities needed for measurement. The Abbemat 3000 refractometer model has temperature corrected methods like °Brix, glucose and invert sugar for fast measuring results without the need of temperature control, i.e. in the quality control of sugars or beverages. The Abbemat 3100 and Abbemat 3200 refractometer models have a built-in solid-state temperature control, which guarantees fast and even temperature adjustment at 20°C and 25°C (Abbemat 3100) or between 15°C and 60°C (Abbemat 3200). This Peltier temperature control eliminates the influence of temperature on the refractive index and ensures accurate, fast, and reliable results. Abbemat refractometers are used for quality control of pure substances, concentration measurement in binary solutions, and for determining further parameters correlating with the refractive index. Anton Paar provides more than 100 methods derived from the refractive index which can be uploaded onto the Abbemat refractometers. 14 BREWING & BEVERAGE INDUSTRIES BUSINESS Three new compact refractometer models News PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT www.alfalaval.com For more information visit: www.anton-paar.com For more information visit: Valve matrix ‘saves time and money’ 14_Layout 1 13/08/2017 08:22 Page 1