To date, discharging product from bag-in-box systems has involved the 25-year old cutter membrane technique. This is carried out at the food processor and entails piercing the liner membrane, while quickly attaching a secondary valve to dispatch the liquid.
"The problem with the cutter membrane technique is that often processors use the same valve for different operations and it is difficult to clean", says Arena ZME commercial director Mr Steve McAleavy. "Pierced membrane can get into product causing major problems and lots of product goes to waste because of spillage."
By being integrated into the IBC bag, the butterfly valve is said to overcome these potential hygiene pit-falls. It will also eliminate spillage during disconnection and allows multiple partial discharge by simply opening and closing the valve.
Arena believes it has made this otherwise costly system accessible due to its recent acquisition of an in-jection moulder that allows the company to make all components under one roof. Its product development work in the medical industry also means that the IBCs benefit from Class 10 000 Clean Room standards.
Having won over US food manufacturers, Arena's integrated valve IBCs are being used by Foxes Biscuits and Cambell Soups. Demand from other UK producers is anticipated.
