Valves
Hygienic Process Valves UK
Hygienic process valves are used within stainless steel pipework systems where product cleanliness and contamination control are critical. Commonly used across food processing, brewing, dairy production and pharmaceutical manufacturing, these valves provide reliable flow control while maintaining hygienic conditions throughout the process system.
Manufactured from corrosion-resistant stainless steel, hygienic valves are designed with smooth internal surfaces and minimal dead zones to allow efficient cleaning during CIP and SIP cycles.
Process Flow Components: Suppliers of Ball, Butterfly, Non-return / Check, Pressure and Actuated Hygienic Process Valves
Hygienic process valves are essential components in stainless steel pipeline systems used in food, beverage, dairy and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Designed for sanitary environments, these valves ensure safe product handling while allowing accurate control of flow, pressure and isolation within hygienic pipework systems.
Hygienic Ball Valves
Hygienic ball valves provide reliable quarter-turn isolation with minimal pressure drop across the valve. The full bore design ensures unrestricted flow through the valve body, making them ideal for hygienic process pipelines where product integrity and cleanability are critical.
3-piece full bore sanitary ball valve
Imperial Size | Tube OD |
½” | 12.7 mm |
¾” | 19.05 mm |
1” | 25.4 mm |
1¼” | 31.8 mm |
1½” | 38.1 mm |
2” | 50.8 mm |
2½” | 63.5 mm |
3” | 76.2 mm |
4” | 101.6 mm |
5” | 129 mm |
6” | 154 mm |
Body: Stainless Steel ASTM A351 CF8M / EN 1.4408
Ball: 316 Stainless Steel
Stem: Stainless Steel
Seats & Seals: PTFE / FDA approved
Up to 1000 PSI depending on valve size, type and connection & temperature
-20°C to +180°C (pressure & application dependent)
Internally polished hygienic finish
Typical internal Ra ≤ 0.8 µm
Available with a range of hygienic connections including:
Butt Weld
Clamp / Tri-Clamp
RJT Union
DIN 11851
SMS
IDF
Sanitary cavity-filled seats prevent product build-up around the ball and help maintain hygienic flow paths throughout the valve body.
Full bore design for unrestricted flow
Cavity filled seats to eliminate dead zones
Lockable stainless steel lever handle
Blow-out proof stem design
ISO 5211 actuator mounting pad available
Suitable for manual or automated operation
Food and beverage processing
Dairy production
Brewing and distilling
Pharmaceutical manufacturing
Clean chemical processing
Hygienic Butterfly Valves
Hygienic butterfly valves offer a compact and cost-effective solution for shut-off and flow control in stainless steel process lines.
Sanitary butterfly valve with clamp body and replaceable elastomer seat.
Imperial Size | Tube OD |
½” | 12.7 mm |
¾” | 19.05 mm |
1” | 25.4 mm |
1¼” | 31.8 mm |
1½” | 38.1 mm |
2” | 50.8 mm |
2½” | 63.5 mm |
3” | 76.2 mm |
4” | 101.6 mm |
5” | 129 mm |
6” | 154 mm |
Body: 316 Stainless Steel
Disc: 316 Stainless Steel
Seal: EPDM, PTFE or Silicone
-10°C to +120°C (EPDM seat)
Higher temperatures available with PTFE seats.
-10°C to +100°C (EPDM seat)
Higher temperatures available with alternative seats.
Internally polished hygienic finish
Typical internal surface roughness ≤ Ra 0.8 µm.
Tri-Clamp / Clamp
Butt Weld
DIN 11851 Union
SMS Union
RJT Union
IDF Union
Lightweight compact design
Quick quarter-turn operation
Lockable multi-position handles
Pneumatic actuation available
Hygienic internal profile
Dairy processing
Brewing and distilling
Food production
Beverage manufacturing
Pharmaceutical processing
Hygienic Check / Non-return Valves
Hygienic check valves, also known as non-return valves, are designed to prevent reverse flow in sanitary process pipelines. These valves allow product to flow freely in one direction while automatically closing when flow reverses, protecting pumps, process equipment and product integrity in hygienic systems.
They are widely used in food, beverage, dairy and pharmaceutical processing where contamination prevention and hygienic design are critical.
Spring-loaded hygienic piston check valve designed for automatic non-return operation.
Size | Tube OD |
1” | 25.4 mm |
1¼” | 31.8 mm |
1½” | 38.1 mm |
2” | 50.8 mm |
2½” | 63.5 mm |
3” | 76.2 mm |
4” | 101.6 mm |
Sanitary check valves are commonly available in hygienic tube sizes from 1″ to 4″ OD, with larger sizes available from some manufacturers.
Body: Stainless Steel 316L
Piston: Stainless Steel 316L
Spring: Stainless Steel 316
Seal: EPDM / PTFE / Silicone
Sanitary check valves typically use corrosion-resistant stainless steel components and food-grade elastomers to ensure hygienic performance in process environments.
Up to 10 bar (150 PSI) depending on valve size and seal material.
-10°C to +100°C (EPDM seal)
Higher temperatures available with alternative sealing materials.
Internally polished hygienic finish
Typical surface roughness ≤ Ra 0.8 µm
Some sanitary check valves can also be electropolished to further improve cleanability and corrosion resistance.
Available with common hygienic pipe connections including:
Tri-Clamp / Clamp
Butt Weld
DIN 11851 Union
SMS Union
RJT Union
IDF Union
Automatic reverse flow protection
Spring-activated piston design
Hygienic internal geometry
Low cracking pressure operation
Designed to minimise product contamination risk
Easy maintenance and seal replacement
Food processing systems
Dairy production lines
Brewing and distilling plants
Pharmaceutical manufacturing
Cosmetic and biotechnology processing
Hygienic Diaphragm Valves
Hygienic diaphragm valves are designed for precise flow control in sanitary process systems where product purity and contamination prevention are critical. The flexible diaphragm forms a seal against the valve body, isolating the process fluid from the operating mechanism and creating a hygienic shut-off point.
These valves are widely used in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food and dairy processing applications where sterile or high-purity flow control is required.
Weir-type hygienic diaphragm valve with replaceable elastomer diaphragm.
Imperial Size | Tube OD |
½” | 12.7 mm |
¾” | 19.05 mm |
1” | 25.4 mm |
1¼” | 31.8 mm |
1½” | 38.1 mm |
2” | 50.8 mm |
Bonnet: Stainless Steel 304 / 316
Diaphragm: EPDM / PTFE / Silicone
Up to 10 bar (150 PSI) depending on valve size and diaphragm material.
-10°C to +100°C depending on diaphragm material.
Alternative diaphragms can support higher operating temperatures in pharmaceutical applications.
Internally polished hygienic finish
Typical internal surface roughness ≤ Ra 0.8 µm
Electropolished finishes are also available for high-purity process systems.
Available with a range of hygienic connections including:
Butt Weld
Clamp / Tri-Clamp
RJT Union
DIN 11851
SMS
IDF
Sanitary cavity-filled seats prevent product build-up around the ball and help maintain hygienic flow paths throughout the valve body.
Hygienic shut-off design
Minimal dead-leg construction
Suitable for CIP and SIP cleaning
Excellent throttling capability
Replaceable diaphragm for easy maintenance
Ideal for sterile and high-purity applications
Pharmaceutical manufacturing
Biotechnology processing
Dairy production
Food processing systems
Cosmetic manufacturing
Hygienic Overflow & Relief Valves
Hygienic overflow and relief valves are designed to protect sanitary process systems from excess pressure or liquid overflow. These valves automatically open when system pressure or liquid levels exceed a predetermined setting, preventing damage to equipment and maintaining safe operating conditions within hygienic pipelines and vessels.
They are commonly installed on process tanks, vessels and pipeline systems used in food, beverage, dairy and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Spring-loaded hygienic overflow and relief valve with adjustable pressure or level setting
Size | Tube OD |
1” | 25.4 mm |
1¼” | 31.8 mm |
1½” | 38.1 mm |
2” | 50.8 mm |
2½” | 63.5 mm |
3” | 76.2 mm |
4” | 101.6 mm |
Spring: Stainless Steel 316
Seal: EPDM / PTFE / Silicone
Adjustable pressure settings typically ranging from 0.5 bar to 10 bar, depending on valve size and configuration.
-10°C to +140°C depending on seal material.
Internally polished hygienic finish
Typical internal surface roughness ≤ Ra 0.8 µm
Electropolished finishes are available for high-purity applications.
Available with common hygienic pipe connections including:
Tri-Clamp / Clamp
Butt Weld
DIN 11851 Union
SMS Union
RJT Union
IDF Union
Automatic pressure and overflow protection
Adjustable pressure or level setting
Hygienic internal design
Suitable for CIP and SIP cleaning
Reliable spring-loaded operation
Designed for sanitary process systems
Process tanks and vessels
Brewing and distilling systems
Dairy production plants
Food processing systems
Pharmaceutical manufacturing
Overflow and relief valves help maintain safe operating pressures within hygienic process equipment while preventing product loss or system damage.
Hygienic Sampling Valves
Hygienic sampling valves are designed to allow safe and contamination-free product sampling from process pipelines and vessels. These valves enable operators to collect representative samples of liquids during production without interrupting the process flow or compromising hygienic conditions.
Sampling valves are widely used in food processing, brewing, dairy and pharmaceutical manufacturing where quality control and product testing are critical.
Hygienic sanitary sampling valve with spring-loaded or manual operating mechanism.
Size | Tube OD |
1” | 25.4 mm |
1¼” | 31.8 mm |
1½” | 38.1 mm |
2” | 50.8 mm |
Sampling valves are typically installed on smaller branch connections from tanks or pipelines.
Body: Stainless Steel 316L
Stem: Stainless Steel 316
Seal: EPDM / PTFE / Silicone
All wetted parts are manufactured from corrosion-resistant stainless steel suitable for hygienic process environments.
Up to 10 bar depending on valve configuration.
-10°C to +140°C depending on seal material.
Internally polished hygienic finish
Typical internal surface roughness ≤ Ra 0.8 µm
Electropolished finishes available for high-purity systems.
Available with hygienic process connections including:
Tri-Clamp / Clamp
Butt Weld
DIN 11851 Union
SMS Union
Allows hygienic product sampling
Designed to prevent contamination
Compact installation design
Easy operation and maintenance
Suitable for CIP and SIP cleaning
- Food production systems
- Brewing and distilling plants
- Dairy processing facilities
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Beverage production lines
Sampling valves allow operators to safely obtain product samples for laboratory analysis while maintaining hygienic processing conditions.
Hygienic Actuated Valves
Hygienic valve actuation allows process valves to be operated automatically within sanitary production systems. Actuated valves are widely used in automated food processing, brewing, dairy and pharmaceutical facilities where precise control of flow, pressure and product routing is required.
By integrating pneumatic or electric actuators, hygienic valves can be controlled remotely through PLC systems and process automation equipment, improving efficiency, reliability and production consistency.
Pneumatic Actuators
Pneumatic actuators are the most common form of valve automation used in hygienic process systems. Powered by compressed air, these actuators provide fast and reliable valve operation and are commonly used on seat valves, diaphragm valves and butterfly valves.
Electric Actuators
Electric actuators provide automated valve operation where compressed air systems are not available. These actuators offer precise positioning and are often used in smaller process systems or installations requiring electrical control.
Automated hygienic valves can be integrated into process control systems using:
- PLC control systems
- Position feedback sensors
- Solenoid valves
- Valve control tops
Control tops provide visual valve status indication and allow communication with plant automation systems.
Size | Tube OD |
1” | 25.4 mm |
1¼” | 31.8 mm |
1½” | 38.1 mm |
2” | 50.8 mm |
2½” | 63.5 mm |
3” | 76.2 mm |
4” | 101.6 mm |
Internal Components: Stainless Steel
Seals: EPDM / PTFE / FKM
Automated valve operation
Integration with process control systems
Fast and reliable actuation
Visual valve position indication
Suitable for hygienic washdown environments
Compatible with CIP and SIP processes
Automated food processing systems
Brewing and distilling plants
Dairy production lines
Pharmaceutical manufacturing
Beverage processing facilities
Valve actuation systems allow hygienic process plants to operate efficiently while maintaining precise control of product flow throughout the production system.
Hygienic Seat / Control Valves
Hygienic seat valves, also known as sanitary single-seat valves, are designed for reliable shut-off and flow control in automated hygienic process systems. These valves use a spring-loaded valve stem and sealing seat to provide precise control of liquid product flow while maintaining hygienic operating conditions.
Seat valves are widely used in automated processing lines within the food, dairy, beverage and pharmaceutical industries where fast response times and reliable isolation are required.
Spring-loaded single-seat hygienic valve with pneumatic actuator.
Sampling valves are typically installed on smaller branch connections from tanks or pipelines.
Size | Tube OD |
1” | 25.4 mm |
1¼” | 31.8 mm |
1½” | 38.1 mm |
2” | 50.8 mm |
2½” | 63.5 mm |
3” | 76.2 mm |
4” | 101.6 mm |
Body: Stainless Steel 316L
Stem: Stainless Steel 316
Seal: EPDM / PTFE / FKM
All wetted components are manufactured from corrosion-resistant materials suitable for hygienic processing environments.
Up to 10 bar depending on valve size and configuration.
-10°C to +140°C depending on seal material.
Internally polished hygienic finish
Typical internal surface roughness ≤ Ra 0.8 µm
Electropolished finishes are available for high-purity process systems.
Available with hygienic process connections including:
Tri-Clamp / Clamp
Butt Weld
DIN 11851 Union
SMS Union
RJT Union
Designed for automated process control
Pneumatic actuation available
Hygienic internal geometry
Fast response operation
Suitable for CIP and SIP cleaning
Reliable shut-off performance
Automated food processing systems
Dairy production lines
Brewing and distilling plants
Beverage manufacturing
Pharmaceutical processing
Seat valves are commonly used in automated hygienic process plants where fast and reliable valve actuation is required to control product flow.
Valve Standards
Hygienic process valves used in sanitary pipeline systems are manufactured to recognised international standards to ensure safe operation, cleanability and product protection in sensitive processing environments. These standards define material specifications, surface finishes and hygienic design requirements for equipment used within food, beverage, dairy and pharmaceutical production facilities.
The hygienic valves supplied by Process Flow Components are designed to meet the requirements of widely recognised sanitary engineering standards.
BS 4825
BS 4825 is the British Standard covering stainless steel tubes and hygienic fittings used in food and pharmaceutical processing systems. Equipment manufactured to this standard ensures compatibility with hygienic pipework systems and provides the smooth internal surface finishes required for sanitary applications.
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ASME BPE
ASME BPE (BioProcessing Equipment) is an internationally recognised standard used primarily within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. It defines strict requirements for material quality, surface finish and hygienic design to ensure equipment can be effectively cleaned and sterilised.
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3-A Sanitary Standards
3-A Sanitary Standards are widely used within the food and dairy industries. The 3-A certification programme ensures hygienic processing equipment is designed to prevent product contamination and allow efficient cleaning during production cycles.
EHEDG
The European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group (EHEDG) provides guidelines and certification for hygienic equipment used in food processing plants. EHEDG standards focus on hygienic design principles that reduce contamination risks and support effective cleaning procedures.
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FDA Approved Materials
Hygienic valves often incorporate elastomer seals and components manufactured from FDA-approved materials suitable for contact with food, beverage and pharmaceutical products.
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Hygienic Surface Finishes
Sanitary process equipment typically features internally polished surfaces with roughness values of Ra ≤ 0.8 µm to minimise bacterial growth and ensure effective cleaning during CIP (Clean-In-Place) and SIP (Sterilise-In-Place) processes.
Trusted by process engineers, fabricators and installers across the UK.
Supporting hygienic process fabricators across the UK.