STVM Washdown Station

ThermOmegaTech® Announces New Welded Option on STVM® Washdown Station

/ 0 Comments / in News, Product, ThermOmegaTech / by Christine Tarlecki

ThermOmegaTech® is excited to announce improvements to the STVM® washdown station product line, including an STVM® stainless steel washdown option with welded componentry.

STVM welded unit

Adding a stainless steel welded version builds upon ThermOmegaTech’s washdown portfolio, offering a more comprehensive selection for our customers’ needs.

ThermOmegaTech® takes tremendous pride in the industry-leading design and field performance of the STVM steam-water mixing station.

The STVM® Steam Water Mixer Washdown Station is designed for high-temperature washdown to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime in food and beverage processing and other industrial facilities.

The design’s inherent advantages—such as the removable cartridge for easy maintenance and interlocking ball valves to help ensure safe usage—have led to an increasing field base of satisfied, loyal customers.

The ThermOmegaTech STVM® Washdown Station has redefined expectations for safety and ease of maintenance in facilities that mix steam and water for high-temperature washdown to optimize sanitary operations, improve maintenance and operational efficiency, boost safety, and minimize equipment downtime and labor requirements.

Please refer to the STVM product page on the ThermOmegaTech® website for an overview video of its unique features, technical data, and installation/maintenance guidance.

 

About ThermOmegaTech®:

For over 40 years, ThermOmegaTech® has been a leader in designing and manufacturing self-actuated thermostatic valves and actuators.

The company provides innovative thermostatic solutions for various applications, including freeze protection, scald protection, mixing & diverting, steam traps, thermal bypass, tepid water delivery, washdown, balancing, drain tempering, and many other applications where temperature control is critical. Key industries it serves include railroad, commercial plumbing, aerospace, defense, and industrial.

ThermOmegaTech® offers an array of standard valves and specializes in manufacturing highly engineered custom designs to meet your project’s needs. Engineering, manufacturing, assembly, testing, inspection, sales, and customer service departments are all located in one facility for maximum efficiency and effective communication.

ThermOmegaTech® has been ISO 9001-certified for over two decades and achieved AS9100D certification in 2019.

 

Questions? Please contact ThermOmegaTech here.

ThermOmegaTech®, Inc.

353 Ivyland Road, Warminster, PA 18974

Phone: 877-379-8258

Website: www.ThermOmegaTech.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/thermomegatech

Twitter: @thermomegatech

 

In the News: Plant Safety Tips Highlighted in Plant Engineering Magazine

/ 0 Comments / in News, ThermOmegaTech / by Christine Tarlecki

5 Ways To Ensure Plant Safety in Processing Facilities

Processing facilities must ensure employees are trained and educated on proper protocols and procedures to maintain a safe working environment. Plant managers should regularly access the facility for risks and ensure sanitization procedures are followed.

Proper employee training and education

Employees are the backbone of any plant, and their knowledge and adherence to safety protocols are crucial. All-inclusive training programs should educate employees on proper hygiene practices, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, and equipment handling.

“Regular refresher courses and ongoing education initiatives will help reinforce safety protocols and keep employees informed about the latest processing industry standards,” said Glenn Quinty, senior design engineer at ThermOmegaTech.

Assess facility risks

Conducting a thorough risk assessment is necessary to identify and understand potential hazards within the plant. This assessment involves analyzing the processes, machinery, chemicals, and work environments to pinpoint possible sources of danger. Once identified, appropriate control measures can be implemented to mitigate risks and minimize the likelihood of accidents.

Develop proper sanitization procedures

Cleaning and sanitizing chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and beverage processing equipment is critical to maintaining hygiene and operational efficiency. These facilities can offer microscopic places for germs and pathogens to hide, especially in cracks and scratches.

Effective sanitization practices should include regularly cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces and equipment. Washdown stations are a part of those best practices. Plant safety

“Using a washdown unit like ThermOmegaTech’s STVM Station that combines steam and water to provide a high-temperature wash has several benefits. Steam and water mixing stations provide instantaneous steam-heated water with pressure behind it, which can kill bacteria, sterilize and break down greases and other residues in processing plants,” Quinty said.

“When factoring in the amount of volume that the steam occupies in the pipe, as it is compressible, it allows more energy transfer per pipeline distribution size than water or electricity. This washdown station sanitizes equipment efficiently and prevents contamination while complying with industry standards,” he said.

Implement emergency safety equipment

Installing emergency equipment to protect personnel is vital to workplace safety. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations address the need for emergency eyewash and shower stations in 1910.151(c) but do not go into specific requirements for the equipment. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z358.1 standard is the widely accepted guideline for adequately selecting, installing, operating, and maintaining emergency showers, eyewashes, eye/face washes, and combination units.

ANZI Z358.1 addresses where and how to install the equipment and the flushing liquid’s velocity, pressure and temperature. If a person is exposed to a dangerous substance, they need to flush the area of their body exposed with tepid water as quickly as possible. Using tepid water prevents scalding and low-temperature shock.

Various solutions exist for tepid water delivery to these stations, including mixing valves, electric water heaters, and instantaneous electric or steam heater systems.

Strict adherence to regulations and industry standards

Adhering to relevant safety regulations and industry standards is non-negotiable. Compliance with legal requirements ensures that the plant operates within established parameters. Regular audits and inspections should be conducted to verify compliance and identify improvement areas.

Maintaining and enforcing employee training and education initiatives, assessing facility risks, following proper sanitization procedures and implementing emergency safety equipment are all ways to ensure your employees are at their safest while working daily.

Questions on how to make your plant or facility safer? Contact ThermOmegaTech here.

 

This article ran on January 18, 2024, in Plant Engineering magazine. Read the full feature here.

 

 

The Importance of Industrial Washdown Stations in Food Processing Facilities

/ 0 Comments / in Product, ThermOmegaTech / by Christine Tarlecki

Industrial washdown stations are often used in manufacturing, chemical or petrochemical, and food processing facilities as part of cleaning and sanitation procedures where maintaining hygiene is crucial. A bucket of water with a mop and a cleaning agent does not effectively sanitize a plant the way food processing cleaning equipment can.

Cleaning and Sanitation Procedures in the Food Industry

Food assembly workers on Plant Line

Using industrial washdown systems for food processing is important because they help to keep the facility clean and sanitary. They also help to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses.

Authoritative agencies like the FDA have defined sanitation requirements that each facility must adhere to such as identifying hazards that could impact a production facility.

Food production and detergent residue, liquid, and airborne contamination, transient soil, and microorganisms often are present in food production facilities, which is why washdown stations are recommended in these corporations.

While the hazards present on a production line vary from facility to facility and depend primarily on the specific products produced, they all must be effectively and routinely removed to preserve sanitation and product quality.

Using food processing cleaning equipment can help to reduce costs, too. Regular maintenance and repair of equipment can help to reduce downtime, saving your facility time and money. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of surface areas can also help to reduce labor costs while following a daily process.

Food Processing Cleaning Equipment Limits Downtime

Industrial washdown stations can be used in both commercial and industrial production facilities and are described as stationary equipment that produces a high-pressure and high-temperature stream of water to remove debris while cleaning. However, when used in production facilities such as food processing for meat and dairy, this cleaning equipment offers a fast and efficient cleanup while maintaining sanitation standards.

Food processing cleaning equipment for food processing typically utilizes stations that produce water temperatures at 150°F (65.5°C) or above to quickly cleanse and sanitize surfaces like processing equipment, walls, floors, and other surfaces.

To properly follow cleaning and sanitation procedures for food processing, a washdown system frequently includes a mixing valve that combines hot and cold water along with an industrial-use cleaning agent, if needed.

Using Food Processing Cleaning Equipment Sanitize

Having efficient cleaning equipment in a food processing facility can provide several benefits. By keeping the facility clean, the risk of food contamination is minimized. Food allergies and foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria and viruses can be avoided.

ThermOmegaTech created several washdown systems that offer high-temperature sanitation and maintenance equipment necessary for industrial and food facilities, including steam and water washdown stations with hot water mixing unit hose stations.

To be even more effective, ThermOmegaTech created a specific mixing valve that combines steam and cold water to create a steam water mixing station that lowers the decibel sound in facilities while producing a flow of user-defined stream of water to efficiently sanitize, clean, and kill bacteria.

Choosing The Right Equipment for Food Plant Sanitation

Choosing the right washdown station for your facility can be a challenge. A few key factors should be considered when choosing the equipment for food plant sanitation. Staff should receive proper training on the washdown station when using it, such as donning the correct clothing and protective gear and regularly inspecting and cleaning the equipment.

The ThermOmegaTech® STVM® Washdown Station is used in many processing facilities requiring a high-temperature washdown. Using its proprietary mixing valve, the STVM® industrial washdown station combines steam and cold water at a user-set temperature.

STVM Steam and Water Washdown Station for Talking With TOTS for Industrial Sanitation

STVM® Steam & Water Washdown Station

The unique Venturi valve throttles open and closed, using a scouring action that minimizes the buildup of minerals. This offers a quieter wash without the ‘water hammer effect.’ Plus, the in-line cartridge is easy to replace or clean, requiring no special tools and taking just a few minutes.

Ultimately, food processing cleaning equipment is an essential component of food-processing plants. They offer a dependable, safe, and easy-to-implement way of keeping these facilities clean and sanitized.

By following the correct processes and safety protocols, companies can ensure that their food-processing facilities are well maintained and properly sanitized and sustain production line schedules.

Questions? We can help! Find more info here or contact us.

Industrial Cleaning Hot-Cold Washdown Stations, Steam

Full Steam Ahead: Sanitizing with Steam and Water Mixing Stations Whitepaper

/ 0 Comments / in Product, ThermOmegaTech / by Christine Tarlecki

Washdown stations ensure cleanliness in food processing, dairy, breweries, wineries, chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and other industrial facilities where a high-temperature washdown is required.

Traditional cleaning methods include soap, hot water, and sometimes chemical disinfectants. These procedures may require breaking down equipment to ensure all components are efficiently cleaned and sanitized. If chemicals are used to sanitize a processing plant, especially in food and beverage, labor costs, the possibility of safety hazards, and the overall sanitization time increase.

Utilizing a Steam and Water Mixing Valve to Sanitize Processing Plants

Sanitizing your facility or plant using a steam and water mixing valve is one of the most efficient ways. Using steam to heat the water is more beneficial than chemical cleansing because it avoids chemical agents and can reduce labor times and water consumption.

Steam and water mixing valve stations provide instantaneous high-temperature steam-heated water with pressure behind it, which can kill bacteria, sterilize, and break down greases and other residues in processing plants. The World Health Organization states that bacteria are rapidly killed at temperatures between 149°F and 185°F degrees.

There’s also less downtime for dismantling and reassembly when utilizing steam-heated water to sanitize manufacturing equipment. Steam is sterile as well as being an excellent carrier of heat. Harmful chemicals are also used less or not at all, allowing for more uptime and a safer environment for personnel; while they are doing their jobs.

Not just anyone can utilize high-temperature steam and water mixing washdown stations. Plant personnel must be trained on proper use to ensure safety because the goal is to sanitize, and the goal of the plant is safety.

STVM® Steam & Water Washdown Station

STVM Steam and Water Mixing Valve Washdown Station

ThermOmegaTech’s STVM® Steam & Water Washdown Station has been designed to put the safety of maintenance operators first. Every STVM® Washdown Station is built-to-last and has two built-in safety features – interlocking ball valves to prevent steam-only operation and an automatic shut-off when output is 15°F over the unit’s temperature set-point (either 150°F or 185°F) or when cold water flow is interrupted.

This Washdown Station also incorporates unique Venturi mixing technology to deliver water at the required temperature quickly, quietly, and on demand.

The ‘ST’ in STVM stands for ‘Silent Type,’ meaning it is quieter than other washdown mixing stations. The Venturi effect mixes water in smoother than other steam-to-water mixing stations on the market, which can cause cavitation downstream of the mixing valve.

The steam-supplied station is a self-contained mechanical control unit, so it doesn’t require external hookups for electrical, instrumentation controls, or compressed air.

Find out how the STVM washdown station can efficiently clean your facility. Read more and download the Full Steam Ahead Whitepaper.

 

Questions? We can help! Contact us here.

ThermOmegaTech to Attend Process Expo 2023 in Chicago to Feature In-Demand Maintenance and Safety Solutions

/ 0 Comments / in ThermOmegaTech / by Christine Tarlecki

THERMOMEGATECH TO ATTEND PROCESS EXPO 2023 IN CHICAGO AT MCCORMICK PLACE TO SHOWCASE SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE PRODUCTS ON OCTOBER 23-25

ThermOmegaTech is excited to attend the Process Expo 2023 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL, on October 23-25. Industrial Sales Manager Andy Reichlin, OEM Sales Manager Tim McCollum, and Industrial Account Manager Kristine Wonderly will feature their thermostatic solutions for maintenance and safety with the STVM® Washdown Station, Therm-O-Mix® Tepid Water Delivery Station, ESS Tepid Water Heater, and Thermal Relief Valves for pumps at Booth #4350.

THERMOMEGATECH PRODUCTSWashdown & Tepid Water Group at the Process Expo

ThermOmegaTech’s highest priority is safety! They have developed tepid water solutions for emergency showers and eyewash stations to meet OSHA and ANSI requirements and prevent water lines from freezing or overheating to protect personnel and ensure a safe working environment.

Factory-packaged with ThermOmegaTech’s Therm-O-Mix®, the ESS combines cold and tank-heated hot water to deliver a constant 85°F tepid water outlet temperature at the point of use. The unit is completely mechanical and requires no outside electricity, making it ideal for explosion-proof industrial environments. See how the Therm-O-Mix® station works here.

Federal regulations require that any facility where workers may be exposed to hazardous or corrosive materials must have immediate access to a tepid water emergency drench system to protect the eyes and body in the event of accidental exposure. The Therm-O-Mix® station consistently supplies tepid water on demand to these fixtures to meet OSHA and ANSI Z358.1 safety requirements. Read more about ThermOmegaTech’s Therm-O-Mix® station here.

ThermOmegaTech supplies an innovative solution to the challenge of difficult-to-maintain steam and water mixing stations used to provide a high-temperature washdown for sanitization procedures at processing plants. See how the STVM Washdown station works here.

ThermOmegaTech is also very interested in speaking with end users of our valves, STVM Washdown Station, and the Therm-O-Mix for case studies and testimonials.
Stop by Booth #4350 at the Process Expo for more information.

We look forward to seeing you at the Process Expo! Contact us here for questions.

Talking with TOTs Video | STVM® Washdown Station for Industrial Sanitation

/ 0 Comments / in News, Product, ThermOmegaTech / by Christine Tarlecki

ThermOmegaTech’s Talking With TOTs video, featuring Senior Product Specialist Glenn Quinty on ThermOmegaTech’s STVM® Washdown Station.

Why Industrial Sanitation Requires High-Temperature Washdown Equipment

“We know how critical it is to maintain a clean environment in food processing, dairy, beverage, chemical, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical facilities,” Quinty says. “High-temperature washdown equipment is used to quickly and efficiently clean and sanitize equipment in place to keep production running on time.”

Washdown stations are recommended in food production facilities where transient soil, food production residue, and microorganisms can be present. Depending on the specific product a facility produces, not every facility encounters these hazards, but removing debris, cleaning, and sanitizing is essential to preserving sanitation and product quality.

How the STVM® Mixing Valve Simplifies Industrial Sanitization

Simply put: sanitizing kills bacteria.

Industrial Sanitation comprises several sequences created to protect workers’ health and safety in industrial environments and designed to protect the environment from pollution and industrial waste.

With high temperature washdown equipment, industrial sanitation is achievable. In the Talking with TOTS video, Quinty takes viewers through the washdown process, demonstrating how ThermOmegaTech’s proprietary Silent Venturi Mixing Valve (STVM®) combines steam and water to a user-defined temperature.

Inside the STVM®: Compact, Reliable & Service-Friendly

STVM Steam and Water Washdown Station for Talking With TOTS for Industrial Sanitation

STVM® Steam & Water Washdown Station

“The steam and water mixing valve’s design is self-scouring, which prevents mineral buildup in tight spaces and reduces maintenance frequency. Maintaining competitor steam and water mixing stations can be time-consuming due to complex disassembly, special tooling requirements, and non-reusable components,” Quinty says.

The compact, reliable, and entirely mechanically operated STVM® Washdown Station is beneficial to any industrial processing plant’s sanitation procedures.

Tested for Quiet Operation & Durability

As recent testing found, it is more durable and at least 8-15 decibels quieter than competitor units.

How to Choose the Right High-Temperature Washdown Equipment for Your Facility

Choosing the right washdown equipment can be a challenge, taking into account your facility’s needs and government regulations.

To minimize maintenance downtime and get production lines moving again, the STVM® station is in-line serviceable. The operator simply switches out the STVM® mixing valve cartridge with a spare using a standard wrench, and the unit is operational again in minutes. In contrast, competitor stations must be removed from the wall and completely disassembled to repair, which takes hours and results in more extended downtime.

Built-In Safety Features Protect Your Team

Operator’s safety is another crucial element that positions the STVM® Station above the competition. Employees should wear the correct PPE (personal protective equipment — including gloves, masks, smocks, etc.) when operating any washdown equipment and have the proper training on the unit. In addition to these safety guidelines, our station has two safety features to help keep your employees safe.

“The mixing valve is designed to reduce flow if the output temperature exceeds the factory set-point and will completely stop flow 15°F above that,” Quinty notes in the video. “The station also has interlocking steam and water shut-off ball valves, so both inlets shut off at the same time to prevent accidental steam-only operation.”

Reduce Costs and Downtime with Effective Cleaning Equipment

Using food processing cleaning equipment can help to reduce costs, too. Regular maintenance and repair of equipment can help to minimize downtime, saving your facility time and money. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of surface areas can also help to reduce labor costs while following a daily process.

Watch the full Talking With TOTs video

If you have questions about the STVM® Washdown Station or want information on pricing and lead times, please don’t hesitate to contact us or one of our authorized distributors.

Case Study: Georgia Snack Company Improves Washdown Safety Procedures with STVM®

/ 0 Comments / in ThermOmegaTech / by ThermOmegaTech

For over 20 years, a Georgia snack company has struggled with a number of problems when using steam-heated water hoses during their facility cleaning and sanitizing processes. The biggest issue with these systems was that steam would bore out of the inner working components, creating a steam backdraft to release through the spray nozzle.

These random bursts of steam and hot water became a huge safety risk for their associates. Their existing washdown stations also required 36 internal parts to be replaced which added time and a headache to their maintenance processes. To tackle these pain points, they knew it was time to upgrade and improve their washdown processes.

M. G. Newell Corporation, a distributor of ThermOmegaTech’s food and beverage channel partner, ACE Sanitary, presented the STVM® Steam and Water Washdown Station to the Safety Manager at the snack company.

The STVM® Washdown Station utilizes a proprietary silent type Venturi mixing valve that combines steam and water for a constant stream at the operator’s set temperature. Safety being their number one concern, they were pleased to learn about the STVM® safety feature that is designed to reduce steam flow should the temperature rise above the factory set point and automatically shuts off steam 15°F above that.

In addition to its automatic safety feature, the Safety Manager was very impressed with the ease of cleaning and switching out the cartridge. The STVM® system utilizes an interchangeable cartridge that can be easily replaced or cleaned out, while only using a wrench and a few minutes of time.

STVM Steam and Water Washdown Station

Highly impressed with the overall operation and features of the STVM® Washdown Station, this implementation will no doubt solve their safety problems, as well as minimize downtime due to maintenance.

Read the full case study here.

To learn more about ThermOmegaTech®’s STVM® Steam and Water Washdown Station, click here.

In the News: STVM Washdown Station Combines Steam, Water, and Safety in an Easy to Maintain Package

/ 0 Comments / in News, ThermOmegaTech / by ThermOmegaTech

In food processing, dairy, beverage, chemical, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical facilities maintaining a clean environment is critical. High-temperature washdown equipment is used to quickly and efficiently clean and sanitize equipment in place to keep production running on time. These washdown stations mix steam and cold water to provide hot water for facility clean-up.

Maintaining competitor washdown units can be time-consuming due to complex disassembly, special tooling requirements, and non-reusable components. ThermOmegaTech, a leader in self-actuating thermostatic valve technology, supplies an innovative solution to the challenge of difficult to maintain washdown units.

ThermOmegaTech’s STVM Washdown Station delivers a high-temperature wash at a user-defined temperature using our proprietary Silent Venturi Mixing Valve (STVM) to combine steam and water. Our mixing valve’s design is self-scouring, which prevents mineral buildup in tight spaces and reduces maintenance frequency.

STVM Steam & Water Washdown Station

To minimize downtime during routine maintenance, the STVM Washdown Station has a simple cartridge design, which is removed with a wrench and cleaned in a descaling solution before reassembly. The station is in-line serviceable, so the operator simply switches out the STVM Cartridge with a spare and the unit is operating in minutes.

Worker safety is every facility’s priority, so we built it into our washdown’s operation.

“The STVM Washdown Station has two safety features to keep your employees safe. One, the mixing valve is designed to reduce flow if the output temperature exceeds the factory set-point and will completely stop flow 15°F above that,” Nick Tallos, ThermOmegaTech’s VP of Engineering said. “Two, the unit has interlocking steam and water shut-off ball valves, so both inlets shut-off at the same time to prevent accidental steam-only, ‘hose full of steam’ operation.”

Due to the unique design of the STVM Cartridge’s water and steam mixing spool, the unit operates at around 20 decibels less than competitor washdown units. This reduces overall operator stress and improves workplace conditions.

The unit functions completely mechanically and requires no outside source of electricity to operate. Compact and reliable, the STVM Washdown Station is a beneficial addition to any facility.

Originally published in The National Provisioner.