MITTELLAND Molkerei in Suhr, Switzerland, produces a wide range of dairy products – from milk and cream to dairy-based drinks, milk alternatives and butter. To meet steadily increasing demand while ensuring the highest hygiene standards, the existing infrastructure has been expanded with an aseptic valve manifold realised with Evoguard valve technology.
Following its commissioning, Evoguard says it is ‘setting new benchmarks’ in hygienic and process‑safe equipment for sensitive production areas in the food industry.
“By integrating the new aseptic – or sterile – manifold, we are increasing the flexibility of our plant and creating the foundation for expanding our production capacities,” said Sascha Baumann, deputy operations manager at the dairy.
Despite limited space, the new manifold was seamlessly installed on a platform above the filling lines.
“The restricted spatial conditions were a particular challenge – all components, including the piping, had to be integrated in the tightest space above the filling lines,” added Dominik Kober, the project manager responsible at Mittelland Molkerei.
A compact design and well‑coordinated planning were crucial for the successful implementation. The new valve manifold was specifically engineered to meet the high hygienic requirements of milk processing. Various components from the Evoguard portfolio are used – including around 70 aseptic double‑seat valves, single‑seat valves, steam traps and intelligent EvoConnect control tops.
A particular highlight is the digital control of the entire manifold via IO‑Link technology. This enables the integration of different components such as valve control tops, flowmeters and temperature transmitters into a unified system.
Longevity was also a central focus. An FEM simulation of the sterile manifold revealed where specially developed Omega bends were required to compensate for thermal expansion.
“It was particularly important to me that the new installation has a fatigue‑resistant design and that the entire system — consisting of valve housings and Omega bends for expansion compensation — is built for long‑term durability,” Dominik Kober continued.
Following commissioning, the valve manifold is now in regular operation. The close cooperation between Evoguard and Emmi is said to demonstrate how practical innovation and technical expertise work hand in hand.
“We are pleased to have such a strong partner in Mittelland Molkerei, a company that places the highest demands on quality and future oriented technology,” commented Peter Kagerer, product manager for valve technology at Evoguard. “And we are delighted that this project once again confirms the performance capability of our technology, particularly in such sensitive applications.”
