How Alkon Reimagined a Classic Actuator for Food-Safe Environments

In food processing, speed and precision are essential, but so is sanitation. As food safety standards continue to rise, many equipment manufacturers find that once-reliable components no longer meet today’s hygienic demands.

That was the case for a long-time customer of Allenair, a brand of Alkon Corporation known for its durable high-performance pneumatic products. The customer, a food processing equipment supplier, had relied on Allenair’s compact Valve-in-Head® (VIH) actuator for over forty years, using it as a key part of their machinery.

Although the legacy VIH actuator maintained high performance, its original design was not built to withstand the harsh washdown environments typical of modern food production. Consequently, its suitability for hygienic applications diminished.

This prompted the customer to seek an updated solution that met sanitation standards without sacrificing the speed and efficiency they relied on.

The Problem: Traditional Construction Limited Sanitary Use

Although the Allenair Valve-in-Head® actuator consistently delivered industry-leading speed, adaptability, and longevity, its traditional design wasn’t built for food production environments. As sanitation standards evolved, its use declined across the supplier’s equipment.

While exploring alternatives, the supplier found no solution matched the Allenair unit’s performance and simplicity. Competing systems with separate valves and cylinders required more space, added complexity, raised costs, and still lacked responsiveness. The challenge was clear: a hygienic actuator was needed that met modern food industry standards without compromising efficiency.

This reflects a broader industry issue. Food and beverage processing equipment must withstand high-pressure washdowns to maintain sanitation. However, those washdowns can be harsh on equipment, so it’s essential to use components that are not only corrosion resistant but also designed for hygienic use from the ground up.1

The Solution: A Hygienic, Clean-in-Place VIH Actuator Without Tradeoffs

When Allenair learned of the customer’s need for a more sanitary design, the team immediately began work. Engineers partnered closely with the supplier’s technical experts to develop an actuator that preserved the original speed while enhancing safety and cleanliness for food applications.

The outcome was a fully stainless-steel Valve-in-Head® unit featuring a hygienic design that eliminated exposed threads and wicking points. Engineered to withstand clean-in-place (CIP) systems and rigorous washdown conditions, it maintained the speed and control the customer had relied on for decades.

Going beyond the initial scope, Allenair’s team identified potential side-loading issues in the customer’s guillotine-style machine that could lead to premature seal failure. To address this, they introduced a new mounting approach that improves compliance and significantly extends the unit’s lifespan in real-world conditions.

The Result: Simpler Integration and Stronger Sanitation

The hygienic VIH actuator met the customer’s performance expectations and satisfied modern sanitation demands. Installation remained straightforward, requiring only an airline and signal wire, which made it easy to add to equipment with minimal reconfiguration.

The supplier now has a reliable solution that maintains speed and responsiveness while aligning with the food industry’s evolving safety requirements. And thanks to its CIP capability and all-stainless construction, the actuator is ready for continued use in challenging washdown environments.

Moving Forward with Reliable, Food-Safe Actuation

Alkon delivers hydraulic and pneumatic solutions designed to meet the toughest demands across industries—including food processing. Our hygienic Valve-in-Head® actuator combines top-tier performance with food-grade sanitation standards, helping equipment suppliers deliver reliable, compliant machines without compromise.

Looking to enhance performance without compromise? Contact your regional sales manager today to find the right solutions tailored for peak performance and dependable reliability.

Contact Our Alkon Sales Team

 

Sources

  1. IBT Industrial Solutions. (2024, May 15). The 3 Biggest Conveying Challenges in Food and Beverage Processing. https://ibtinc.com/3-biggest-conveying-challenges-food-and-beverage-processing/