Salmuera

Brines are typically water with dissolved salt and sometime other additives. Brines have many applications, including as an anti-icing agent for roads by depressing the freezing point; as a safer (though less efficient) industrial refrigerant; for hydraulic fracturing in the oil and gas industry to stabilize boreholes and prevent formation collapse; and in food processing as a preservative, include pickling vegetables, curing meats, and preserving fish, extending their shelf life while also enhancing flavor.>

Hygienic positive displacement pumps are an ideal choice for transferring brine used in preservation processes without compromising their integrity. These pumps ensure that the brine, which plays a crucial role in inhibiting microbial growth and enhancing the flavor and texture of preserved foods, is transferred smoothly and efficiently. Their gentle pumping action and precise flow control make them suitable for maintaining the consistency and quality of the brine solution, which is essential in preserving the sensory and nutritional attributes of food products. Additionally, hygienic positive displacement pumps are designed to meet stringent sanitary standards, making them easy to clean and maintain, thereby preventing any contamination and ensuring food safety during the preservation process.

Brines are simply solutions of water and salt, usually sodium, calcium, magnesium or potassium chloride. They are made to many different concentrations depending on the application, commonly ranging from about 5% to about 26% salt by weight, where it becomes a saturated solution. Viscosity is low, from about 1.1 to 1.3 cPs, so reduced clearances are recommended for highest efficiency. It’s important to note for NPSHa calculations that specific gravity also increases in proportion to the salt concentration, up to about 1.2 at that maximum concentration. Brines are also corrosive. When using higher brine concentrations, flushing the pump with clean water after brine use is recommended, even for corrosion resistant stainless steel pumps.

Viking In the Process

Viking hygienic pumps are used in the food processing industry to transfer brine from makedown tanks to brining vats or directly to packaging machines where jars containing food products have brine added prior to sealing.