Engineering Knowledge Centre

Better inputs lead to better process decisions.

Practical, field-oriented engineering guidance for hygienic and industrial process systems — heat transfer, hygienic pumps, valves, tank cleaning, steam and pharmaceutical water. Written to improve design, service and procurement decisions before equipment selection.

Preventive Maintenance
Insights & notes

Blogs

Short reads on heat transfer, steam, automation and hygienic process practice.

Why a plate heat exchanger misses its target temperature
Heat exchangers· 9 Sept 2026

Why a plate heat exchanger misses its target temperature

Separate a changing process duty from fouling or a flow problem before deciding that the exchanger needs more plates.

Steam traps: selecting the duty and planning a useful survey
Steam & utilities· 9 Sept 2026

Steam traps: selecting the duty and planning a useful survey

Assess the complete condensate path, then use a consistent survey to distinguish normal operation from leakage or restricted drainage.

Planning a hygienic valve automation retrofit
Automation· 9 Sept 2026

Planning a hygienic valve automation retrofit

Check the valve, actuator and controls together before selecting a control top or promising additional functionality.

What to include in a gasketed PHE overhaul plan
Service & maintenance· 9 Sept 2026

What to include in a gasketed PHE overhaul plan

A clear scope covers identification, condition assessment, suitable parts and documented acceptance—not just gasket replacement.

Preparing a pharmaceutical water-system requirement brief
Pharmaceutical utilities· 9 Sept 2026

Preparing a pharmaceutical water-system requirement brief

Connect the required water quality to source-water conditions, demand patterns, distribution and the site's qualification plan.

Testing a gasketed plate heat exchanger: a photo guide
Inspection & service· 10 Sept 2026

Testing a gasketed plate heat exchanger: a photo guide

A point-by-point guide to plate inspection, dye-penetrant testing and documented verification. For single-plate gasketed designs only, not semi-welded units.

Selecting a tank cleaning machine with Sinner's Circle
Tank cleaning· 10 Sept 2026

Selecting a tank cleaning machine with Sinner's Circle

Balance time, temperature, chemistry and mechanical action, then match Alfa Laval's tank-cleaning technology to the residue, vessel geometry and available CIP supply.