IndiTop

The Alfa Laval IndiTop is a digital valve indication unit that offers reliable, cost-effective operation and standard functionality for automated sensing of hygienic valves. The IndiTop provides real-time information about valve operating status 24/7 while boosting productivity and securing traceability.

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Accurate and reliable information about the status of most standard hygienic valves

  • Reliable and accurate valve sensing
  • Proven and inherently safe design
  • Streamlined and compact design
  • Watertight design
  • Easy to operate

The IndiTop is designed to sense and indicate the fluid handling process in hygienic applications across the dairy, food, beverage, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and many other industries.

Accurate valve indication

For straightforward real-time monitoring, the IndiTop provides accurate visual indication of valve position and status as well as power-supply status through the use of light-emitting diodes. Its universal fit makes it a natural choice for valve indication of any Alfa Laval air-actuated sanitary valve.

With its streamlined, low-maintenance design, IndiTop is ideal for use in new and existing plants. IndiTop does not use any solenoid valves, but relies on the use of basic  indication signals. Compatibility with all major PLC system having a digital PNP/NPN interface.

Valve cluster illustration caption: Combining the use of automated ThinkTop control heads and IndiTop valve position indicators provides a smart solution for cost-effective control of your plant.

Effective valve indicator

Reliable valve indication based on proven ThinkTop design contribute to process safety:

  • No-touch, set-and-forget sensor system. Detects both the condition and position of the valve stem with an accuracy of ± 1 mm. Set-up parameters are stored but, for greater flexibility and ease of operation, can easily be re-programmed.
  • Pre-set tolerance band. No manual adjustment of feedback sensors is required. Valve tolerance bands with preconfigured default setting of ±5mm ensure operational reliability on any Alfa Laval sanitary valve.
  • Two PNP/NPN feedback signals offer basic functionality to indicate energized and de-energized main valve positions. The PNP/NPN interface are selected by connecting one appointed wire to either the plus or minus terminal.

Sturdy and durable

With its hardy hygienic design, IndiTop ensures the effects of physical impact, pollution, frost, UV radiation and temperatures up to 80°C while supporting continuous production.

Completely watertight and IP66/IP67-compliant, IndiTop prevents water condensation and the penetration of dust, water and other particles into the unit. The unit can be hosed down with water or cleaning fluid without putting important settings at risk. This contributes to maximum hygiene and effectively eliminates problems associated with corrosion and external contamination.

Product Benefits

  • Streamlined, low-maintenance design
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Cost-effective control
IndiTop with stick

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How it works

Construction

IndiTop consists of a valve indication housing, proven no-touch, set-and-forget sensor system with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and valve control sensor board for connection to the PLC (Programming Logic Controller) system.

Operating principle

The sensor system calculates the angle between the axial magnetic field produced by an indication pin mounted on the valve stem. This provides indication with an accuracy of ± 1mm of the position of the valve at any given time through the use of microchip sensors.

The IndiTop unit transmits status and condition to any PLC system using one of two DC/AC or PNP/NPN digital feedback signals. LEDs display the current main valve position and on/off power status at all times.

Options

Three versions based on fixed cable lengths are available for connection: 5 m, 10 m or 0.5 m with an M12, 5-pin stainless steel plug connector including the plug counterpart.

Ease of installation

Installation is straightforward; no special expertise, adapters or tools are required. IndiTop fits onto all Alfa Laval sanitary actuators equipped with mushrooms. Simply press a five-button startup sequence to initiate foolproof manual setup. Or facilitate setup using the optional remote control wire function in combination with the PLC system. No dismantling is required.

Part of a broad automation range

Alfa Laval offers a comprehensive range of automation intended for hygienic applications in the dairy, foodbeverage,home carepersonal care, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

For a broader automation range, explorer the different product categories: control unit and indication units.

Food Logic

Alfa Laval's hygienic equipment combines high performance with gentle handling to preserve sensitive ingredients and keep up with the food industry trends. The equipment addresses four key challenges; supplying food products to consumers at a competitive price, getting the most from raw materials, reducing waste and emissions, and delivering safe and hygienic food products.

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Close at Hand Catalogue

Alfa Laval's hygienic equipment product catalogue "Close at hand" includes product leaflets, performance curves, links to animations, brochures and lists for ordering purposes.

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CAD portal

Download the product models in Neutral or Native CAD file formats. It is also possible to download 3D PDF files.

 View CAD portal 

Animations

 

 

Visit the animations site and take a look inside a product to see and understand how it works. 

View animations 

Valves & Automation

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