Free Rotating Retractor

Safeguard product quality, prevent contamination, and meet hygienic processing standards with the Alfa Laval Free Rotating Retractor. This high-efficiency, retractable cleaning-in-place device prepares vessels for production quickly and economically. It removes residues from the interior surfaces of ducts, tanks, and other hard-to-clean confined spaces. Boost process uptime with this dynamic, resource-efficient retractable spray device.

Complete cleaning coverage using less water, cleaning media and time

Secure product quality with 100% cleaning coverage of ducts, tanks and other hygienic processing vessels
Up to 35% savings in time, water and cleaning media compared to static spray ball systems
Reduce total cost of ownership due to minimal cost and effort to install, operate and maintain the retractor
Boost uptime and increase productivity with faster and resource-efficient CIP cycles
Get fully automated operation when paired with Alfa Laval ThinkTop sensing and control units

Dynamic and resource-efficient, the Alfa Laval Free Rotating Retractor removes residues from the interior surfaces of hard-to-clean vessels. It keeps hygienic ducts and tanks spotless, boosting uptime and productivity. Easy to install, operate and maintain, it reduces the total cost of ownership.

The CIP device is flush with the vessel wall during production, sealed off from the product area. The spray head slides out for 100% cleaning coverage and then retracts, leaving the vessel ready for production.

This retractable spray device is designed for the dairy, food, beverage, home and personal care, and other industries where hygiene is critical.

The product contact materials are food-compliant (FDA, EU and China regulations). An optional version with the Alfa Laval Q-doc documentation package and 3.1 material certificate for metal parts is available.

How it works

The Alfa Laval Free Rotating Retractor functions as a pneumatically opened and spring-closed seat valve to clean the interior surfaces of vessels used to manufacture hygienic products. In the closed position, the installation forms a flush design with the vessel wall, and the spray head is not exposed to the product zone. The spray head rotates between the two hydro bearings due to the reaction forces of the cleaning media expelled from the orifices. The spray head expels cleaning media in a swirling 310°-up spray pattern throughout the compartment, generating complete coverage through a vibrating impact and cascading flow.

The actuator can remain extended during a draining or purging phase. The device is completely self-cleaning except for the product-facing part of the plug. This surface is normally cleaned by pairing it with another tank cleaning device. When properly installed the device is self-draining.

How clean are your ducts?

Want to discover how the Alfa Laval Free Rotating Retractor can improve cleaning in your hygienic process lines?

Learn why it is a truly resource-efficient solution.

Download the brochure

Free rotating retractor brochure retractable spray nozzle

Find the products you are looking for

The digital Alfa Laval Product Catalogue makes it easy to find and select the products you need. When you request a quote, the catalogue will list Alfa Laval’s partners in your region – and you can send your request directly.

Go to the Product Catalogue here

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The TJ range of rotary jet heads is designed for hygienic applications such as food, dairy, beverage and personal care. Available in various sizes and different configurations covering any tank size.

SaniMagnum SB

Sani SB are designed and certified according to EHEDG and authorized to carry the 3A symbol.

Agitator ALT

The Alfa Laval ALT top-mounted agitator is suitable for atmospheric and pressurized tanks and meets requirements in food, dairy, beverage, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and cosmetic applications.

Visit the Application & Innovation Centre

Do you want to identify the optimal equipment for the job before you decide to invest? And discover tangible savings before deciding on upgrades? In the Alfa Laval Application & Innovation Centre, you can do just that. We mimic your production set-up and run real-life trials to demonstrate the possibilities and document the savings. We optimize for instance mixing and dispersion, tank and valve cleaning, fluid and heat transfer.

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