Sensing and control
Maximize production uptime and safety, regardless of process conditions, with a broad portfolio of valve automation solutions from Alfa Laval. Alfa Laval sensing and control units accurately monitor and regulate the flow in fluid handling systems. Easy to set up and operate, these sensing and control units provide reliable position feedback so that plant managers always know the valve status. They boost efficiency, reduce costs, and promote precision fluid handling.
Alfa Laval ThinkTop® Product Leaflets
As an Alfa Laval master distributor we cover the full range of sensing and control products from Alfa Laval - just reach out!
- Indication units: Alfa Laval valve indication units provide basic information about the position of valves used in hygienic applications. Based on proven technology.
- IndiTop: Straightforward and easy to use, IndiTop provides accurate and reliable information about the status of most standard sanitary valves used in the dairy, food and beverage, and biopharm industries.
- ThinkTop®: The compact Alfa Laval ThinkTop V50 and V70 are the second-generation of the leading sensing and control units for hygienic valves.
- ThinkTop® Basic: ThinkTop and ThinkTop Basic offers reliable operation, standard functionality and cost-effective operation for general applications in the dairy, food and beverage, and biopharm industries.
- ThinkTop® D30: It is a cost-effective alternative for external solenoid valves to use where space is limited and operational simplicity and reliability is important.
- ThinkTop® V20: Boost process productivity and secure product traceability with the Alfa Laval ThinkTop V20 valve indication unit.
Alfa Laval ThinkTop®
The compact Alfa Laval ThinkTop® V50 and ThinkTop® V70 are the second-generation of the leading sensing and control units for hygienic valves. It ensures unmatched control of all Alfa Laval valves used in the dairy, food, beverage, brewery and pharmaceutical industries.
- Fast, intuitive setup takes place in seconds
- Smart control with 24/7 self-diagnostics
- 360° LED visual status indication, visible from any direction
- Built-to-last waterproof design withstands vibration and thermal expansion
- Fastest ever burst seat cleaning reduces water consumption by up to 90%
ThinkTop® D30 is a cost-effective alternative for use where space is limited and operational simplicity and reliability is important. It is a compact and intelligent easy-to-install integrated control unit for hygienic applications.
How does sensing and control work?
Alfa Laval valve automation solutions include advanced ThinkTop sensing and control units and cost-effective indication units to meet different process requirements.
Compatible with all Alfa Laval valves, the Alfa Laval ThinkTop series uses microchip sensors for precision measurement of the valve stem movement and valve end positions.
Digital PNP feedback signals, AS-Interface, or IO-Link communication protocol connect sensors and actuators, regardless of fieldbus, to your automation systems. Collecting, storing, analyzing meaningful real-time data brings the power of Industry 4.0 to your hygienic processing lines.
Mounted directly on the valve top or the valve yoke, Alfa Laval indication units feature up to two feedback signals that show the valve position (open or closed). Operating principles vary, depending on the sensor type, including non-contact proximity sensors, two- or three-wire proximity sensors, and sensors with M12 plug or encapsulated cable.
ThinkTop® V40
Get process reliability with the Alfa Laval ThinkTop V40. This user-friendly, resource-smart control top for butterfly and single seat valves enhances product safety and uptime. Advanced communication protocols provide valve status in real time, streamlining operations and ensuring efficiency across the dairy, food, beverage, and home and personal care industries.
Product features and benefits
- Automated valve control for safer, smarter processing
- Safe, reliable production due to enhanced control
- User-friendly design for fast installation, automatic valve detection and low maintenance
- Resource-efficient operation with low energy use and long service life
- Precise control for quick response with digital and ASi communication protocols
- Safe production due to durable, IP69K-rated construction
Enhance process reliability and product safety with the Alfa Laval ThinkTop V40 control unit. Gain real-time monitoring and control with 24/7 valve status updates. An integrated solenoid valve enables precise actuation, while accurate sensors provide real-time valve position feedback, reducing human error and maximizing uptime.
Durable and easy to clean, the control top meets strict industry standards for hygiene. A plug-and-play setup ensures fast installation, while 360° LED status indication improves visibility.
When laying the groundwork for basic automation, the ThinkTop V40 is a durable, scalable, and cost-effective choice for efficient valve control.
How it works
The Alfa Laval ThinkTop V40 control unit provides a single-sensor solution for butterfly and single seat valves. Equipped with one solenoid valve, it converts electrical PLC output signals into mechanical energy to energize or de-energize the air-operated valve using the physical sensor target mounted on the valve stem.
Installation with Live Setup is fast and straightforward. Simply activate the manual override on the solenoid valve to initiate the Live Setup sequence. The ThinkTop automatically recognizes the type of valve and completes the programming. Alternatively, setup can be performed remotely from a PLC using the remote Live Setup function – without dismantling the control head.
ThinkTop® V55
The Alfa Laval ThinkTop V55 is a slimmer, smarter, one-size-fits-all sensing and control unit for diaphragm valves used in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and next-generation food industries. Built on the reliable Alfa Laval ThinkTop V-series platform, this valve control unit is trusted by dairy, food and beverage manufacturers worldwide for its simplified setup, live replacement and unmatched peace of mind.
Product benefits
- A single, proven diaphragm valve sensing and control unit
- Peace of mind – optimize valve control and increase uptime
- Simplified setup and replacement – save time and money with fast, intuitive valve configuration and replacement without production stops
- Compact and flexible – slimmer profile fits into tight spaces, minimizing installation footprint and maximizing plant efficiency
- Real-time monitoring and control – choice of digital, ASI, and Industry 4.0-based IO-Link communication platforms
- Self-diagnostic technology – prevent unplanned downtime by monitoring valve health and performance
Optimize uptime with the next-generation Alfa Laval ThinkTop V55 valve sensing and control unit for diaphragm valves. It is slimmer, smarter and compatible with Alfa Laval diaphragm valves, simplifying purchasing, setup, operation and maintenance.
Commissioning new or replacing existing control tops is effortless. The ThinkTop V55 recognizes the valve type and size for quick, seamless installation. Auto setup takes less than a minute, and remote live setup only takes a minute or two. The ThinkTop V55 can be replaced without any production stop.
Access real-time valve status 24/7 with digital, ASI 3.0, or IO-Link interfaces. Tamperproof and IP66/67/69K-rated, the ThinkTop V55 is self-diagnostic, ensuring reliable processing, continuous uptime and higher productivity.
How it works
Discover a new generation of ThinkTop® valve control units. Like the evolutionary Alfa Laval ThinkTop V50 and V70, the Alfa Laval ThinkTop V55 can improve production on your hygienic processing lines, especially those using diaphragm valves. Faster and more intuitive. Smart and adaptable. Durable and reliable. More compact yet with a highly functional design. The Alfa Laval ThinkTop. Rethought. Now for diaphragm valves.
The Alfa Laval ThinkTop V55 simplifies diaphragm valve sensing and control. Installation is fast and intuitive. The auto setup feature automatically recognizes the valve type and dynamically adjusts programming. Alternatively, the live setup feature allows remote programming without dismantling the control head. With support for 0 or 1 solenoid valves, the ThinkTop V55 converts electrical signals into mechanical energy to activate or deactivate the air-operated valve.
Exploit the power of IO-Link
Demand more from your valves with the Alfa Laval ThinkTop IO-Link. The ThinkTop IO-Link enhances communication between your hygienic valves and Industry 4.0 automation systems. The point-to-point IO-Link communication protocol connects sensors and actuators, regardless of fieldbus, to your automation systems. This makes meaningful real-time data easier to capture, store, analyze and act upon.
- Enhanced flexibility which lets you change data parameters and process data from a remote automation system
- More uptime and less cost due to 24/7 data monitoring and diagnostics
- Comprehensive overview of data for timely preventative maintenance and optimized performance
- Clearly visible LEDs with customizable colours and a 'wink' function that makes it easier to locate a valve from the factory floor
Pulse seat clean: cut CIP liquid consumption on drain valve cleaning by up to 95%
Drain valves comprise 20% of all valves in typical process plants. Imagine the water savings you can realize by adding the Alfa Laval ThinkTop pulse seat clean to your drain valve cleaning process.
In less than a second, an intensive jet of CIP liquid pulses through the gap between the valve house and valve seat, creating high turbulent flow and leaving the valve spotless. The result? Quick and effective cleaning, more uptime, and increased end-product yields.
Burst seat clean: sustainable water savings for mixproof valve cleaning systems
Save up to 90% of the Cleaning-in-Place (CIP) liquid used for mixproof valve cleaning with the Alfa Laval ThinkTop burst seat clean. Unlike conventional PLC timer-based seat lift cleaning, burst seat cleaning uses minimal water and cleaning media. In less than a second, high-impact bursts of CIP liquid effectively clean your mixproof valves, removing all residuals from seat surfaces and safeguarding process hygiene.
Easy-to-access digital service and support
Access the service instruction manual and videos online or get the direct support you need using a convenient QR code located on the Alfa Laval ThinkTop housing.
The V-series fits all Alfa Laval hygienic valves. Select the right Alfa Laval ThinkTop valve control unit for your hygienic process needs based on the number of solenoid valves required. The ThinkTop V70 series fits on top of all of these valves plus the Alfa Laval double seat valves and special valves.
Alfa Laval ThinkTop®. Rethought.
Intuitive & Fast
Smart & Adaptable
Durable & Reliable
Aesthetic Design