The idea of disposable pumps may sound barmy at first. After all, doesn't the throwaway society lie behind some of our biggest ecological problems, placing unsustainable demands on resources and spawning a rash of festering landfills? But there are times when disposability is a virtue, not only because it's convenient, but also because it can benefit the environment.

The new Brewseal high temperature seat from Tyco Flow Control will extend the operational life of its Keystone Optiseal range of butterfly valves in many applications, especially in the handling of hot wort in the brewing industry.

Energy and environmental factors have triggered a move towards the use of central vacuum systems for food packaging, according to vacuum specialist Busch (UK).

The installation of a Widethroat Mono pump at Grampian Country Food Group's chicken processing plant in Flintshire has increased productivity at the site. Mono's installation is now pumping the plant's waste chicken offal faster and further.

Liquids handling specialist Pump Engineering is offering a range of pumps for transferring liquids in dairy, food, pharmaceutical and other similar applications. The CSF-CS, CSA and CSM pumps are ideal for clean-in-place and are easy-to-maintain. The pumps can handle capacities from 1m³/h to 550m³/h with heads up to 155m.