World-leading in three key
technologies
Alfa Laval’s operations are based on three key technologies – heat transfer, separation and fluid handling. These technologies play a key role in a number of industrial processes and Alfa Laval commands a world-leading position in all three areas.
Heat transfer
Heating and cooling are basic needs for both individuals and most industrial processes. In a large number of industries, heat transfer solutions are essential for heating, cooling, ventilation, evaporation and/or condensation. All of this can be achieved efficiently using a heat exchanger. Therefore, heat transfer products from Alfa Laval are now found in numerous areas – within everything from food production and marine environmental solutions to the creation of a pleasant indoor climate or hot tap water in private households with a heat pump or air-conditioner. Heat exchangers are a key technology in various new clean energy solutions to drive emission reduction, such as green hydrogen, energy storage and fuel cells.
Separation
Separation is the technology that represents the origin of the Alfa Laval we see today. The business began in 1883, based solely on separation, and this technology remains a core feature to this day. With precision and a high degree of reliability, liquids, solid particles and gases are separated from one another, which is a requirement in a large and growing number of industry applications.
Fluid handling
The transportation and regulation of fluids in an efficient and safe manner is crucial to many industries. Alfa Laval focuses on fluid handling products, such as pumps and valves for food and pharmaceutical industries with stringent hygiene requirements and on pumping systems for the marine industry and the offshore market.
Life below water
Alfa Laval offers a whole range of products in the areas of energy and environment that contribute to reducing marine pollution and protecting marine biodiversity.
Heat transfer
A technology at the heart of the energy transition
How it works
Heating and cooling are basic and essential needs in societies, businesses and homes around the world and the requirements for more energy efficient and sustainable solutions are increasing. Heat exchangers transfer heat or cold – often from one fluid to another – safely and efficiently. Every unique application has its specific needs and requirements for optimized temperature control. Alfa Laval’s main product is the compact plate heat exchanger, which is more energy efficient compared to alternative solutions. Our extensive offering of plate heat exchangers – gasketed, brazed and welded – are each designed to not only withstand different pressure, temperature levels and challenging environments but also specified hygiene and safety requirements.
The problems that it solves
Energy efficiency is today one of the most important ways of reducing global emissions. This can be achieved through innovative heat transfer technologies that reduce energy consumption and by using more efficient solutions in existing processes, such as solutions that capture and reuse waste heat for other purposes. Alfa Laval has solutions in both of these areas, in which industries and societies must now work together to accelerate developments to save energy and reduce carbon emissions. The pace of innovation to find new and clean energy sources is accelerating. This means not only new opportunities for Alfa Laval, but also a responsibility to make sure that we keep up with the technological development to allow for the transition to clean energy solutions in the years to come. With the industry’s broadest product portfolio, Alfa Laval offers efficient solutions that are easy to service and maintain. This reduces costs and lessens the impact on the environment.
Business units with heat transfer products in their range
Energy Division
- Brazed & Fusion Bonded Heat Exchangers
- Gasketed Plate Heat Exchangers
- Welded Heat Exchangers
Food & Water Division
- Food Heat Transfer
- Food Systems
- Hygienic Fluid Handling
Marine Division
- Marine Separation & Heat Transfer Equipment
- Boilers
Sales
Market position
30–35 percent of the global market
Sustainable cities and communities
Alfa Laval provides solutions for energy efficient district heating and cooling — often using waste heat as well as thermal storage solutions.
Separation
Our technology origin more relevant than ever before
How it works
Separation is used to separate liquids from other liquids and solid particles from liquids or gases and is a key technology in many industries, such as food, dairy, water treatment and pharmaceuticals, as well as in shipping and chemical production. Alfa Laval’s separation products are dominated by high-speed separators and decanter centrifuges. Separators have high rotation speeds, are generally mounted vertically and can separate small particles from liquids and gases. Decanter centrifuges are normally mounted horizontally, operate at lower speeds and are used to separate larger particles from liquids. Other separation products include membrane filters, which are the established solution for separating very small particles, and belt filter presses, which are used for mechanical dewatering, mainly of municipal wastewater.
The problems that it solves
The needs of our customers’ businesses are the driving force behind our innovative solutions, which are reliable and help increase productivity, sustainability and digitalization. As an invention originally developed to separate cream from milk, the technology is now used in a wide range of applications such as advanced pharmaceutical production, purifying wastewater and biofuel production. There are numerous benefits, including improvements in product quality and guaranteeing the performance of industrial processes, or satisfying strict hygiene and safety requirements. And just as important, the separation process also helps boost efficiency, which cuts costs and reduces environmental impact.
Business units with separation products in their range
Energy Division
- Energy Separation
Food & Water Division
- High Speed Separators
- Decanters
- Food Systems
Marine Division
- Marine Separation & Heat Transfer Equipment
Sales
Market position
25–30 percent of the global market
Good health and well-being
Alfa Laval delivers hygienic equipment that enables efficient and safe production in the pharmaceutical industry.
Fluid handling
The art of taking control
How it works
Fluid handling is all about transporting, controlling and regulating fluids and other product flows. Pumps drive the flow of liquids, while valves control the flow by opening, closing and redirecting. Alfa Laval’s offering includes centrifugal, liquid ring and rotary lobe pumps, a broad range of hygienic valves and hygienic tank equipment ranging from mixers to cleaning equipment. Correctly specified, the equipment not only provides safe and efficient processes, but also optimizes the use of resources and reduces waste.
The problem that it solves
Optimized fluid handling increases the yield of a manufacturing or processing operation, satisfies hygiene requirements, improves energy efficiency and reduces the amount of waste. As well as increasing productivity and ensuring quality in flow processes, these systems facilitate filling and sampling, and simplify cleaning and monitoring. As a result, our solutions help to both maximize plant uptime and minimize costs in a customer’s business. The technology is used in a large variety of industries, for example, in the manufacturing and processing of food, beverages and pharmaceuticals, as well as in shipping and in offshore. For hygienic food and water applications, the offering includes various valves for increased control, but also mixers used for mixing of milk, wine, juice, yoghurt, desserts and fruit drinks. For the Marine industry, products and solutions include submerged, hydraulic pumping systems for product and chemical tankers and tank cleaning technologies. For the offshore industry, the offering includes pumping systems for collecting sea water for various onboard applications, water injection in drill holes and fire extinguishing, which contribute to safe and efficient operations.
Business units with fluid handling products in their range
Food & Water Division
- Food Systems
- Hygienic Fluid Handling
Marine Division
- Pumping Systems
Sales
Market position
10–15 percent of the global market
Zero hunger
Alfa Laval’s products and solutions improve shelf life, reduce waste and make food production hygienic and safe.