1A Goodsons Mews, Wellington Street, Thame, OX9 3BX  

Free Rotating Retractor Alfa Laval Logo Blue

Retractable Tank Cleaning Technology

The Alfa Laval Free Rotating Retractor is a high efficiency, retractable CIP cleaning device designed for ducts, tanks and other hard to clean vessels. Its freely rotating spray head provides complete cleaning coverage while helping prevent contamination and safeguard product quality. Easy to install, operate and maintain, it can save up to 35% in cleaning time, water and cleaning media compared with static spray ball systems, helping increase process uptime while reducing resource consumption. Also available in UltraPure variations.

Controlled Rotary Retractor Product
IM-25 Benefits

Alfa Laval Free Rotating Retractor Benefits

The Alfa Laval Free Rotating Retractor is a pneumatically operated, wall-mounted cleaning device designed for hygienic processing applications.

During CIP, the spray head extends into the product area and rotates freely between two hydro bearings. Reaction forces from the cleaning media drive the rotation, creating a swirling 310° upward spray pattern that combines impact and cascading flow to provide complete coverage of vessel surfaces.

Free Rotating Retractor Technical Data

Process Conditions

Liquid temperature -10°C to 95°C
Liquid pressure 1–3 bar
Maximum liquid pressure 5 bar

Materials

Product-wetted steel AISI 316
Product-wetted seals EPDM
Product-wetted polymer PEEK

Automation

Control ThinkTop sensing and control unit (optional)
Communication Digital PNP, AS-Interface and IO-Link
Monitoring Position, jet impact and cleaning performance

Cleaning & Hygiene

Cleaning process Free rotation with 310° upward spray pattern
Additional processes Draining, air purging
Documentation Q-Doc; ATEX/UKEx/IECEx available
Alfa Laval Free Rotating Retractor 2

Download the Full
Specification Sheet

How the Free Rotating Retractor Works

The device extends pneumatically into the product contact area, where cleaning media expelled through the spray head causes it to rotate freely between two hydro bearings. A swirling 310° upward spray pattern provides complete coverage through vibrating impact and cascading flow. After cleaning, the spray head retracts flush with the vessel wall.

Free Rotating Retractor Product Documents

Free Rotating Retractor
Product Leaflet

Datasheet
Instruction

Free Rotating Retractor
Instruction Manual

Recent Success Story

Rotary Jet Head Tank Cleaning Machine Retrofit Boosts Yield and Environmental Profile

A global food and beverage manufacturer retrofitted tanks with Alfa Laval Rotary Jet Head tank cleaning machines to improve food hygiene and safety, conserve water, boost its environmental profile and increase productivity.

Extend the performance of your Equipment

Alfa Laval Rotating Retractor
Servicing & Maintenance

Our dedicated servicing and maintenance team can provide you with the parts and expertise to ensure uptime and maximise operational efficiency.

The Rotating Retractor can be utilised for a wide range of tank cleaning duties, including applications involving tank mixing equipment.

Related Industries

Alfa Laval’s range of solutions are centred around increasing output while minimising contamination and enhancing efficiency, making them ideal for applications in the personal care industry.

We provide high-performance components to maximise efficiency in applications across the dairy industry, from yoghurts and cheeses to milk, cream and butter.

inTank has a long history of supplying process equipment to both small local producers and global breweries. Alfa Laval’s solutions bring out the best in your beer and brewery.

Enquire About the Rotating Retractor

Alfa Laval Master Distributor