The HyCIP Process Connection for Retractex B

The Retractex B housing is specifically designed for manual or pneumatic sensor insertion into critical processes found in the biopharma, food, and beverage industry. Besides the normal Ingold (G 1-1/4"), TriClamp, Varivent, and other sanitary style process connections, the Retractex B also offers a HyCIP G 1-1/4" option. This process connection can be visually distinguished by the circular machined path around the housing shaft.

What is a HyCIP Process Connection?

The patented HyCIP process connection works like a standard G 1-1/4" connection. The housing is installed into a 25mm Ingold socket and relies upon the o-ring seal between the socket wall and the housing. The o-ring seal is important to prevent process media from entering into the small crevice between the socket and housing. Ideally this o-ring seal is positioned at roughly the same depth as the socket so the seal is flush with the inner wall of the vessel. This ensures no dead-space where media could accumulate.

The HyCIP connection solves the problem of process media potentially building up in the space behind the o-ring seal. This build-up could occur from poor sealing or from improper handling of the housing. If left to accumulate, the media could become a source of contamination. Unfortunately, it may not be discovered until the sensor housing is removed for service.

The spiral groove found on the shaft of the HyCIP process connection allows cleaning solutions to flow around the space behind the o-ring seal. The circular flow path is highly effective at sweeping away both liquid and solid build-up. These residual contaminants are swept through multiple holes in the shaft that lead to the sensor chamber.

How does HyCIP Work?

Liquid cleaning solution enters through the inlet port on the Retractex B. The solution flows through the housing upper chamber until it reaches the spiral grooves in the housing shaft. The cleaning solution fills this entire space flowing in a circular pattern. It passes from the exterior of the shaft to the sensor chamber. From there, is sweeps past the sensor and up through an inner sleeve to exit the outlet port of the housing.

Retractex B Housing Cut-Away