Which Alfa Laval ThinkTop is right for your plant?
The Alfa Laval ThinkTop V-series consists of four models: V70, V50, V40 and V20. The series is designed to meet requirements for automation, cleaning, traceability and operational reliability in the food, beverage, brewing and pharmaceutical industries. This allows you to choose a solution that matches your valve type, process requirements and desired level of automation.
Four models for different needs
The ThinkTop family is structured so you can choose the model that suits the complexity of your plant. V70 is the series’ most advanced control unit and is aimed at plants with demanding requirements for capacity, flexibility and precise control. V50 is a versatile solution for diaphragm, butterfly and single-seat valves. V40 is a compact and robust control unit with an integrated solenoid, while V20 is designed for valve indication and basic monitoring of on/off valves.
How the models differ
V70 is suited to complex process lines where broad compatibility, multiple solenoids and advanced control are essential. V50 brings sensing together in a single solution and supports Auto Setup and Live Setup, allowing the valve to be recognised automatically and configured without manual adjustment. V40 combines real-time valve status monitoring with an integrated solenoid and an IP69K-rated housing, making it suitable for environments with demanding requirements for process safety, uptime and cleaning. V20 is the simple solution for valve indication, with 360° LED status, precise position detection to ±1 mm and feedback to the PLC via digital signals, AS-Interface or IO-Link.
What to clarify before you choose
When choosing the right ThinkTop model, you should focus on three things in particular: valve type, environment and level of automation. It is worth clarifying whether you need indication only or actual valve control, whether the solution needs to handle more complex process requirements, and which signal types or communication interfaces the plant requires. This makes it easier to match the unit to both the specific valve and the integration and operational requirements.
- Choose V70 for complex plants with demanding requirements for flexibility and advanced control
- Choose V50 if you want a flexible sensor solution with simple setup
- Choose V40 if you need a compact control unit with an integrated solenoid
- Choose V20 if your primary need is valve indication and digital monitoring
- Always clarify the valve type, environmental requirements and desired level of automation before choosing
- Check which signals and interfaces the plant needs to support
The benefit of choosing correctly from the start
The right ThinkTop solution can simplify integration and improve operational reliability, hygiene and traceability in your plant. When the control unit and valve type are well matched, it becomes easier to establish a stable process with the necessary monitoring and functionality without overspecifying the solution. This provides a more scalable approach to valve control, allowing you to choose precisely the level of functionality the application requires.
Not sure which ThinkTop model is right for your plant? We can help you find the right match for your valve type, environment and level of automation.
Would you like help choosing between V70, V50, V40 and V20? Get in touch with us for technical advice on the right solution.