EHEDG-certified components are designed for process systems where cleanability, documented hygiene and product safety are essential. Leopold Parts supplies stainless steel Clean Seal Connectors and weld-in flanges for tanks and process equipment in the food, dairy, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
What does EHEDG mean?
EHEDG stands for European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group. It brings together equipment manufacturers, food producers, researchers and specialists with a shared aim: making process equipment easier to clean and reducing the risks of residues, microbial growth and cross-contamination.
EHEDG publishes hygienic design guidelines and offers certification for equipment and components. Certification applies to the particular solution and conditions stated in the certificate. Always check its type, validity and scope.
Why is hygienic design important?
Effective cleaning
Smooth, accessible surfaces and a design without unnecessary cavities help the cleaning medium reach product-contact areas.
Less risk of residues
Dead spaces, crevices, sharp transitions and poorly executed welds can retain product and compromise cleaning.
Consistent product quality
Cleanable equipment supports consistent hygiene, process control and documentation.
A better basis for validation
Components designed for hygienic processes help with planning and documenting cleaning procedures such as CIP.
What characterises an EHEDG-certified component?
Hygienic design considers surface cleanability, drainage, potential gaps around seals and joints, and installation without creating unhygienic areas. Correct installation is as important as the product itself.
- Product-contact surfaces must suit the process and be cleanable.
- Geometry should minimise dead spaces and areas where product or cleaning fluid can collect.
- Seals and joints must be selected and installed correctly.
- Welding and finishing must preserve the documented hygienic design.
- Materials and certificates must meet the process and documentation requirements.
Leopold Parts EHEDG-certified Clean Seal Connectors
Our stainless steel Clean Seal Connectors provide hygienic connections for pipes, instruments, measuring equipment, sensors and other components on tanks and process equipment. They enable a precise, cleanable connection in a tank wall, tank top or pipe installation.
The connectors are available in different standards and dimensions, including DIN, ISO and ASME versions, to match the system and connected components.
Transparent quality documentation
Where specified for the selected model, EHEDG-certified weld-in flanges are supplied with an EN 10204 3.1 material certificate and a component certificate in accordance with EN 13445, AD 2000 and PED 2014/68/EU. Documentation of EHEDG certification and TÜV design approval is available on our website.
The tank manufacturer can incorporate the supplied design documentation into the overall construction documentation. The responsible designer must assess the actual installation, loads, welding procedure and applicable legislation.
EHEDG certification and the completed installation
A certified component does not automatically make the entire tank or process line EHEDG-certified. The result also depends on position, orientation, welding, surface finish, seals, connected equipment and actual cleaning conditions. Component selection and installation should therefore be considered early in the design process.
Who uses EHEDG solutions?
EHEDG principles are particularly relevant where products are sensitive to contamination or cleaning must be repeatable and well documented. Examples include dairies, breweries, food production, ingredients and process industries, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and selected chemical processes.
How to select the right connector
- Identify the pipe standard, size and component to be connected.
- Assess the medium, temperature, pressure, cleaning chemicals and drainage requirements.
- Select the stainless steel grade, seal material and surface requirements.
- Check documentation requirements, including EHEDG and material certificates.
- Specify the radius and angle if the connector must fit a tank shell or top.
Frequently asked questions about EHEDG
Is EHEDG a legal requirement?
EHEDG is not itself legislation. Its guidelines and certificates provide documentation and technical support for hygienic design. Applicable legal and customer requirements depend on the product, industry, market and installation.
Is stainless steel automatically hygienic?
No. Material is only part of the solution. Geometry, roughness, welds, seals, drainage and cleaning methods also matter.
Can the connector fit a round tank?
Yes. Leopold Parts offers adaptation to the required radius and angle for a tank shell or top.
Where can I find the certificates?
Certificates and technical documentation are available under Downloads. Contact us if you need help matching a certificate to a model.
Get help selecting an EHEDG solution
Tell us the application, standard, size and requirements for material, pressure and documentation. We will help you find the appropriate solution.
Technical reference: European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group. Design and regulatory assessment must always address the individual installation.