Processing

Temperature Monitoring and Control

Making the argument for wireless temperature solutions

Not every temperature measurement application needs to be wireless, but for some locations, IIoT wireless connections may be the only practical choice

July 22, 2020

Time was when your wired control network, either a proprietary DCS or more modern Ethernet-based system, could easily accommodate that extra temperature monitoring point you needed to add in your process to improve the quality of, for example, your baking or drying process. That is, provided you had a cable drop where you needed to add in a sensor, and the control software you were using would easily accommodate it.

Temperature Monitoring and Control

Linking process control with building control and HVAC systems for better control

Integrating process control can help improve quality while saving energy as well

Wayne Labs

July 21, 2020

While not intuitively obvious, some processes lend themselves to having their control systems linked to a building’s control system, climate controls or HVAC. For example, a spiral freezer should be linked with process and environmental controls to save energy and improve the process. Other process applications that can benefit from further integration with environmental controls include drying, baking and other yeast-based processes.

Temperature Monitoring and Control

Make the move from analog to digital temperature measurements

Plan temperature measurement strategies with business needs and future upgrades in mind

Wayne Labs

July 20, 2020

Moving from an all-analog means of keeping track of process and storage temperatures can provide numerous benefits—for example, getting more robust measurements with higher stability, reliability and accuracy. In addition, you get better diagnostic information from the sensors themselves, and this information—coupled with temperature and other process variables—can help you get a better grip on your process and on maintenance, too.

COVID-19

Humidity Control: Conquering frost during pandemic production levels

Dan Dettmers

June 24, 2020

Humidity control may be the last thing on your mind right now if you’re running a food processing facility, trying to execute a rapid buildout to meet increased consumer demands. But, as you race to adjust production lines, “dust off” old processing equipment and ultimately ramp up how much food you’re making and storing, dialing in your humidity control will eliminate a handful of costly issues that slow down production.

How processors can use digital tools to adapt to COVID-19

June 5, 2020

Food Engineering Editor-in-Chief Casey Laughman and RizePoint CEO Dean Wiltse discuss the digital tools available for processors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Don't overlook safety issues such as slips and falls, PPE and cleaning/sanitizing during the pandemic

Sharon Spielman

May 12, 2020

Food and beverage employees on the front line need to remain safe and healthy to continue to bring the food and beverage supply to the masses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How the COVID-19 pandemic is changing CPG production

May 11, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing manufacturers of food, beverages and other consumer packaged goods to adapt how they clean, protect workers and meet production goals.

Site Selection

3 keys to site selection for food and beverage facilities

Site characteristics, hazards and ongoing pandemic affect the process

Casey Laughman

May 11, 2020

When processors work with design-build firms to identify sites for and begin work on new construction projects, safety concerns traditionally involve factors such as ingress/egress, law enforcement and fire/EMS coverage and electrical and mechanical hazards. But the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and potential disaster scenarios add another layer of complexity to the process.

Protecting against physical violence

Wayne Labs

May 11, 2020

While we can't pretend to cover in one article what an entire publication devoted to security does, we will look at some key pointers in keeping employees safer in the workplace.

Crisis preparedness

What food and beverage processors need to know about a disaster recovery plan

Rose Shilling

May 1, 2020

Let’s explore some ways to strengthen your facilities’ emergency planning and act decisively when the next crisis happens—or even to help as you adapt during the remainder of the COVID-19 outbreak.