Food Engineering

 Processors beef up food safety measures and invest in automation to remain competitive. 

Processors see GFSI accreditation as a stepping stone to FSMA compliance. 

 Mrs. Miller’s Homemade Noodles built a custom system that accommodates odd-shaped super sacks and feeds the product directly from the bags without the use of manual labor. 

 Manufacturers can reduce their carbon footprint and grab sustainability awards by implementing energy solutions that rely on solar power. 

As this issue’s cover story explains, the state of food manufacturing is slowly trending upward. But, while business indicators are gradually improving, some of the current challenges in food manufacturing remain unchanged: the need for increased automation, advances in food safety and a more highly skilled workforce.

 One company has developed a series of allergen tags that can be used not only for products in the warehouse, but also work-in-process and process records. 

 The technology relies onrenewable phase change materials (PCMs), compounds that liquefy and solidify at specific temperatures. 

 Announcements about new food and beverage plant construction projects, plant renovations and plant expansions

 Announcements about new hires, staff promotions, association news, awards, mergers and acquisitions

 Low-acid, high-moisture, shelf-stable, ready-to-eat prepackaged foods are conventionally treated with pressurized steam or high-temperature water at 120°C or higher to inactivate Clostridium botulism spores, stemming their germination and the potential production of a deadly toxin inside the sealed container.  

 The events are scheduled for November 3-6, 2013, in Chicago, IL. 

 It can reverse directions as well, making the CIP/SIP process a piece of cake.  

 Equipment must also be reliable, robust and easy to clean. 

 The company generates between 60,000 and 80,000 gallons of wastewater a day, primarily from the raisin washing process.  

 The company uses the highest-quality production equipment and maintains vigilance in seeing that each jar of salsa meets the demanding standards of every other jar. 

 Other media sources claim the pilot programs fail to stop contaminated meat from entering the supply chain.

 The Martin Vibration Systems Solutions MT-Fast hopper trailer empties bulk materials by agitating settled materials stalled in a bottom hopper. 

 The Hapman helix flexible screw conveyor is offered with a selection of hoppers and augers; standard models convey up to 25cfm at heights up to 40ft. 

 ACS Valves CDC-CI rotary valves feature an enlarged housing barrel.  

 The Sturtevant Simpactor pin mill uses centrifugal force to reduce low- to medium-density dry powder food ingredients to uniform particle sizes of 50-200 mesh.  

 Rotork Fairchild high-pressure piston pneumatic regulators incorporate a piston design to manage supply pressures, and feature a valve seat sealing that eliminates the risk of media leakage.  

 The Hapman tubular drag conveyor eliminates segregation of blended product during conveying and gently conveys friable or blended materials in a dust-free operation.  

 The National Bulk Equipment bulk bag filler for harsh environments is built on a corrosion-resistant, hot-dip galvanized stainless steel and carbon steel structural framework; it features specially treated components that withstand caustic material and severe temperatures while operating at process rates up to 30,000 lb. per hr. 

 The Spiroflow Systems wrap conveyor can be designed to curve, incline or decline without discharging to another conveyor and protects against undesirable warming or cooling.  

 The Spee-Dee sanitary washdown auger filler prevents product corruption from sources outside the unit; all mechanical connections and potential catch points are located outside the product contact area. 

 The Aerodyne high-temperature Vacu-Valve trickle valve system operates as a constant discharge valve for dust collectors, hoppers and other equipment in use under negative pressure. 

 Eriez model FF metal separators detect and separate magnetic and non-magnetic metal contamination, even when it is enclosed in a product.  

The Spee-Dee Revolution Series auger features servo motor precision auger control, a direct drive design, PLC-based controls with a full-color touch screen operator interface, inline checkweight feedback and non-proprietary electrical components.

 The Industrial Magnetics pneumatic line housing magnetic separator incorporates a series of rare-earth magnetic tubes on staggered centers to capture metal contaminants in pneumatic line processing applications, eliminating the manual removal of metal contamination.  

 The Material Transfer sanitary lift and seal container discharger accepts a container of material loaded above floor level and discharges its contents into a hopper.  

 Hapman vacuum conveyors transport powders, granules, flakes and pellets at rates up to 18,000 lb./hr.  

Made with a stainless steel exterior, Van der Graaf USDA-approved SSV enclosed electric drum motors have a labyrinth sealing system capable of being washed down at pressures up to 2,000psi. 

 Bemis TITAN polyethylene beverage shrink films create sustainable shrink multi-packs that replace corrugate, paperboard or plastic rings.  

 With a maximum operating pressure of 925 psig, the TLV PowerDyne P65SRN steam trap is available in F304 stainless steel and A105 carbon steel. Intended for high-pressure drips and light process applications, the steam trap features an inline replaceable module, verifiable zero energy condition with an optional BD blowdown valve, built-in Y-strainer and 440C hardened valve trim.  

 Designed for dust hazard environments, the 4B Components Watchdog Elite microprocessor-controlled bucket elevator and conveyor monitor accepts a combination of signals from sensors to monitor belt alignment, belt speed, bearing temperature, head pulley alignment and plug conditions.    

 Manufactured of plastic materials and minimal stainless steel, Dynamic DynaClean food-grade conveyors have sidewalls manufactured in a blue, high-density polyethylene material.  

 The Air Liquide ALIGAL FZ cryogenic freezing system is certified under the USDA Dairy, Meat and Poultry Program as acceptable equipment for meat and poultry processing, based on 2010 NSF hygiene requirements. 

 The Zep Pan Rejuvenator presoak treatment dissolves carbonized soils and baked-on food on aluminum pots, pans and cookware. 

 Available with capacities from 1,200 to 7,800 patties/hr., Hollymatic food formers form and portion products such as beef, poultry, fish and vegetables.  

 The ISD weighing, labeling and sortation system automatically weighs, labels and sorts a range of package, box and envelope sizes in food and beverage processing warehouse shipping operations.  

 RoHS compliant, Winco GN 631.5 stainless steel, metric-sized thrust pads are used with GN 632.5 grub screws for clamping operations or load-bearing purposes on uneven surfaces.  

 Built for transfer runs up to 100-ft. long and accumulations up to 300 cu. ft., the Heat and Control FastBack FDX inertia drive horizontal motion conveyor conveys up to 2,500 lb. of product.  

 The Spraying Systems self-contained AutoJet Model 1550+ modular spray system provides automatic control of spray nozzles.  

 Keenline inclined conveyors are available with a washdown stainless steel slider bed design and blue, food-grade belts that include corrugated sidewalls.  

 The Omega LVCN210 ultrasonic level transmitter and controller provides continuous level measurement up to 9.8 ft. with a 4 to 20mA signal output; it is configured via a free software download. 

 Manufactured for the dairy industry, the Tel-Tru Check-Set IV thermometer calibrator is built to comply with the temperature instrument calibration and verification requirements of the dairy industry including milk, ice cream and cheese processing plants.  

 The Eagle Pack 430 inspection system utilizes material discrimination X-ray dual-energy technology to detect and remove contaminants in mid-sized packed products with complex density levels such as prepacked salads, snack items and frozen vegetables 

 Engineered for general purpose mixing, powder wet-out, particle size reduction, solubilization, emulsification and homogenization, Ross inline high-shear mixers feature a 4-blade rotor running within a close-tolerance, fixed stator at tip speeds in the range of 3,000-4,000 ft./min.; ultra-high shear models run at tip speeds over 11,000 ft./min.  

 Manufactured to withstand the harsh environments in food and beverage facilities including chemical spills and thermal shock cycling, Stonhard floors are slip resistant and seamless.  

 Designed for mixing, scooping, dividing and transferring ingredients, the Detectamet stainless steel cutter and scraper divides pastry and portioning dough; when the task is complete, the tool can be used to clean the moist residue from work surfaces.  

 Designed for applications that require different speeds, fill percentages, multiple product transports and minimum product degradation, the MPE Chain-Vey tubular drag conveyor transports approximately 54,000 lb./hr. of shelled pistachios and/or pistachio kernels at 100% speed and 95% pocket fill.  

 A free-standing gantry solution that can lift up to 1,400 ton loads to 75m, the Enerpac self-erecting tower combines heavy lifting strand jacks with gantry and skidding technologies.  

 Using nanoceramic particles that act as sub-microscopic ball bearings to provide continuous lubrication to steel surfaces, Dayton DAYLube grease is formulated to protect conveyors and their bearings, as well as bushings, cables, cams, chains, gears, lifters, machine parts, robotics, slides and wear plates.  

 The Habasit WVT-225 CleanLine TPO food conveyor belt includes a frayless fabric construction and TPO cover for the release of sticky goods.  

 The GEA HVF high-velocity freezer freezes hamburger patties and other flat products, and provides crust freezing of a variety of other foods.  

 With a 12-gal. tank capacity, the Advance SC1500 REV stand-on scrubber provides up to 109 min. of cleaning per tankful; it offers up to 3.5 hr. of battery runtime.  

 Hinds-Bock pie depositing machinery is engineered for the entire range of pies including meat pies, fruit pies, custard pies, cream pies and pie toppings.  

 A blend of biodegradable detergents, CR Brands Mean Green industrial-strength cleaner and degreaser cuts through grease and grime on a variety of industrial surfaces including metal parts and housings, painted surfaces, vehicle interiors and exteriors, and shop interiors.  

 Engineered for applications such as water sampling, oily water, slurries, drainage and drum transfer, Moyno Small Pumps handle fluids from clean, clear liquids to abrasive and corrosive fluids.  

 Consisting of 2 conductive plates separated by an isolating layer, ABB JOKAB safety contact mats protect personnel around machines, presses, robots and other types of active equipment; the mats are typically connected to a monitoring system and placed as a boundary around potentially hazardous equipment.  

 Supporting up to 5 cameras, the METTLER TOLEDO CI-Vision V6300 vision inspection system performs multiple inspections of a target package simultaneously—for ID/OD, ovality, gross formation defects, label positioning, label quality, closure application, fill level, 1-D and 2-D bar codes, graphical presence and quality, and the presence and verification of alphanumeric codes.  

 The West Control Solutions PMA KS 98-1 industrial process controller features control of ratio, sums, selectable master set point and valve operation monitoring.  

 Designed for food processing and packaging washdown environments, the Rollstock RC-300 rotary chamber machine features a 304L stainless steel modular frame.  

 Designed for food processing equipment and conveyors used in washdown and wet environments, Stafford plastic shaft mount components are machined from Teflon, Delrin, nylon and other thermoplastics; they come with stainless steel clamping screws.  

 LT Industries IsoPharm dairy analyzers provide real-time online process monitoring; they include CIP/SIP probes and can measure up to 20 process points.  

 Equipped with Fulham induction electronic ballast and lamps, Thomas & Betts Hazlux induction lighting fixtures retrofit into existing area lighting applications.  

 Used in a variety of applications for safeguarding, Danray free-standing shields can be placed between machines, on the back of machines and along aisles.  

 Utilizing Rockwell Automation technology, the CSI CIP 2.0 clean-in-place system controls and records all critical functions; it complies fully with S88 and CFR 21 Part 11. An Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 755 variable frequency drive provides power control of the pumps and communicates seamlessly with the controller via embedded EtherNet/IP network technology. 

 Allowing nearly weightless movement of loads up to 350kg, the Konecranes ATB AirBalancer lifting device achieves movement speeds up to 390 ft./sec. and includes an automatic load balancing feature that allows operators to move loads in zero gravity mode.  

 A complete system for pressure sensor and pressure gauge calibration, the Fluke 3130 portable pneumatic pressure calibrator generates, controls and measures pressure, and reads the output of the device under test.  

 Used for belt fabrication, the Flexco Novitool Aero portable splice press features a cycle time of 7 to 12 min./splice.  

 Available in 40, 50 and 60hp models with flows from 157 to 294 cfm and pressures to 217 psig,  Kaeser BSD rotary screw compressors feature a cooling design, eco-friendly filter element, integral moisture separator with drain and electronic thermal management system. 

 Handling flows from 5 to 8,000 gal./min., the World Water Works www/RESOURCE dissolved air flotation system has a high total dissolved solids and saltwater tolerance.  

 JH Technology JH5000 Series DIN-rail transmitters come with optional high-speed temperature transmitters that provide 1 millisecond response (95% complete). 

 Toray LumiLid clear, white and metallized lidding films provide an oxygen barrier for the packaging of meat, produce, dairy items, refrigerated and frozen foods, puddings, applesauce, desserts, wet and dry foods, and specialty items.  

 Suitable for direct food contact applications, VICTREX PEEK 90GL30BLK EU glass fiber-reinforced, high-flow thermoplastic has polyaryletherketone polymers that meet the requirements of both American and European regulatory authorities including the EU Commission Regulation 10/2011 (Plastics Implementation Measure).  

 The Invensys Foxboro Evo process automation system includes a high-speed controller, field device management tools, maintenance response center, enterprise historian, 1-n redundancy and cybersecurity hardening. 

 The Transducers Direct TD2000 digital pressure transducer utilizes redundant sensing elements that keep the sensor fully functioning, if 1 of the sensing elements fails. It features a low current draw and 70 microsecond internal updates monitoring for pressure spikes and anomalies.  

 The Ashcroft DDS-Series differential pressure switch combines a sensitive elastic element and a heavily constructed containment vessel. 

 Delivering a high-volume, high-velocity airflow, the EXAIR PEEK Atto Super air nozzle has an overall length of 0.50 inches and a 0.16-in. diameter.  

 Featuring a multi-articulating arm made from molded nylon links, the Rite-Hite Rite-Lite flex neck LED dock light has multiple bend points that can be modified in the field. It has 4 settings with visual indicators to identify the current level of lighting.  

 Logility Voyager Solutions is available as software-as-a-service (SaaS), hosted or on-premise deployment.  

 Engineered for service in clean water and waste treatment plants, including applications for aeration systems, digester gas and disinfection gases, the FCI ST100 thermal mass gas flow meter stores up to 5 unique calibration groups to accommodate broad flow ranges and differing mixtures of the same gas and multiple gases. 

 Producing an output comparable to 250W metal halides, the Larson GAU-LB-400 low bay LED light features a compact, aluminum housing and 12 high-output LEDs protected by an unbreakable polycarbonate lens.  

 The Benko Protect-O-Gate Clear-Aisle mezzanine safety gate requires only 10 in. of floor space when closed at the mezzanine ledge.  

 Designed for delivering small amounts of liquids, Servoflo M Series centrifugal-based miniature pumps for 0 to 400ml/min. and higher have push-fit connectors designed for 3.2mm tubing; Viton seals and a 220mm electrical fly lead are standard. 

 Operating with the inductive resonant circuit measuring principle, TURCK inductive angle sensors deliver valve monitoring on rotary actuators. 

 Engineered for washdown environments, Clean Air Products CAP-583 Stainless Steel Hardwall modular clean rooms are constructed of corrosion-resistant, Type 304 stainless steel ceiling and wall panels.  

 Withstanding temperatures up to 85°C, the Measurement Specialties KPSI Model 342 submersible hydrostatic level transducer provides a 4-20mA analog output.  

 Designed to meet a variety application requirements and weather conditions, Banner R-GAGE QT50R radar sensors are used for collision avoidance on mobile equipment, outdoor crane-to-crane proximity detection and flatbed or box truck detection at loading docks.  

 Moxa ioLogik R1200 series, dual-independent RS-485 serial interface remote I/O devices enable the deployment of dual-Bus redundant or extended-length remote I/O daisy-chain topologies.  

 B&R X20 modules with IP20 protection and X67 modules with IP67 protection function at temperatures from -25°C to 60°C; they can be stored at temperatures ranging from -40°C to 85°C.  

 OYSTAR Hamba cup, tub and bottle filling and sealing machines are used for pasty and liquid products in preformed containers.  

 Food-safe SKF solid oil bearings are compatible with the cold temperature extremes and rapid temperature changes encountered in a range of food processing applications; they are engineered to perform in temperature applications from -5°F to -49°F.  

Built for turbulent flow applications where a high degree of mixing is required in a compact space, the Chemineer Kenics UltraTab static mixer has an integral wall injector upstream of the mixing element that forces flow stream additives through the high-energy dissipation region created by the mixing element.

Designed for hygienic processes, Endress+Hauser Liquipoint FTW33 point level switch for liquids can be used in storage, mixing and process vessels with or without an agitator.

 Piab end-of-arm mounting elements facilitate suction cup and accessory installation to extruded profiles.  

The ECD Model T80 transmitter-S80 sensor series provides diagnostic information about the lifetime of a pH, ORP or pIon measurement; the display shows a filled triangular gauge that decreases proportionally to the degradation of the reference electrode. 

Mouvex A Series eccentric positive displacement disc pumps feature ISO PN16/ANSI 150 flanges; a maximum differential pressure of 10 bar (145psi) allows it to be used in the transfer of viscous, non-lubricating, volatile or delicate fluids up to 482°F in a variety of applications

Made with working widths up to 33.5 in., Schober RSM rotary die cutting technology works either standalone offline or inline as a “slave” with web-fed printing, converting machines and folder gluers. 

Phoenix Contact MINI Analog universal software-programmable temperature transducers convert and condition signals from most common resistance temperature detectors and thermocouple temperature sensors. 

Videojet 1620 and 1650 Ultra-High Speed continuous ink jet printers deliver code content for high-speed applications, including beverage and canning, and high-code content environments such as dairy. 

Wilden Advanced Series bolted and Original Series clamped air-operated double diaphragm pumps are available with an air distribution system. 

 The Best Sanitizers HACCP Defender low-moisture, automatic boot sanitizing station uses a 1-way, pass-through design to support traffic flow; adding a floor mat with dry sanitizing or cleaning powder provides traction for exiting the sanitizing station.  

Precision Digital ProVu PD6262 and PD6363 dual-input flow rate/totalizers feature independent programming of inputs, including separate selection of input type and scaling.

 ABB Measurement Products 266 multivariable transmitters directly calculate the mass flow or standard volume flow for gases, vapors and liquids with dynamic flow compensation from differential pressure, absolute pressure and temperature; they correct for parameters such as the discharge coefficient, thermal expansion of pipelines and primary device, and the Reynolds number.  

Offering direct 3/4-in. continuous inline monitoring, the Sensorex S8075CD pH electrode and S8075CD-ORP inline oxidation reduction potential electrode measure over a range of 0-14 pH or -1,999mV to 1,999mV for ORP. T

Compact in size, the E Instruments LV110 vane thermo-anemometer is used in labs, clean rooms and air balancing. It features a 0.01 resolution, temperature range of -4°F to 176°F, 4-in. fixed probe, adjustable shutoff and shock-proof housing. 

 Available for 1/4- to 1-in. pipe sizes, Clark Solutions DN series liquid vortex flow meters feature molded PPA construction and ETFE and EPDM wetted parts.  

 Combining low-lead brass construction with ultrasonic signal processing, the Spire Metering Technology Prime Series 280W-D ultrasonic cold water meter is NSF 61 Annex G certified.  

Suitable for industrial processing plants, Micronor MR398-JB series fiber optic junction boxes join 2 fiber optic cables and protect the connection; they seal and accommodate varying diameters of optical cables.

 Equipped with multivision camera technology, the Bühler SORTEX A MultiVision optical sorter detects defects and foreign materials; it also detects mycotoxins such as sclerotia, vomitoxin, fusarium, ergot and aflatoxins.  

 Available in front and side view models, the Keyence GL-S safety light curtain can be seamlessly installed into equipment with tight dimension restrictions.  

The Dorner 2200 SmartFlex flexible chain conveyor features an aluminum single-piece frame, load capacity up to 600 lb., speeds up to 250 ft./min. and 2.6-, 4.1- and 5.9-in. widths. 

Meeting hygienic design standards for the food and beverage industries, the Freudenberg hygienic Usit ring closes off the area between a screw and surface area from contamination. 

Approved by the Atlantic Midwest Dairy Equipment Review Committee for use in pasteurization loops in accordance with FDA requirements, the KROHNE OPTIFLUX 6300 Grade A Pasteurized Milk Ordinance meter comes in a range of sizes from 1/2 to 4 in.

Developed as a drop-in replacement for Elliott YR process steam turbine carbon rings, the Inpro/Seal Sentinel floating brush seal features densely packed, flexible metallic bristles that bend with changing clearances between rotating and stationary surfaces.

Used to reveal hidden heat-driven problems, General thermal imaging cameras detect small temperature differences from a distance and convert an object’s invisible infrared radiation into a visible color image; the visual image with multiple temperature points enables the diagnosis of equipment malfunctions and poor performance.