April 2015 | Food Engineering

The April 2015 issue of Food Engineering features the Plant of the Year: Mars Chocolate. The first new Mars chocolate candy plant in North America in 35 years is not only LEED Gold certified, it’s highly automated as well.

Plant of the Year

Food Plant of the Year 2015: Mars Chocolate is lean, green and poised for growth

Wayne Labs

April 6, 2015

As a kid growing up on a poultry farm, I couldn’t wait to help my dad truck cases of eggs to the local co-op, but I confess to an ulterior motive—hitting the candy machine just inside the door for a SNICKERS bar.

Dry Processing Technology

Ribbon blender produces consistent results for seasoning supplier

Debra Schug

April 6, 2015

A Culinary Institute of America graduate, Paul Murphy has worked with notable chefs across the US.

HACCP Software

The future of food safety is in the cloud

Jeremy Gerrard

April 6, 2015

While regulators creep closer toward adopting parts of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) has taken center stage as food and beverage manufacturers seek the best ways to stay compliant, avoid costly recalls and provide an easier audit experience.

Tech Update: Model Predictive Control

Predict the future: Get control of your process

Model predictive control, often used in high-value chemical/petrochemical applications, has its place in food and beverage applications, too.

Wayne Labs

April 6, 2015

What if your drying operation could run close to the upper moisture limit boundary of your product specification, yet never exceed it?

Food Safety

One law for all

Richard F. Stier

April 6, 2015

Immediately after the 2014 mid-term elections, the Grocery Manufacturers Association issued the following statement...

Editor's Note

Always on the lookout for the next, and better, opportunity

Joyce Fassl

April 6, 2015

Just before this issue of Food Engineering hit the printing press, the food and beverage manufacturing community awoke one morning to hear the news that Kraft and Heinz are merging to form The Kraft Heinz Company.

Plant Openings

Plant Openings: April 2015

April 6, 2015

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

People and Industry

People and Industry News: April 2015

April 6, 2015

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

Manufacturing News

Taking TCO to a new level

April 6, 2015

In the last 10 years, the term, TCO (total cost of ownership), has been used to describe a project’s costs.

Engineering R&D

Food-safe, surface-enhancement process extends component life

Wayne Labs

April 6, 2015

While this surface-enhancement technology may sound too good to be true, it has been put to the test by Argonne National Labs for its durability.

Field Reports

It's a gas, but how much?

April 6, 2015

A meat processing company based in Vemmelev, Denmark, KødGrossisten produces a range of high-quality raw cuts and processed products.

Field Reports

Consolidating frozen storage optimizes growth and logistics

April 6, 2015

Coloma Frozen Foods needed to consolidate its frozen storage capacity.

Food Packaging

Sustainable skin

April 6, 2015

As vacuum skin packaging (VSP) is becoming more commonplace on retail shelves, suppliers have been concentrating on how to make it more environmentally friendly.

Food Packaging

Biobased cartons

April 6, 2015

The first fully renewable carton can be found on retail shelves in Finland.

Food Packaging

Can it!

Debra Schug

April 6, 2015

Not so long ago, canned beer was looked down on as inferior to its bottled counterpart, but that bad reputation seems to be fading as a new breed of brewers are bringing the can back.

Regulatory Watch

Lower meat and poultry prices in the offing?

April 6, 2015

Lower costs for both fuel and feed grain will likely result in a big increase in meat and poultry production in 2015, which may bring down prices.

Regulatory Watch

Dietary guidelines recommendations scrutinized

April 6, 2015

Some food producers and manufacturers are taking issue with the federal government’s 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) recommendations that were issued in mid-February.

Technology Sourcebook

Pest management logbook

April 6, 2015

Enabling the evaluation of the results of a pest management program and reacting to make measureable adjustments, the PestPac LogIt electronic logbook gives users and McCloud personnel immediate access to data trends.

Technology Sourcebook

Blow molding system

April 16, 2015

Self regulating, the Sidel Intelliblower system automatically detects and corrects process deviations in a blow molding process, analyzing and controlling the blowing curve on each PET bottle.

Technology Sourcebook

Automated pasteurizer

April 16, 2015

Intended for sauces, dressings, pastes, dips, soups and other prepared food applications, the Tetra Pak PF pasteurizer switches readily between hot- and ambient-filled products; it allows moving from one recipe to another with the push of a button.

Technology Sourcebook

Moisture analyzer

April 16, 2015

The Alliance-Ohaus MB-Series moisture analyzer utilizes an infrared halogen heating element with a gold reflective housing that reaches 200°C within seconds to dry samples.

Technology Sourcebook

Floor safety tape

April 16, 2015

Visual Workplace Glow Floor-Mark peel-and-stick glow-in-the dark safety tape glows brightest for the first 60 min. and fades to remain lightly visible in total darkness for several hours.

Technology Sourcebook

Mixer lift stands

April 16, 2015

Sharpe portable mixer lift stands allow operators to raise and lower mixers in and out of 200- to 400-gal. tote bins, without manual lifting.

Technology Sourcebook

Rail/roller block system

April 15, 2015

The LM76 DEFENDER 1 Nitride-Plus hardened steel linear rail and roller block system is designed to operate in high-cycling food processing and packaging equipment applications.

Technology Sourcebook

Processing system

April 15, 2015

The Hydro-Thermal SilverLine self-contained, continuous food and beverage processing system cooks recipes as specified, replacing heat exchangers and kettles.

Technology Sourcebook

Random case erector

April 15, 2015

Engineered for end-of-line packaging operations, the Combi RCE robotic random case erector combines a 6-axis robot with multiple case magazines and a bottom flap folder with integrated tape head.

Technology Sourcebook

Embedded antennas

April 15, 2015

L-com HyperLink embedded PCB antennas directly integrate with devices that require wireless capabilities.

Technology Sourcebook

Motion controller

April 15, 2015

The FANUC Power Motion i-MODEL A motion controller is scalable from 1 to 32 axes; it is capable of 4 axes simultaneous interpolation.

Technology Sourcebook

Dry end tapes

April 14, 2015

H.B. Fuller Sesame dry end tapes are applied on the dry end of a corrugator for handle reinforcement, easy-opening/closing applications and retail-ready packaging.

Technology Sourcebook

Digital viscometer

April 14, 2015

The Brookfield DV1 continuous sensing digital viscometer offers multiple language choices and a user interface with 3 hot keys for spindle selection, test speed and other functions.

Technology Sourcebook

Pressure transducer/switch

April 14, 2015

The TDEPD all-digital electronic pressure transducer/switch has a programmable 360° marquee display that can be set to revolve, hold at a fixed angle or inverted for upside-down installations of the sensor.

Technology Sourcebook

Bread volume analyzer

April 14, 2015

The Perten BVM laser topography-based bread volume analyzer is suitable for samples with volumes from 200 to 2,800mL.

Technology Sourcebook

Multiphase decanter

April 14, 2015

Used to separate wheat starch and gluten or extract animal or vegetable fat and oil, the Flottweg Tricanter decanter separates 2 liquid phases from a solid phase, as long as they cannot dissolve in each other.

Technology Sourcebook

Software suite

April 13, 2015

Capable of turning disparate manufacturing data into actionable manufacturing intelligence, the Hertzler GainSeeker Suite Version 8.4 contains applications for overall equipment efficiency, statistical process control, defect management and overpack.

Technology Sourcebook

Industrial server

April 13, 2015

A PC-based solution, the Beckhoff C6670 industrial server comes with 12, 24 or 36 processor cores; the memory can be expanded from 64GB to 2TB.

Technology Sourcebook

Handheld barcode terminals

April 13, 2015

DENSO ADC BHT-1300-CE wireless and batch handheld barcode terminals feature the Windows Embedded Compact 7 operating system.

Technology Sourcebook

Dual-input temperature transmitters

April 13, 2015

Moore THZ3 and TDZ3 Smart 2-wire, loop-powered HART temperature transmitters provide an isolated and linear 4-20mA output proportional to input; they accept a direct signal input from a variety of sensors and analog devices.

Technology Sourcebook

Odor neutralizer

April 13, 2015

Orkin Actizyme all-natural, nontoxic odor neutralizer safely breaks down odor-producing molecules to help reduce the attraction of pests.

Technology Sourcebook

Motor controller

April 10, 2015

Intended for small stepper and BLDC motors with a continuous output up to 70W, the Nanotec CL3-E controller is suitable for laboratory automation equipment.

Technology Sourcebook

Rotary drum screen

April 10, 2015

The Munson Model 24-RDS-72 rotary drum screen removes solids from industrial waste streams and recovers solid product from food process streams at rates from 600 to 2,790 gal./min. without blinding or clogging the screen.

Technology Sourcebook

Food compactor systems

April 10, 2015

Engineered to handle food waste and byproducts, SP Industries food compactor systems are used in processing, reclamation and waste stream applications.

Technology Sourcebook

All-servo vertical cartoners

April 10, 2015

Capable of running at speeds over 1,000 cartons/min., PMI VL all-servo, vertical top-load cartoners handle multiple applications such as confectionery, food and beverage, pet foods and nutritional products.

Technology Sourcebook

Miniature spectrometer

April 10, 2015

Featuring interchangeable slits to adjust resolution and throughput on demand, indicator LEDs and device connectors, the Ocean Optics Flame miniature spectrometer can be employed in food manufacture quality labs or integrated on production lines for a range of UV-Vis reflected color measurements.

Technology Sourcebook

Melt-formed rPETpellet

April 10, 2015

Created for larger commercializations of food-grade bottles and containers, Phoenix LNOc melt-formed rPET pellet can be bulk handled and transported without affecting the color and low acetaldehyde attributes of the original compacted resin.

Technology Sourcebook

Tomato/peach sorter

April 10, 2015

Offering low-, medium- and high-speed modes, the TOMRA Sentinel II sorter has a capacity range of 40 to 200 tons of tomatoes or peaches per hour.

Technology Sourcebook

Flashing strobe lights

April 10, 2015

Acting as visual alarms for industrial safety, Pfannenberg PYRA-M flashing strobe lights come in a pyramid design and choice of 5 or 10 joule flash energy.

Technology Sourcebook

Steel leveling feet

April 10, 2015

Winco RoHS-compliant leveling feet accommodate static loads ranging from 1,800 to 3,600 lb.-ft.

Technology Sourcebook

Quarter-turn electric actuators

April 10, 2015

Featuring an IP67-rated glass-filled polypropylene housing, Hayward ECP Series thermoplastic quarter-turn electric actuators come in a variety of sizes with 115/230V and 12/24V voltages.

Technology Sourcebook

Compact enclosures

April 9, 2015

Offering data collection from remote points, Hansford HS-SC compact stainless steel enclosures come with up to 6 channels for industrial environments and process conditions where vibration measurement is required.

Technology Sourcebook

Linear focus actuator

April 9, 2015

A compact motion control positioner, the Equipment Solutions LFA-2010 linear focus actuator is intended for optical applications requiring high-speed positioning over a short to medium stroke.

Technology Sourcebook

Pump components

April 9, 2015

Approved for food contact, Morgan pump components include a variety of axial and radial bearings, seal face components, rotors and vanes in a range of sizes and compositions.

Technology Sourcebook

Electronic flow sensors

April 9, 2015

Available with measurement ranges from 0.1 to 60 gpm, Gems RotorFlow electronic flow sensors feature a paddlewheel design that combines composite rotors and solid-state electronics.

Technology Sourcebook

Universal plastic pallet

April 9, 2015

The Cabka-IPS Eco i5.1 universal plastic pallet accepts dynamic loads up to 3,300 lb. and 2,200-lb. racking loads.

Dry Processing

Metal detector

April 9, 2015

The Eriez Xtreme metal detector has an easy-to-navigate control with a large color interface.

Dry Processing

Inline particle sizing probe

April 9, 2015

The Parsum IPP-80 probe offers inline particle size measurement for process monitoring and control.

Dry Processing

Silo powder unloader

April 9, 2015

The Sodimate mechanical silo unloader features a vertical spindle fitted with flexible blades to ensure the discharge of dry powdered materials from silos, rigid bins and hoppers.

Technology Sourcebook

Electric forming machine

April 9, 2015

The Former SRT-2600 Servo Rapid Throughput electric forming machine includes a 1,200-lb. hopper, frames with tubular welding and a sequestered vacuum box.

Technology Sourcebook

Stand-up bag system

April 9, 2015

The Eagle packaging system weighs and deposits product into stand-up pouches that it indexes and arranges in alternating patterns.

Technology Sourcebook

Master modules

April 9, 2015

The B&R X20DS438A master module with IP20 protection and the X67DS438A master module with IP67 protection for use outside the control cabinet employ IO-Link 1.1 to communicate digitally with 4 intelligent field devices.

Technology Sourcebook

Vortex flow meter

April 9, 2015

Engineered to monitor energy flows for saturated and superheated steam or hot water, the KROHNE OPTISWIRL 4200 vortex flow meter measures conducting and non-conducting liquids, gases and steam.

Dry Processing

Airslide inlet tray

April 8, 2015

The Witte airslide inlet tray prevents sticky materials from clumping at the entry of vibrating fluid bed dryers and coolers.

Dry Processing

Peanut grinding unit

April 8, 2015

The MPE Peanut Gran-U-Lizer grinding unit utilizes a roller-style method with custom roll configurations.

Technology Sourcebook

Shrink tunnel

April 8, 2015

The Texwrap T818 shrink tunnel includes a high-velocity blower, variable speed conveyor, top/bottom/overall air volume and digital temperature controls.

Technology Sourcebook

Flexible metal conduit

April 8, 2015

Meeting the ASTM D746 low temperature brittle point of -40°C, the AFC LIQUID-TUFF non-UL liquid-tight flexible metal conduit features a hot-dipped, zinc-galvanized low carbon steel core and thermoplastic rubber jacket.

Technology Sourcebook

Disconnect switch

April 8, 2015

Designed to provide a secondary means of power shutdown for food and beverage industry applications, the Eaton nonmetallic motor control disconnect switch is constructed with NEMA 4X thermoplastic materials to withstand corrosive and industrial environments.

Technology Sourcebook

Infrared cameras

April 8, 2015

Omega OSXL-EX compact infrared cameras offer thermal, visible and MSX imaging.

Technology Sourcebook

Energy management system

April 8, 2015

The SISTRADE energy management system controls energy consumption and identifies cost centers with higher consumption rates than expected.

Dry Processing

Central vacuum systems

April 7, 2015

Schenck central vacuum systems can be tailored to the particular needs of a variety of plants and processes and designed for multiple users in large, multi-story plants or portable, single-user systems.

Dry Processing

Dry ingredient depositor

April 7, 2015

The Hinds-Bock dry ingredient depositor is designed for dry, free-flowing products such as sugar, sprinkles, chocolate chips, oat flakes, sliced nuts, dry low-fat streusel and flour.

Dry Processing

Hoist/rigging hooks latch kits

April 6, 2015

Columbus McKinnon latch kits for hoist and rigging hooks come in 50- and 100-unit bulk packages.

Dry Processing

Mercury-free tilt switch

April 6, 2015

Used for the high-level detection of powders and bulk solids, the BinMaster BM-TSM mercury-free tilt switch is mounted on the top of the bin; it activates an alarm when the material rises and tilts the switching mechanism 15°.

Dry Processing

Paddlewheel level device

April 6, 2015

The Bindicator Roto-Bin-Dicator PRO paddlewheel-type level device monitors the level of dry bulk material and indicates when there has been a change.

Dry Processing

Lift and dump drum dumper

April 6, 2015

The Material Transfer lift and dump drum dumper accepts a drum of non-free-flowing material and discharges the contents into a hopper at approximately 140 in. above floor level.

Dry Processing

Fluid bed dryers

April 6, 2015

ALMO fluid bed dryers process different kinds of particles such as corn flakes, oats and seeds.

Technology Sourcebook

Moisture meter

April 7, 2015

Able to measure the water content of samples to a standard regardless of ambient conditions, the Decagon TrueDry CV-9 moisture meter dries samples by passing heated, desiccated air over each of them until achieving a uniform value of 1% relative humidity.

Technology Sourcebook

Belt conveyor platform

April 7, 2015

The Dorner 3200 Series Precision Move conveyor platform for low-profile belt conveyors includes a timing belt, integrated servo motor and drive, controls and mounting for the gear motor.

Technology Sourcebook

Cut-resistant work glove

April 7, 2015

Combining ANSI Cut level 5 protection and a crinkle latex palm coating, the Magid CutMaster Aramax XT AX510 cut-resistant work glove can be used to handle sharp-edged materials.

Technology Sourcebook

Flow meters/sensors

April 7, 2015

Utilizing infrared reflected digital output technology, Clark stainless steel turbine flow meters/flow sensors provide monitoring and totalizing for liquids in pressures up to 363 psi.

Technology Sourcebook

Pressure switch/sensor

April 7, 2015

Offering changeover from 7 different units of pressure, the PISCO 31 Series digital pressure switch/sensor virtually eliminates the need for conversion; the display can be set to and changed from psi, in. Hg, kPa, MPA, kgf/cm2, bar and mmHg.

Technology Sourcebook

Corrosion control formula

April 7, 2015

The Cortec S-10FA filming amine formula provides corrosion control in boiler condensate systems; a thin protective field is formed on the metal when the formula is volatilized in the steam stream.

Technology Sourcebook

Mixing/blending vessels

April 7, 2015

Built to ASME specifications, Lee stainless steel agitated tanks, blenders and hemispherical-bottom kettles can be modified or custom built for specific applications.

Technology Sourcebook

Small case sealer

April 7, 2015

Used for the high-speed sealing of lightweight cases down to 3 in. in height, the A-B-C small case sealer has a pacer belt case transfer that automatically spaces cases whether they are fed apart or back to back; the side belt transfer controls the cases as they are conveyed.

Technology Sourcebook

Barcode labeling system

April 7, 2015

The Fairbanks LabelBank/DataBank rapid barcode labeling system combines user-friendly, factory-installed software with a networkable touchscreen instrument and high-speed industrial thermal barcode printer.

Technology Sourcebook

Low-voltage VFD

April 7, 2015

Designed to move air in HVAC applications, the Mitsubishi F800 Series low-voltage variable frequency drive can be used with air handlers, cooling towers and pumps; it also controls and supports a range of motor types, including AC induction and permanent magnet motors.

Technology Sourcebook

Form/fill/seal machine

April 6, 2015

The OYSTAR USA Hassia P300 form/fill/seal machine manufactures and fills small to medium-sized cups; it produces up to 63,000 portion cups/hr. and comes with an integrated case packing system.

Technology Sourcebook

Non-stick surface conveyor belt

April 6, 2015

Designed for the par-fried process of lightly breaded food products, the Cambridge SLATrak Teflon-slatted, non-stick surface conveyor belt is intended for chicken fingers and nuggets, panko and tempura-battered seafood, onion rings and other vegetables.

Technology Sourcebook

Wet/dry vacuum cleaner

April 6, 2015

Built to collect dust, debris and liquid in general cleaning applications, the Nilfisk Eliminator Pro II wet/dry vacuum cleaner delivers 130 cfm of airflow and suction using 8.5A of energy.

Technology Sourcebook

Pest control program

April 6, 2015

Terminix Commercial designs and executes pesticide plans that meet third-party audit schemes that comply with the Global Food Safety Initiative.

Technology Sourcebook

Vertical bagging machine

April 6, 2015

The Rovema BVC Series vertical form/fill/seal bagging machine offers the option to preheat and compress multilayered seal seam packing material.

Technology Sourcebook

Servo motor-driven pump fillers

April 6, 2015

Engineered for entrées and frozen meal processing, Hinds-Bock servo motor-driven pump fillers come with a control system that allows them to be linked via Ethernet to a plant’s control system.

Technology Sourcebook

NAMUR valve

April 6, 2015

The Festo VSNC series NAMUR valve comes with multiple coil options, including Class I Division 1(FM) or intrinsic safety.

Technology Sourcebook

Multi-shaft mixer

April 6, 2015

Designed for full vacuum operation up to 29.5 in. Hg, the Ross 150-gal. multi-shaft mixer is rated for 3 psi internal pressure for inert gas blanketing and for accelerating product discharge through an automated 3-in. flush tank ball valve.

Technology Sourcebook

Metal-detectable plastic

April 6, 2015

KleenFlex thin, flexible plastic is metal detectable and FDA/USDA approved for contact with food.

On Demand Kelley Rodriguez, Editor in Chief of Refrigerated & Frozen Foods, will be joined in this 60-minute webinar by industry experts to help unpack the latest research.

On Demand Driven by climate goals, business risk, client interest, and resilience considerations, food and beverage companies are increasingly turning their attention to decarbonizing their production processes.