Food Engineering

Operating in today’s uber-global, volatile world is challenging existing corporate structures and forcing the food and beverage industry’s leading players to become ever more adaptable, responsive, proactive and innovative.

Blame social media, changing tastes and needs or just the “Have it your way” attitude inspired by Burger King’s decades-long slogan, but modern consumers are demanding

You add up the mass of raw materials your facility consumes each day, look at the products it’s made, and the numbers just don’t balance—until you look at skids of rework and a dumpster topped off with the day’s malformed products and/or damaged packages.

With the Sun Belt states experiencing serious droughts and the cost of processing wastewater escalating in many municipalities, conserving and reusing water at food and beverage processing facilities just makes plain business sense.

As more companies continue to beef up their sustainable manufacturing practices, Coca-Cola has introduced a PET plastic bottle made entirely from sugarcane.

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

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

Pork processing, like any live protein processing, is not a nice environment for humans or machines.

Over the 20 years of its existence, PACK EXPO Las Vegas has grown from a regional show to one of the most expansive events for packaging and processing innovation.

A custom food processor, AlaTrade Foods provides large poultry processors with a service that requires intensive amounts of labor.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Babcock Hall Dairy Plant uses a hands-on approach to research and teach cutting-edge dairy science techniques to its food science students.

It’s a sad fact that some food processors still buy equipment based simply on price and the ability to produce a product.

Available globally, the Tri-Seal Tri-Vin laminated aluminum foil/foam barrier liner is engineered for roll-on pilfer-proof (ROPP) wine closures.

Liquid water enhancers allow consumers to flavor their water using a concentrated formula.

FDA has issued a supplemental proposed rule that would make two minor changes to the Nutrition Facts label on food products: It would require declaration of the percent daily value (%DV) for added sugars and change the current footnote on the Nutrition Facts label.

The US House of Representatives approved the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act by a vote of 275 to 150 and moved the legislation to the Senate.

For as long as I’ve been overseeing the content of Food Engineering magazine, the mandate for food and beverage processors has been serving consumer needs.

Many US food producers and manufacturers have expressed support for the renewal of diplomatic ties with Cuba.

In 2012, industry (comprised of manufacturing, agriculture, mining and construction) accounted for about one-third (30.6 quads) of the US’s total primary energy consumption, according to a recently released DOE report entitled “Barriers to Industrial Energy Efficiency.”

The AmeriVap Houdini jet system automatically cleans continuous mesh interlocking belts while they are in operation; it dislodges any accumulated debris and sanitizes with super-heated saturated dry steam vapor.

Suited for harsh environments, AbraxSys industrial rack mount LCD flat panel displays have a range of controls and standard spaced holes for 19-in. rack mounting.

A flip-top, 1-piece, spouted dispensing unit for flexible pouches, the WestRock FlexFit closure has a “latch-back” design that keeps the cap away from product during dispensing; it comes in a range of orifice sizes and shapes.

The fixed-height Thermo Scientific Global VersaWeigh checkweigher is used with products up to 22 lb. in weight, while the cantilevered, height-adjustable Global Versa GP model is suitable for products weighing up to 6.6 lb.

AGD DURA-SHIELD seals for the dairy and food processing industries are manufactured under CEMA dimensional standards.

Available with an analog output, the Banner Q4X laser distance sensor is used for fill level indication, part positioning, roll diameter, loop control and thickness/height verification; the sensor offers continuous measurement and sensing performance, in addition to resolutions as small as 0.15mm.

The NETZSCH all-metal TORNADO T2 rotary lobe pump is engineered for the hygienic processing of sensitive food industry products.

Designed for applications on injection molding machines, the Beck-Flex side-entry automated IML system handles molds with as many as 4 cavities.

Able to perform in harsh environments such as coolers, wet rooms and freezers, UniCarriers 5.2hp, AC-powered Platinum RPX walkie/rider pallet trucks come in 6,000- and 8,000-lb. capacities.

Suitable for practically any food processing application, Eriez ProGrade magnetic separators come in plate, grate, trap, tube and sight glass versions in a variety of sizes and strengths.

Lachenmeier stretch hood machines include an ICPA interface panel that allows operators to control, monitor, diagnose and manage wrap applications; specially designed icons illustrate every step of the process and provide information on the wrap cycle.

Enabling at-line analysis for food producers and manufacturers, the SPECTRO portable SPECTROSCOUT X-ray fluorescence spectrometer offers laboratory-quality elemental composition monitoring, quality control testing and audit-traceable results.

Capable of heating liquids or gases, CAS PUR-X circulation heaters are intended for the food and beverage industries.

The Phoenix Contact RS2005 security router has 5 unmanaged Ethernet ports and a 4-port managed switch for multiport security applications in Ethernet networks.

U.S. Water PhosZero cooling water treatment products provide scale and corrosion control.

Designed for the food and beverage industries, the Dematic AMCAP automated mixed case palletizing system arranges cases on a pallet in a specific sequence.

The Multi-Conveyor mild-steel constructed conveyor provides gap registration and bent tip detection for tubed products; the tubes fall directly into position due to the pockets designed in the conveyor belt.

Compatible with Microsoft Windows 7 and 8 operating systems, Fluke MET/TEMP II temperature calibration software version 5.0 is used for testing batches of sensors, calculating characterization of coefficients and generating calibration reports.

Available in Base and Pro versions, the Mosca fully automated SoniXs TR-6 strapping machine can be integrated into any food industry operation.

Bishop-Wisecarver DMV Series AC industrial servo motors have incremental encoders that can be driven by any servo drive with UVW commutation capabilities.

The AFC Cable Systems LIQUID-TUFF UL Splash Zone Liquidtight flexible conduit is made with a polyvinyl chloride jacket that inhibits bacteria growth and withstands bleach cleaning and sterilization.

With the same inside food space as a 9- x 9-in. foam clamshell, Anchor Culinary Squares packaging includes clear polypropylene vented lids with matching 8 1/2-in. square, black polypropylene bases; the lids and bases are both available in single and 3-compartment designs.

EPA registered for food contact surfaces, PURE hard surface disinfectant and sanitizer incorporates a non-toxic, environmentally friendly SDC antimicrobial molecule.

Suitable for applications where a surface is easily marred, Winco RoHS-compliant GN 51.6 steel-retaining magnet assemblies are comprised of a shielded magnetic assembly with a black elastomer (TPE) jacket and 2 internal threads.

Able to remove stubborn residues from vats, blenders, tanks and more, the Spraying Systems TankJet 360 high-impact tank cleaner is suitable for vessels up to 100 ft. in diameter.

Built for the snack food sector, the BVR 230 VFFS continuous vertical form/fill/seal bagging machine includes an integrated weigher, rotating sealing tool arrangement and separately driven cutting knife.

Providing an advanced positioning capability, the Duff-Norton CMLA linear actuator features IP66 protection for interior and exterior applications, a stainless steel translating tube for corrosion resistance, an anti-rotational outer tube and lightweight cast aluminum housing.

Able to handle liquid and powder mixing, gas dispersion and tank cleaning-in-place applications, the Alfa Laval rotary jet mixer can be used in tanks between 100 and 800,000L in size.

The SATO CL4/6NX-J series Internet of Things label printer features universal functionality and design with plug-and-play connectivity and multiple languages.

The TIPPER TIE TTChop33 industrial bowl cutter features a 330L bowl size, AC motor, integrated stainless steel switch cabinet and an ejector with an inexpensive wear ring.

The KEB COMBICONTROL Ethernet-based C6 industrial router comes with WAN, LAN, USB and serial interfaces, as well as standard digital I/Os; for hard-to-access installations, a cellular network option is available.

Designed for the food and beverage industry, the Lechler XactClean HP tank cleaning nozzle features controlled rotation.

Floor standing models, Master-Bilt reach-in blast chillers are designed for high-capacity input.

A master control system for all compressed air production and treatment components, the Kaeser Sigma Air Manager 2 unit optimizes pressure values, automatically adjusts system air delivery to accommodate fluctuating air demand and constantly analyzes the relationship between control losses, switching losses and pressure flexibility.

Featuring a 2-wing anchor, gate agitator and high-speed disperser, the Ross VersaMix Model VMC-1000 multi-shaft mixer has a 1,000-gal. working capacity.

Used in printing and packaging applications, the Butler Automatic 1000 Series automatic film splicer run at speeds up to 1,400 ft./min. and can handle non-woven substrates up to 64-in. wide without interrupting production.

Enhancing lockout/tagout procedures, KIRK trapped key interlocks ensure energy isolation procedures cannot be circumvented.

Beckhoff CP32xx industrial multi-touch panel PCs automate HMI and control applications.

The BEX TWK molded tank washing nozzle provides 360° and 180° rotation in a PVDF construction.

Designed to connect wirelessly to virtually any iPhone or iPad, the GP:50 iDucer Bluetooth wireless pressure transmitter measures pressure values from 0 to 1 psi through 0 to 30,000 psi with +/-0.2% FSO standard accuracy.

Compact and portable, Omega OM-90 series data loggers feature an immediate, delayed (specific date/time) or pushbutton start; a real-time mode; user-configurable high and low alarms; LED status indicators; and a USB interface for data transfer.

Designed for lint and static electricity-sensitive industries such as food processing, the SCA Tork industrial low-lint cleaning cloth is used for cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting surfaces, tools and equipment.

Designed as a multi-application system, the Eagle FA3/M inline fat measurement and contaminant detection solution handles various forms of meat product including fresh, hot-boned, chilled and frozen.

Combining traditional induction and permanent magnet motors, the Mitsubishi A860 600V all-in-one VFD provides speed, torque and positioning control for standard 3-phase motors.

Manufactured for challenging applications, the Fortress Interceptor NEMA 4X-/IP69K-rated metal detector uses a simultaneous multi-frequency operation that processes the transmission and reception of multiple frequencies continuously over a broad spectrum.

With a 24-gal. main tank capacity and horizontal transducers, the Ultrasonic Ultra 2400FA ultrasonic cleaner requires no solvents.

Anritsu CW and MD systems combine checkweighing and metal detection in 1 package; they provide the 2 functions simultaneously.

Sesotec Rapicon metal detector conveyors include modular components, standard reject systems and a range of aperture sizes.

The Douglas Cyclone rotary head belt washer washes and removes allergens from belts.

Featuring production monitoring and control, the METTLER TOLEDO C3572 checkweigher incorporates stainless steel conveyors with an open, accessible frame design.

Constructed with an extruded aluminum body, Bimba MFD compact double-acting pneumatic cylinders come in 10 bore sizes and a range of standard stroke lengths; they are available with a magnetic piston to enhance position sensing.

Able to detect smaller particle sizes of ferrous, non-ferrous and AISI 316 stainless steel, the CEIA THS/MS21 multi-spectrum metal detector eliminates false rejects caused by product effect conditions.

The Heinkel inverting filter centrifuge features an axially moveable filter cloth that can be inverted while under rotation; the filter cloth remains free of residual cake heel while a totally enclosed, gastight system is maintained.

Hercules Engineering Herculon Type D tank top bearings are installed under the roof beams of tank tops and other lighter structures in the food and beverage industries to support them and prevent them from cracking and breaking.

The Raymond Model 8210 walkie pallet truck features AC technology, static torque control, a ductile iron frame and undercarriage components, and stainless steel undercarriage pins.

Engineered for high-flow liquid processing applications, the IMI T-Trap magnetic separator has 1 large-tube magnet that provides direct, in-the-flow contact of the product to the magnetic tube.

Delivering a fine spot size for permanent codes, Linx fiber laser coders are suitable for a variety of materials used in static applications and moving production lines.

MAG-RAM self-cleaning grate magnets collect ferrous metal fragments without human interaction; the design pneumatically retracts magnet rods, rotates them and wipes the magnetic materials to the end and into a collection chamber.