March 2017 | Food Engineering

Staffing

Now hiring: Plants face skilled worker shortage

Manufacturing works to rebrand itself as appealing to the next generation of employees.

Crystal Lindell

March 8, 2017

It's not a great time to be in the manufacturing jobs recruitment business.

Food Safety

Evolving pathogen testing methods offer better, faster alternatives

New technologies offer more speed, better accuracy and ease of use for pathogen testing.

Debra Schug

March 15, 2017

Silent and undetectable to the naked eye, pathogens are the nemesis of processors.

Automation Series

Advanced controls yield major process improvements

Use of the right tools can cut waste, curb giveaways, improve efficiency, decrease downtime and maximize product.

Wayne Labs

March 8, 2017

Technology is changing how plants track and respond to waste.

Tech Update: Freezing and Cooling

Efficient freezing, cooling need not sacrifice performance

Careful planning, consistent operations can ensure processors strike a balance between performance and engery conservation

Casey Laughman

March 9, 2017

By developing an overall strategy for equipment and operations, processors can balance performance and efficiency in a way that meets both goals.

Editor's Note

How robotics and skilled labor are shaping the future of manufacturing

Manufacturing continues to evolve, and how food makers repsond will shape the future

Debra Schug

March 8, 2017

The future of manufacturing is top of mind, but there has been a tonal shift.

Manufacturing News

NIST addresses cybersecurity for companies

New document offers updated guidance to companies looking to protect themselves.

March 13, 2017

A primary concern of the new version is managing supply chain risks.

Regulatory Watch

FSIS issues guidance for new poultry inspection system

USDA's FSIS issues guidance for post-mortem inspection, verification of ready-to-cook requirements.

March 20, 2017

Directive includes information on inspection procedures.

Regulatory Watch

USDA announces revision of Nutrition Facts label for meat and poultry

The amendment will bring nutrition labels in line with the recent changes finalized by the FDA.

February 28, 2017

The FDA-approved changes to nutrition labels are based on the most recent dietary recommendations.

Food Packaging

EU pushes for antimicrobial packaging

NanoPack aims to develop state-of-the-art antimicrobial packaging solutions for perishable foods based on natural nanomaterials that will prevent food-borne illness outbreaks and reduce food waste.

Crystal Lindell

January 16, 2017

The European Union (EU) has awarded the international NanoPack consortium €7.7 million to develop a solution for extending food shelf life by using novel antimicrobial surfaces.

Food Safety

Why companies should do internal audits during off hours

Expanding internal audits to different times of day can help strengthen food safety.

Richard F. Stier

March 22, 2017

Third-party auditors rarely come into food plants during night shift, which really is a mistake.

Food Packaging

Crown offers look of glass jars for plastic with new metal closures

Company launches metal closures that work on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers.

Crystal Lindell

February 15, 2017

The new package combination offers considerable weight, efficiency and breakage improvements for both brands and consumers, while maintaining the high quality aesthetic of glass on store shelves.

Food Packaging

Stable Micro introduces rig pull force test

Company develops new rig to allow food and beverage tin manufacturers to measure the force needed to lift the ring pull.

Crystal Lindell

February 15, 2017

Stable Micro System’s latest test could finally put an end to that frustrating moment when consumers are trying with all their might to open a can of pop or a tin of tuna, but they just can’t get it off.

Engineering R&D

What the auto industry can teach food makers about seals

Today's CIP and SIP systems and their chemicals place a lot of stress on seals, but applying certain technologies from the auto industry can solve problems for food makers

Wayne Labs

March 16, 2017

When it comes to sealing, food and beverage equipment manufacturers can't rely on one-size-fits all solutions.

People & Industry News

People and Industry News: March 2017

March 17, 2017

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

Plant Openings

Plant Openings: March 2017

March 10, 2017

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

Technology Sourcebook

Hinds-Bock Low Boy filler/depositors

March 9, 2017

Hinds-Bock Low Boy filler/depositors feature a waist-high hopper that eliminates the need for transfer pumps, bowl dumps and machines that raise or lower.

Technology Sourcebook

NORD LogiDrive systems

March 9, 2017

NORD LogiDrive systems combine IE4 synchronous motors with 1.1 kW-, 1.5 kW- and 2.2 kW-rated power with 2-stage helical bevel gears for speed ranges of 0 to 565 rpm or 0 to 482 rpm.

Technology Sourcebook

Hamilton casters and wheels

March 9, 2017

Hamilton casters feature load capacities from 260 to 9,000 lb.; wheel diameters range from 3 to 12 in.

Technology Sourcebook

Pro Mach INV Pack SP1200 stickpack filler

March 9, 2017

Equipped with a servo-controlled pump, the Pro Mach INV Pack SP1200 stickpack filler adjusts pressure for a range of hot- and warm-fill high-viscosity foods such as peanut butter and stick cheese.

Technology Sourcebook

Photonics CleanTech laser systems

March 9, 2017

Providing a non-abrasive surface preparation and cleaning process, Photonics CleanTech laser systems remove coatings, contaminants and residues.

Technology Sourcebook

Cambridge Metal Modular conveyor belt

March 8, 2017

The Cambridge Metal Modular metal-detectable, stainless steel conveyor belt can be used with horizontal and incline conveyors for processes such as bagging, pack-outs, dip tanks, macerators and in-feeds.

Technology Sourcebook

Omega OM-DAQXL portable data logger

March 8, 2017

The Omega OM-DAQXL multi-channel portable handheld data logger features 8 or 16 universal analog inputs, fast sampling rates and large data storage.

Technology Sourcebook

Eriez PolyMag FDA-compliant additives

March 8, 2017

Eriez PolyMag FDA-compliant additives provide metal detectability, X-ray contrast and magnetic susceptibility when added to plastic moldings.

Technology Sourcebook

Cortec VpCI-706 fuel additive

March 8, 2017

Cortec VpCI-706 fuel additive works in diesel tanks and systems; it provides corrosion protection for ferrous metal surfaces in contact with the fuel and above the fuel level.

Technology Sourcebook

Viega ProPress Zero Lead ball valves

March 8, 2017

Viega ProPress Zero Lead full-port bronze ball valves for copper systems are available in 1/2- and 3/4-in. press sizes, 3/4-in. hose sizes and more than 600 fitting configurations.

Technology Sourcebook

Fogg F12 rotary filler

March 7, 2017

The Fogg F12 rotary filler has a 12-ft. forged ring filling bowl with 56 to 120 filling valves and 14 to 30 capping heads, filling at speeds up to 1,200 single-serve bottles/min.

Technology Sourcebook

Amcor PET bottles/preforms

March 7, 2017

Amcor clear, spill-proof PET stock bottles and preforms are engineered for dairy, aseptic and high-pressure processed beverages.

Technology Sourcebook

WAGO 750-515 digital relay output module

March 7, 2017

Featuring a compact 12-mm housing, the WAGO 750-515 4-channel digital relay output module can be used with multiple voltage potentials.

Technology Sourcebook

HANTEMP Controls SSLLA float switch

March 7, 2017

The HANTEMP Controls stainless steel SSLLA float switch has a 5-in. adjustable range.

Technology Sourcebook

Sparks Belting Dura Drive SPM permanent magnet pulley

March 7, 2017

An all-in-one drive component, the Sparks Belting Dura Drive SPM synchronous, permanent magnet motorized pulley can be used with all types of belt conveyor systems.

Technology Sourcebook

Sensaphone IMS-1000 food monitoring system

March 6, 2017

The Sensaphone IMS-1000 system provides 24/7 remote monitoring of unattended commercial freezers and refrigerators.

Technology Sourcebook

XENON X-1100 pulsed light system

March 6, 2017

The XENON X-1100 benchtop pulsed light system delivers high-intensity pulsed light that can be used in a variety of applications requiring photonic exposure.

Technology Sourcebook

MasoSine Certa food/beverage pump

March 6, 2017

Offering EHEDG (Type EL Class I) and 3-A certification, the MasoSine Certa pump provides suction capable of handling viscous products.

Technology Sourcebook

Kollmorgen AKD-N servo drive system

March 6, 2017

The Kollmorgen AKD-N decentralized servo drive system can be mounted in the immediate vicinity of a motor.

Technology Sourcebook

Moticont direct drive linear motors

March 3, 2017

Moticont 5 µm resolution SDLM-025-095-01-05 and 1.25 µm resolution SDLM-025-095-01-01 direct drive linear motors have a 1-in. stroke and diameter, and are 3.75-in. long.

Technology Sourcebook

LUVOCOM 9001/BL/L magnetic, detectable compound

March 3, 2017

Compliant with food contact regulations such as EU 10/2011 and FDA CFR 21.177, LUVOCOM 9001/BL/L magnetic, detectable compound is colored blue for visual traceability.

Technology Sourcebook

Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 755 AC drives

March 3, 2017

Offering harmonic mitigation, regeneration and common bus system configurations, Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 755 drives comply with the IEEE 519 specification.

Technology Sourcebook

Van der Graaf sanitary drum motors

March 3, 2017

Van der Graaf USDA-approved stainless steel SSV sanitary drum motors are built to drive conveyor belts in food processing plants where sanitation is paramount.

Technology Sourcebook

Regal Beloit SealMaster mounted ball bearing

March 3, 2017

The Regal Beloit SealMaster large bore Performance Gold Line mounted ball bearing has an axial groove in the inner ring bore; the feature is available in medium 2 7/16-in. and up and standard 2 11/16-in. and up shaft sizes.

Technology Sourcebook

Fuji Electric FRENIC-Ace variable frequency drive

March 2, 2017

The Fuji Electric FRENIC-Ace variable frequency drive includes applied power ratings, sensorless dynamic torque vector control, PM synchronous motor control, a 2-channel on-board RS485 communication port and customizable logic.

Technology Sourcebook

DEPRAG ADVANCED LINE air vane motors

March 2, 2017

DEPRAG ADVANCED LINE air vane motors feature non-corrosive stainless steel external parts and 2 radial shaft sealing rings.

Technology Sourcebook

Winsmith stainless steel conveyor drive

March 2, 2017

The Winsmith stainless steel conveyor drive comes in 5 case sizes and more than 15,000 configurations.

Technology Sourcebook

Brother ie3 Premium Efficiency gearmotors

March 2, 2017

Brother ie3 Premium Efficiency gearmotors offer a wide speed range and can be mounted in any direction.

Technology Sourcebook

Remco color-coded material handling tools

March 2, 2017

Remco color-coded material handling tools come in a range of bright colors; the tools include shovels, scoops and scrapers.

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.