https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/rss/2635 en-us What qualities to look for in an industrial Ethernet switch that can provide long-term reliability in an F&B plant.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/100575 Fri, 23 Sep 2022 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/100575-understanding-the-increased-demand-for-industrial-switches-in-food-and-beverage-plants Data is valuable because it helps manufacturers make better decisions. But there’s a big difference between collecting data and being able to actually use it. If you don’t have a system in place to be able to understand what the data is telling you, then you’re going to be overwhelmed by it.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/99695 Fri, 01 Oct 2021 18:19:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/99695-using-data-intelligence-to-reduce-unit-costs-in-food-manufacturing Using-Data-Intelligence-Image.jpg Photo courtesy of Deville Technologies. http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/99582 Fri, 06 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/99582-the-morning-star-company-explores-ai-options-to-improve-yields-profitability With a market that is expected to reach $10.3 billion by 2027, food and beverage companies need to know the benefits and challenges of implementing AS/RS.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/99543 Mon, 05 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/99543-tech-update-automated-storage-and-retrieval-systems-offer-challenges-benefits-and-new-technology If your food or beverage operation isn’t making widespread use of sensors to monitor your process, you can’t expect to remain competitive for long.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/99316 Thu, 04 Feb 2021 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/99316-using-sensors-to-improve-processes Allpax Pressure Profiler The Allpax Pressure Profiler uses advanced sensing techniques to profile fragile food containers in a retort so they don’t have to be sent out for profiling in a third-party test lab. Photo courtesy of Allpax Brooks Instrument SLAMf Series MFC The Brooks Instrument SLAMf Series MFC works with process sensors to provide control of critical applications in tough environments—both indoors and outdoors. Photo courtesy of Brooks Instrument Promass Q300 Coriolis mass flowmeter By using the Promass Q300 Coriolis mass flowmeter with viscosity output, inline viscosity measurement can be performed, greatly reducing the production downtime associated with quality check steps, and in some cases enabling closed-loop control. Photo courtesy of Endress+Hauser SBOC-Q system (top, left): Shape in sight: A compact vision system, SBOC-Q camera, measures the shape of a hamburger. (middle, left): SBOC-Q measures the shape of an out-of-specification hamburger (see flaw at the lower right of the image). (bottom, left): The SBOC-Q system measures the shape of a quality hamburger. (top, right): Defective products are identified immediately by the vision system SBOI-Q with its integrated lens, which allows only perfect biscuits to pass on to the next station. For example, (middle, right) the chocolate coating is missing around the edge. However, the chocolate coating in the bottom, right picture is correct. All photos courtesy of Festo Rheonics’ SRV (DIN 11851) inline viscosity sensor Rheonics’ SRV (DIN 11851) inline viscosity sensor has built-in temperature measurement, and can be inserted inline with existing equipment. Photo courtesy of: Rheonics http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/99061 Fri, 21 Aug 2020 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/99061-how-robots-help-processors-navigate-the-covid-19-pandemic robotic food packing With a soft grip, an ABB robot removes freshly baked muffins from their tins. Photo courtesy of ABB Robotics FANUC's DR-3iB series of delta robots With a 1600-mm reach, FANUC's DR-3iB series of delta robots are specifically designed to maximize speed and versatility in picking and packing applications, especially in food handling and washdown environments. Photo courtesy of FANUC USA Festo Bionic Mobile Assistant Cobots on the move. Festo is behind the design of this Bionic Mobile Assistant, aka an autonomous mobile robot, which can understand and move safely through an environment without any human assistance. Image courtesy of Festo APRIL Robotics Robot Chef Set up as a cobotic workcell, APRIL Robotics Robot Chef prepares sauces and soups while only one operator is needed to maintain ingredient supply levels. Photo courtesy of APRIL Robotics OnRobot Soft Gripper The flexible OnRobot Soft Gripper uses three interchangeable silicon-molded cups in star and four-finger configurations to pick up almost any small object under 2.2 kg (4.8 lbs.) with a delicate, precise touch. The electric Soft Gripper is food-grade certified and requires no vacuum or air. Photo courtesy of OnRobot Sidel's Cermex FlexiLoad Operators generally spend over 50% of their time, and sometimes as much as 80%, feeding the cardboard magazine of a case packing system. Extremely time consuming, this task is also a recognized cause of musculoskeletal disorders. Consisting of a 6-axis robot, a universal gripping tooling, and PC–based software, Sidel’s Cermex FlexiLoad handles magazine loading automatically for any high-speed case packing system. Photo courtesy of Sidel Omron parallel robots New gripper technologies make it easy for Omron’s IP69K-rated, USDA-accepted parallel robots to pick and place delicate produce without fracturing the skin. Photo courtesy of Omron http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/98998 Thu, 16 Jul 2020 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/98998-controlling-temperature-from-farm-to-fork-protects-product-quality-brand-name Endress+Hauser's iTHERM line of temperature sensors Endress+Hauser’s iTHERM line of temperature sensors feature Bluetooth communications and TrustSens, a self-calibrating RTD system that lowers the risk of erroneous measurements. Photo courtesy of Endress+Hauser Emerson's GO Real-Time Trackers and Loggers For on the go, Emerson provides a full suite of in-transit trackers. The GO Real-Time Trackers and Loggers can be placed on truck, rail, air and intermodal containers to track perishable products in transit. The devices automatically transmit temperature and location data to Emerson’s Oversight cloud portal using cellular communications. Photo courtesy of Emerson Monnit's ALTA Wireless Food Probe Monnit’s upcoming ALTA Wireless Food Probe is an example of a new IIoT device that automates process data collection in this test kitchen. IIoT devices offer reliability, repeatability, redundancy and immunity to human error over manually collecting and recording data. Photo courtesy of Monnit shillingr@bnpmedia.com (Rose Shilling) http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/98736 Mon, 02 Mar 2020 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/98736-detecting-foreign-matter-to-avoid-contamination VERYX B140 bulk product sorter A comprehensive foreign matter detection strategy could include bulk product sorting upstream from inspection systems. For extra protection, Antarctic Foods uses two Key Technology sorters, including this belt-fed VERYX B140 sorting diced carrots. Photo courtesy of Key Technology Eriez Xtreme metal detector The Eriez Xtreme metal detector is capable of storing hundreds of different products all with unique settings. Photo courtesy of Eriez Sentinel 3000 metal detector and checkweigher Thermo Scientific recently launched the Sentinel 3000, a compact model for metal detection and checkweighing combined. It mounts on the weighing frame of VersaWeigh and Versa GP checkweighers, reducing footprint while enabling functions like program changes, alarms and rejection statistics. Photo courtesy of Thermo Scientific Profile Advantage product inspection system The Mettler Toledo Profile Advantage metal uses Multi-Simultaneous Frequency technology to analyze product signal data captured across a wide spectrum of frequencies simultaneously. This is processed by the company’s 3S software algorithm in real time, which results in a 30% to 50% higher sensitivity than competing technologies. Photo courtesy of Mettler Toledo SC-2000 X-ray scanner The new SC-2000 X-ray scanner from WIPOTEC-OCS has the scanner and detector separated from the control cabinet, offering a very compact design for tight processing areas. Photo courtesy of WIPOTEC-OCS shillingr@bnpmedia.com (Rose Shilling) http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/98705 Mon, 17 Feb 2020 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/98705-technologies-help-processors-find-best-temperature-for-quality-efficiency Messer freezer Messer’s new freezer for hot products—cooked, marinated chicken wings, for example—seals in moisture while preventing ice particle buildup. Photo courtesy of Messer thermal energy cell Cells containing materials that absorb heat and rain down cold over food pallets fit right on top of the racking system. Photo courtesy of Viking Cold Solutions Tippman's QuickFreeze In-Rack freezing system Tippman Innovation has taken its QuickFreeze In-Rack freezing system modular. QFM uses individual cooling units for each pallet position. Photo courtesy of Tippmann Innovation Tippmans QuickFreeze In-Rack freezing system Green lights show that the modular units are running when pallets are in place. Photo courtesy of Tippmann Innovation http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/98675 Wed, 22 Jan 2020 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/98675-employing-wireless-sensors-without-a-clear-goal-could-prove-inefficient AutomationDirect Stride Pocket Portal Portal devices like this AutomationDirect Stride Pocket Portal can be quickly and easily installed to add IIoT capabilities at any type of facility. They can be wired to local I/O points, and connect to the network and cloud wirelessly. Photo courtesy of AutomationDirect IIoT gateway IIoT gateways provide access to a wide range of information from a pneumatics application, as well as data analysis, storage and visualization, where users can create—without having to program a single line of code—personalized dashboards to provide KPIs that can be displayed on smartphones, laptops, desktops and tablets. Photo courtesy of Emerson/ASCO Endress+Hauser Coriolis mass flow meter This Endress+Hauser Coriolis mass flow meter is suitable for installation and use in food and beverage applications, and it supplies a wealth of information useful for IIoT implementations. Photo courtesy of Endress+Hauser predictive maintenance A key component of digital transformation is changing data gathering from a manual to an automatic process by installing wireless sensors and connecting them to an asset performance platform, which is a great way to set up a PdM system. Photo courtesy of Yokogawa Electric Corporation SKF Pulse Customers can use connected devices and intuitive mobile apps like SKF Pulse to begin collecting vibration and temperature data from motors. Photo courtesy of SKF http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/98580 Fri, 22 Nov 2019 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/98580-why-be-liable-for-workplace-injuries-if-robots-can-do-the-job-safely-efficiently collaborative robots Four Stäubli TX90L HE robots (two shown) work in concert on each of two packaging lines to group 15 fish sticks together prior to packaging at The Seafood Traders (Germany). Photo courtesy of Stäubli collaborative robots Robot integrator, Caxton-Mark, designed this special gripper for a Kawasaki CP180L robot to handle fragile cartons of produce (in the background) and stack them to heights over 7 feet on pallets. Photo Courtesy of Kawasaki collaborative robots At Atria Scandinavia, Universal Robots Models UR5 and UR10 collaborative robots work safely around people and can perform varied tasks such as erecting cartons, labeling containers or performing secondary packaging. Photo courtesy of Universal Robots collaborative robots California Dairies’ Visalia facility produces 500,000 pounds of butter daily. In 2016, it took this load off the backs of 10 employees per shift with this Columbia/Okura LLC palletizing system, which handles cases of butter weighing up to 50 lbs. each. The palletizing system is fenced in to protect employees. Photo courtesy of Columbia/Okura LLC http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/98438 Wed, 14 Aug 2019 08:45:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/98438-how-strong-is-your-weakest-link-in-the-cold-food-chain ammonia refrigeration system Workers putting finishing touches on a factory-assembled ammonia refrigeration package for a cooling tunnel addition by Berg Chilling Systems at a dairy processing facility. Photo courtesy of Berg Chilling Systems Freshline IQ tunnel freezer Air Products’ Freshline IQ tunnel freezer comes in 10-ft. modules and expands easily as production needs grow. It is equipped with technology that enables users to review historic data to troubleshoot, track efficiency and ensure the required temperatures are maintained. Photo courtesy of Air Products CIP nozzle Automation in the cleaning process is important to help ensure consistency and repeatability. Photo courtesy of FPS CIP system in freezer Clean-in-place systems in the freezer allow hard- to-reach spots to be cleaned during the freezing process. Photo courtesy of FPS http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/98096 Wed, 13 Feb 2019 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/98096-using-data-to-make-the-most-of-automation-iiot-and-ai-on-the-manufacturing-line predictive maintenance SKF Pulse provides an entry point to a predictive maintenance program and requires no specialized training or expertise. It provides a real-time indication of machine health, plus the ability to connect with experts. Photo courtesy of SKF USA IntellliDrive drum motor The IntelliDrive drum motor simplifies the selection of belt speed and, without loss of torque or belt-pull, substantially increases the efficiency and the life of the electric motor, further minimizing downtime while decreasing overall operating costs. Photo courtesy of Van der Graaf IPMax compact IPM gearmotors IPMax is a line of lightweight, compact IPM gearmotors designed to be efficient with a wide synchronous speed range, incorporating magnets embedded within the rotor, as opposed to on the surface. Photo courtesy of Brother Gearmotors smart sensor A smart sensor allows the user to communicate with it to configure it to a specific machine. Additionally the sensors get operational parameters, such as the speed, number of starts, operating hours and output horsepower. Photo courtesy of ABB Inc. VFD The IntelliDrive drum motor combines an integrated VFD with permanent magnet motor technology. The rotor is magnetically self-induced using permanent magnets installed on the rotor body. Photo courtesy of Van der Graaf http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/97784 Fri, 28 Sep 2018 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/97784-processors-use-interleavers-to-speed-up-packaging-of-raw-bacon Laughmanc@bnpmedia.com (Casey Laughman) http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/97632 Mon, 09 Jul 2018 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/97632-how-to-evaluate-and-specify-food-grade-lubricants Laughmanc@bnpmedia.com (Casey Laughman) http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/97516 Tue, 29 May 2018 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/97516-filling-machines-offer-improved-speed-sanitation-and-efficiency Alfa Laval Bag in Box filler TRU Aseptics, a Beloit, Wis.-based aseptic processor and packager, utilizes an Alfa Laval Bag in Box filler to offer its customers flexibility in the size of their product runs. Photo courtesy of TRU Aseptics Fogg Filler Processors are continuously looking for ways to cut down on changeover and cleaning time. Fogg Filler incorporates time-savers such as covers and components that can be removed by hand instead of requiring tools. Photo courtesy of Fogg Filler filler designed for easier cleaning As processors look for more efficiency and easier cleaning, fillers are being built with more open spaces and fewer fasteners to make it easier to change over or clean machinery. Photo courtesy of Spee-Dee automated filling line Automation of production lines, including fillers, offers processors more efficiency, better error checking and the ability to use production data to improve their processes. Photo courtesy of Spee-Dee Laughmanc@bnpmedia.com (Casey Laughman) http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/97301 Tue, 20 Feb 2018 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/97301-how-food-processors-can-choose-the-right-floors-doors-and-ceilings Armstrong ceiling Selecting the right ceiling material for food processing applications requires considering acoustics, bacterial and microbial growth resistance, and cleanability. Photo courtesy of Armstrong Ceilings Sherwin Williams flooring material Depending on where flooring material is needed in a plant, its properties, texture and interactions with cleaning materials are all variables that must be considered. Photo courtesy of Sherwin-Williams RiteHite doors Selecting doors for a food processing plant involves a number of decisions, including door opening and closing speed, resistance to microbial growth and corrosion, and cleanability. Photo courtesy of RiteHite slip-resistant flooring Durability, cleanability and slip/fall resistance are among the considerations for flooring materials in a food processing plant. Photo courtesy of Sherwin-Williams schugd@bnpmedia.com (Debra Schug) http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/97240 Fri, 26 Jan 2018 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/97240-how-to-choose-x-ray-and-metal-detection-equipment Eagle Tall PRO XSDV The Eagle Tall PRO XSDV simultaneously performs contaminant detection, fill level inspection and mass measurement in metal cans and other tall, rigid containers. Photo courtesy of Eagle Product Inspection METTLER TOLEDO Profile Advantage metal detector The METTLER TOLEDO Profile Advantage metal detector employs multi-simultaneous frequency technology to reduce product effect. Photo courtesy of METTLER TOLEDO Thermo Scientific Sentinel multiscan metal detector The Thermo Scientific Sentinel multiscan metal detector enables users to identify contaminants that are up to 70 percent smaller in volume than previous technologies. Photo courtesy of Thermo Fisher Scientific Peco-InspX's SHIELD x-ray machine Peco-InspX recently introduced a new line-up of X-ray machines called the SHIELD, which offer major advancements in detection capability and ease of use. Photo courtesy of Peco-InspX http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/97178 Mon, 08 Jan 2018 11:24:00 -0500 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/97178-how-a-warehouse-execution-system-assists-with-recalls Westfalia Technologies Inc. Warehouse execution systems like Westfalia’s Savanna.NET can manage a warehouse in real time, minimize the chance of bad product getting out the door, and supervise a fully automated warehouse, such as an AR/RS. Source: Westfalia Technologies Inc. Dave Williams http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/97176 Sun, 07 Jan 2018 17:19:00 -0500 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/97176-cpu-security-vulnerabilities-pose-broad-spectrum-issues Laughmanc@bnpmedia.com (Casey Laughman) Automation of batch processing isn’t new, but as more companies move beyond the basics of automation, they are finding that new technology brings big rewards—as well as big challenges.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/97012 Wed, 18 Oct 2017 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/97012-food-processors-can-get-big-benefits-from-automating-batch-processing coffee beans Sorting and processing materials, such as coffee beans, can be automatically managed through a batch processing system. Source: iStockPhoto. chips Although manual ingredient additions or other steps may be required, automating batch processing can help ensure the processors are getting the finished product they require. Source: iStockPhoto. potatoes Whether it’s used with ingredients at the beginning or a finished product at the end, automated batch processing helps food processors meet their productivity and efficiency goals. Source: iStockPhoto. lindellc@bnpmedia.com (Crystal Lindell) http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/96940 Thu, 14 Sep 2017 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/96940-new-advances-make-aseptic-packaging-more-popular Tetra Prisma Aseptic 500 Edge with DreamCap The Tetra Prisma Aseptic 500 Edge with DreamCap is a package specifically designed to meet the growing demand of consumers who want to enjoy their liquid dairy products, juices, nectars and still drinks on the go. Source: Tetra Pak. Bosch FCL 3080 A At this year’s interpack, Bosch debuted its new FCL 3080 A, an aseptic linear filling and sealing machine for dairy, baby food and nutraceuticals, which is designed for enhanced product safety, efficiency, flexibility and ease of use. Source: Bosch. Sidel Aseptic Combi Predis FMa blow-fill-seal filler Sidel recently received FDA approval for its Aseptic Combi Predis FMa blow-fill-seal filler, pictured here. As a result, it is validated for low-acid manufacturing and commercial distribution in the US market. Source: Sidel. baby food Italian brand Plasmon, which makes baby food and is part of the global Heinz Group, recently installed an aseptic filling machine from Bosch that uses plastic pots instead of glass jars. The machine improves food safety, offering just one fault per 30,000 products. Source: Bosch. Tetra Gemina Aseptic packaging The Tetra Gemina Aseptic features a unique top and 360° graphic design space shaped to attract consumer attention. It comes in various package shapes— square, leaf and crystal—and sizes, helping brands successfully stand out on the crowded beverage shelf. Source: Tetra Pak. Laughmanc@bnpmedia.com (Casey Laughman) http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/96863 Fri, 18 Aug 2017 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/96863-energy-efficiency-controls-offer-processors-better-drying-options Witte fluid bed dryer The Witte fluid-bed dryer allows it to be lifted out for cleaning and inspection to prevent cross-contamination and facilitate ease of cleaning. Source: The Witte Company. Ceres Plus dryer A Bühler Aeroglide Ceres Plus dryer is a hygienically designed dryer for use for coated cereal products. Source: Bühler Aeroglide. inspecting the dryer A motorized hoist raises the dryer and conveyor to allow access for cleaning and inspection. Source: The Witte Company. conveyor bed The conveyor bed of a Witte dryer. The conveyor is built with continuous construction, which cuts down on the number of welds needed and eliminates cracks and crevices that food can get caught in. Source: The Witte Company. conveyor belt The conveyor belt of a Bühler Aeroglide Ceres Plus dryer. Source: Bühler Aeroglide. Laughmanc@bnpmedia.com (Casey Laughman) http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/96817 Mon, 10 Jul 2017 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/96817-efficiency-improvements-offer-new-choices-for-engine-room-equipment compressor retort Allpax retorts can capture steam and cool it down to water that can be used in hot water applications. By doing so, they can cut water usage by up to half. Source: Allpax. water recovery system The water recovery systems from Allpax feature PLC controls and graphic HMI screens to capture critical variables. Source: Allpax. http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/96729 Mon, 29 May 2017 14:22:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/96729-wearable-technologies-like-vr-and-ar-may-have-finally-arrived schugd@bnpmedia.com (Debra Schug) http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/96687 Wed, 24 May 2017 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/96687-alternative-processing-helps-meet-consumer-cravings FoodSafety-IRD Kreyenborg’s FoodSafety-IRD is used to treat bulk foods, such as tea, spices, dried herbs, nuts and seeds. Source: Kreyenborg. HPP equipment Hiperbaric’s product line of HPP equipment. Source: Hiperbaric. Avure HPP equipment JBT recently acquired Avure, one of the companies manufacturing HPP equipment. Source: JBT/Avure. FoodSafety-IRD Kreyenborg’s FoodSafety-IRD equipment uses infrared light to reduce germs, such as bacteria, yeasts and mold, as well as pathogens. Source: Kreyenborg. The food industry is no slouch in employing robots, especially for hazardous and back-breaking jobs.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/96598 Wed, 12 Apr 2017 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/96598-robotics-now-and-in-the-future RBO Hand 2 Special grippers for soft/delicate food are often in development, such as the RBO Hand 2 at the Technical University of Berlin, Department of Computer Engineering and Microelectronics. The gripper hand is made from PneuFlex actuators mounted on a flexible, printed scaffold. Source: Technical University of Berlin. FANUC CR series FANUC has a complete line of collaborative robots (CR Series) that are force limited and work without the need for fencing, but can handle payloads from four to 35 kg. Source: FANUC. ABB FlexPicker Able to spread tomato sauce perfectly on pizza dough, ABB’s FlexPicker can cover thousands of pizzas a day, so no human has to do this repetitive, monotonous task. Source: ABB Robotics. robotic fish cutting system Denso Robotics created this robotic fish-cutting system when needed by a client. The hygienic system scans the fish before trimming it to size. Source: Denso Robotics. robotic palletizing system Intelligrated offers full robotic system integration of robotic palletizing and de-palletizing systems, including conveyance and sortation products to implement complete systems. Source: Intelligrated. Festo Bionic Tripod 2.0 Festo’s Bionic Tripod 2.0 consists of a drive unit, a tripod structure free to move in all spatial directions, a flexible hand axis and an adaptive FinGripper soft handling unit, which consists of a pneumatic actuator and three lightweight gripping fingers. Source: Festo. Cimcorp Multi-Pick Kroger selected Cimcorp’s Multi-Pick, a fully automated, robotic production storage, handling and order processing system, which is able to pick 32,000 crates per day from a store of up to 36,000 crates. Source: Cimcorp. Laughmanc@bnpmedia.com (Casey Laughman) http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/96559 Thu, 09 Mar 2017 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/96559-efficient-freezing-cooling-need-not-sacrifice-performance Linde impingement freezer Using high-velocity nitrogen vapor, the Linde impingement freezer can freeze 300 percent more than a standard cryogenic tunnel freezer of similar length. Source: Linde. ammonia central refrigeration system An ammonia central refrigeration system for a food processing plant. Source: Berg. diagram of integrated controls cooling system A diagram showing an integrated controls cooling system. Source: Berg. Emerson ice machine An Emerson ice machine. Source: Emerson. CO2/ammonia cascade system The engine room of a CO2/Ammonia cascade system. The blue pipes and vessels are ammonia; there is no ammonia outside the engine room area. Source: M&M Refrigeration. http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/96442 Wed, 18 Jan 2017 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/96442-system-integration-solutions-for-big-and-small-projects Southern Wine & Spirits facility Southern Wine & Spirits (Wilsonville, OR) collaborated with Bastian Solutions, a system integrator specializing in material handling applications, to automate its new facility, providing a 38 percent increase in cartons sorted per day (compared to an older facility), plus an accuracy rate greater than 99.5 percent. Source: Bastian Solutions. Mix Batch Report Developed by Maverick Technologies, the Mix Batch Report provides the final details of a 1 percent, reduced-fat chocolate milk produced by the batching system. Source: Maverick Technologies. autoclaves at Gancia winery Autoclaves at the Gancia winery (Italy) are under the control of a Rockwell PlantPAx DCS implemented on EtherNet/IP. The new DCS upgraded older equipment, keeping the original I/O wiring intact—and was programmed and installed by Progecta, a Rockwell system integrator with more than 25 years of experience. Source: Rockwell Automation. batching system Maverick Technologies developed a batching system for a dairy. This screen shows the calculations for ingredients in 1 percent, reduced-fat chocolate milk. Source: Maverick Technologies. eWON Cosy VPN router The eWON Cosy is an industrial VPN router designed to offer easy remote access across the Internet to machines and installations at customer sites or in the field. With the eWON Cosy, OEMs and system integrators can troubleshoot machines remotely without going on site, drastically reducing support costs. Source: HMS Industrial Networks AB. http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/96345 Tue, 20 Dec 2016 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/96345-plcs-and-pacs-know-when-and-where-to-use-them embedded PCs Embedded PC or PAC? Beckhoff’s CX2020, CX2030 and CX2040 embedded PCs provide powerful CPUs with multi-core processors available and enable direct connection of bus terminals or EtherCAT terminals. Source: Beckhoff. AutomationDirect Do-more PLC Simple, expandable and affordable, the AutomationDirect Do-more PLC controls the fermentation process in each of seven tanks at 26° Brewing. The system is expandable to 16 tanks total in its present configuration. Source: AutomationDirect. Rockwell Bulletin 1769 CompactLogix 5370 controllers Rockwell Bulletin 1769 CompactLogix 5370 controllers feature GuardLogix integrated safety (SIL 3) and are suited to applications requiring low axis motion (two-axes kinematics) and I/O point counts. They use the same programming software, network protocols and information capabilities as all Logix controllers. Source: Rockwell Automation. Opto 22 PAC system CalCA incorporates Ethernet-based Opto 22 PAC systems (top of equipment rack) to maintain strict environmental control at its customers cold storage facilities. Source: Opto 22.