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The food processing industry is big business. With new processes, new packaging and more competition there’s added pressure on operations teams to implement the most efficient and cost effective method of manufacturing at every step in the production line. Like many industries, the food processing industry involves a huge array of processes connected to the final end product. Taking a raw material to a finished product ready to be shipped is an important part of manufacturing. This means that the highest standards of food hygiene must be adopted. The components within the manufacturing equipment are not to be overlooked. Without this significant machinery, the food processing industry would not be as efficient as it is now.
How are industrial fans used in food processing?
Industrial fans are used across a whole host of machinery in food processing. Stainless steel fans are favoured due to their hygienic and easy to clean material composition. Special coatings for perfect cleaning may also be requested where required. Each application will have its own set of specifications in the design of the full manufacturing system.
Let’s take a look at some of the process that rely on the continuous duty of industrial fans to complete the food processing of many of the foods we consume today.
Bread, Cereal & Grain production: Among many other materials, flour and starch are a combustible material. Therefore industrial fans used in this type of food processing need to be ATEX compliant. This ensures that the fan is able to handle the combustible material and reduce the risk of explosions. Within many manufacturing units a pneumatic conveyor utilising a stream of clean air, is used to transport raw materials such as grains, sugar, flour and granular materials and they can be used to transport small packaged goods such as crisp packets. High pressure fans are often used to hold receptacles, such as bottles and containers, firmly to a conveyor belt during the filling process. In addition, storage areas require humidity and temperature control and at the end of the production line, a high pressure fan acting as a vacuum for the packaging may also be required. Fans may also be used to inflate packaging.
Drying: Used to reduce the water volume within some food in addition to facilitating the drying of washed fruits and vegetables. Industrial fans make a significant contribution. The dehydration of certain fruits, vegetables and meats is also often used to ensure widespread products. This also prevents the growth of bacteria. Fans can be used to blow warm or cool air through the produce, in some cases at quite high pressure.
Cooking: Applied directly over ovens within industrial kitchens and food preparation areas. This is one of the most common areas for the use of industrial fans in food processing. They can also be used to circulate air in large areas and dryers.
Cooling: Industrial fans are used for cooling recently cooked food lines on conveyors and for food storage in industrial refrigeration plants. To optimise the process of cold storage the temperature and humidity level of each point within the room must be maintained to a uniform level and air distribution in large plant must be uniform.
Whichever stage within food processing, whether industrial cooking prep, transportation, cooling, storage and refrigeration, all the way to the finished product Industrial fans have an integral part of the production line. Low noise and vibrations are very important features to be considered when choosing the correct fan for the application. Given the duty performed by these industrial fans, manufacturers of these machines want to pass on savings to their customers. By installing a cost effective, efficient fan component into the equipment or by automatically matching the fan speed to the local requirements. (Based on, for example, temperature detectors or fume detector signals) It will reduce energy consumption and result in a cost effective solution for the end user.
Ultimately savings in the cost of sales should be passed along to the end user of the manufactured food. Basically consumers find that their products are better value while produced to the optimum standard of manufacturing. Axair fans can supply a full range of industrial fans for use within food processing. Ranges include stainless steel, ATEX and fans suitable for harsh and corrosive chemical environments.
Visit www.axair-fans.co.uk to see Axair's full range of industrial fans used within food processing or contact the team of technical engineers on 01782 349430 for more information.
For more information on Industrial Fans For Food Processing & Manufacturing talk to Axair Fans UK Ltd