5th April 2006
Making Good Hygiene Easy to Achieve
Hygiene in food processing plants is essential: the relentless demand for
food products that meet physical, chemical and bacteriological requirements,
including HACCP, IPPC, ATEX and others, has led to processing lines that meet
the strictest requirements. Whether a plant meets the required standard
is not in question – but the most efficient and effective way of achieving that
standard exercises the minds of GEA engineers continually – it’s all a question
of design.
All the GEA Group companies work hard to improve continually the technology
employed and the design features of their equipment to ensure the best possible
balance between production and product quality demands, and plant hygiene.
Some processes are fundamental and some more innovative. Niro, for
example, understands the importance of keeping dry and wet processing separate;
and clear zoning of pasteurized and non-pasteurized and hygienic and
non-hygienic areas to avoid cross contamination. GEA Niro Track and Trace
systems follow product throughout processing to identify ingredients and their
origin at any step.
But it is in the area of plant design that the true value of innovation is
seen:
• Automatic CIP (Clean in Place) systems provide thorough, repeatable,
efficient and documented cleaning of the production line.
•
Falling film evaporators have components mounted for optimum functionality and
drainage with the minimum of surface exposure to the product.
•
Homogenizers from GEA Niro Soavi are designed with rounded, polished surfaces to
reduce contamination and have separate atomizers cleaned in a specially
designed CIP stand, separate, but integrated in the main CIP circuit.
•
Spray dryers have removable insulation to allow regular inspections and reduce
the risk of contamination.
• SANICIP™ bag filters are completely
CIP-able.
• Fluid bed dryers use the patented BUBBLE PLATE™ that has
no crevices to trap contamination and allows easy, precise powder
transport.
• Colby Powder Systems design storage systems that avoid
contamination, have tool-free access, and are made from lightweight, food-grade
materials.
• AVAPAC™ bag filling equipment made to be easy to clean,
disassemble and service.
In all areas of food production the GEA companies take hygiene
seriously. It’s not just a question of designing plant to meet the
hygiene regulations; in the 21st Century it’s the ease of use and the way in
which good design enhances productivity and quality that really counts.