xiv UK Focus Gas detection in the food and beverage industry


Shawcity works in partnership with Crowcon to offer specialist gas detection solutions for toxic, fl ammable and oxygen depletion hazards to protect personnel and work environments in the food and beverage industry.


The industry is divided into two major segments, which are the production and then distribution of edible goods. Production includes the processing of meats and cheeses as well as the creation of soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, packaged foods and other modifi ed foods.


The food production process can be further divided into three sub-groups. Primary food processing is the conversion of raw food into commodities, e.g., milling wheat into fl our and turning milk to cheese. Secondary food processing turns the ingredients into edibles, e.g., turning wheat into bread. Tertiary food processing is the commercial production of ready-to- eat foods, for example frozen pizza, ready meals, etc.


The manufacture and processing of food and beverages creates substantial risks of fi re and toxic gas exposure. Many gases are used for baking, processing and refrigerating foods and these gases can be highly hazardous – either toxic, fl ammable or both.


Secondary food processing methods can involve fermentation, heating, chilling, dehydration or cooking, so this is typically where most of the gas hazards are found.


Many types of commercial food processing involve cooking and steam boilers are usually gas-fi red (natural gas or LPG) or use a combination of gas and fuel oil. Natural gas is piped directly and consists mainly of methane (CH4


), a highly


combustible gas which is lighter than air. In contrast, LPG consists mainly of propane (C3


in case of leakage.


A gas detection system is required for any gas-powered structure and for underground/basement boiler rooms. This will trigger alarms and actuators in case of any gas leak. It will also shut down the gas and power supply, except that required for devices intended to operate in explosive atmospheres, low voltage power and emergency lighting.


The food and beverage industry takes hygiene very seriously, as the slightest contamination could provide an ideal breeding ground for germs. The sector therefore demands rigorous cleaning and disinfection, which must meet industry standards.


Chemical disinfection with chlorine-based compounds is by far the most common and effective way to disinfect equipment or other surfaces. This is because chlorine-based compounds are inexpensive, fast acting and effective against a variety of microorganisms.


Several different chlorine compounds are commonly used: Hypochlorite, organic and inorganic chloramines and chlorine dioxide. Sodium hypochlorite solution (NaOCl) is stored in tanks while chlorine dioxide (Cl


O2 ) gas is usually generated on site.


In any combination, chlorine compounds are hazardous and exposure to parts per million (ppm) concentrations of chlorine can cause severe health issues. Chlorine storage requires a gas detection system to be installed, typically with a relay output to trigger ventilation fans or similar as soon as a high level of chlorine is detected. Food packaging serves many purposes. It allows food to be transported and stored safely, protects food, standardises portion sizes and provides information about the product. Packagers often use nitrogen (N2


stops the growth of dangerous bacteria and inhibits spoilage, therefore extending the shelf life. Lastly, it prevents packages from collapsing by creating a pressurized atmosphere. Nitrogen can be generated on site using generators or delivered in cylinders. Gas generators are cost effective and provide an uninterrupted supply of gas.


However, nitrogen is an asphyxiant capable of displacing oxygen in air. Because it has no smell and is non-toxic, workers may not become aware of low oxygen conditions until it is too late. Oxygen levels below 19% will cause dizziness and loss of consciousness. To prevent this, an oxygen depletion fi xed gas detection system should be installed in packaging areas to monitor oxygen levels and ensure the safety of workers through early detection of any leaks.


Refrigeration facilities in the food and beverage industry are used to keep food consistently cool for long periods of time. Large-scale food storage facilities often use systems based on anhydrous ammonia (> 50% NH3


no moisture is present but becomes heavier than air in a moist environment and fi lls up enclosed spaces rapidly.


Ammonia can become fl ammable in an enclosed space where a source of ignition is present, or if a vessel of anhydrous ammonia is exposed to fi re. It is stored as a gas or compressed liquid, with no moisture present.


Ammonia is detected with electro-chemical (toxic) and catalytic (fl ammable) sensor technology. Portable and wearable detection, including single- or multi-gas detectors, can monitor instantaneous and TWA exposure to toxic levels of NH3


.


Fixed detection systems include a combination of toxic- and fl ammable-level detectors connected to local control panels – usually supplied as part of a cooling system. Fixed systems can also be used for process over-rides and ventilation control. Ammonia monitoring is one example of how detector placement should be carefully considered, as ammonia will fi ll up breathing spaces rapidly.


The modern wine and brewing industries incorporate sophisticated processes to ensure high levels of quality and effi cient output.


In some cases, traditional approaches have been scaled up or are used under more stringent monitoring. Elsewhere, innovations such as nitrogen-pressurised canning/bottling have been introduced. Overall, appreciation and understanding of the associated gas hazards, and the need to protect workers from toxic gas exposure and asphyxiation risks, has grown. Situations that generate gas hazards within wineries and breweries include CO2


argon and N2 used as blanketing gases to create inert atmospheres, NH3 from refrigeration equipment and O2


from fermentation, chilling, blanketing and recovery, disinfectants such as Cl levels in confi ned spaces.


O2 , O3 and SO2 used for cleaning equipment,


Once wine is bottled and beer is packaged, the product must be delivered to the relevant outlets. This commonly includes distribution companies, warehousing and in the case of breweries, draymen. Beer and soft drinks use carbon dioxide or a mix of carbon dioxide (CO2


) and nitrogen as a way of delivering a beverage to the ‘tap’. These gases also give beer a longer-lasting head and improve the quality and taste.


Workers should be aware that gas-related hazards arise in any activity at premises that contain compressed gas cylinders, due to the risk of increased carbon dioxide levels or depleted oxygen levels (due to high levels of nitrogen).


CO2


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occurs naturally in the atmosphere (0.04%). It is colourless and odourless, heavier than air and if it escapes, will tend to sink to the fl oor. CO2


containers and confi ned spaces such as tanks and silos. It is generated in large amounts during fermentation and also injected into beverages during carbonation.


Shawcity provide bespoke gas detection systems for the food and beverage sector – the systems can all be designed, installed, commissioned, signed off and handed over by their in- house team. Output from controllers can alert a central control room or building management system (BMS), either from new or integrated into an existing system.


For More Info, email: email:


For More Info, email: email:


58735pr@reply-direct.com collects in cellars and at the bottom of ), as it is effi cient and economical. However, ammonia is both toxic and fl ammable. It is lighter than air where H8 ), which is highly combustible but heavier than air and usually requires an on-site fuel storage tank where forced mechanical ventilation must be included,


) fl ushing methods for preserving and storing their products. Nitrogen is a non-reactive, non-odorous and non-toxic gas. It prevents oxidation of fresh food with sugars or fats,


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