APPLIED TECHNOLOGY ENCLOSURES


Managing enclosure temperatures in the food industry


ingress of solid objects and water. This can be a problem in particular for enclosures that are suitable for washdown environments, which protect equipment to an ingress protection category of IP69K. As the temperature rises, internal temperature parameters can be breached and the life expectancy of the equipment within reduced, drastically increasing the probability of an unexpected system failure. Care needs to be taken when selecting climate control equipment to


ensure it is robust enough to handle the rigours of the environment in which it is situated. Here are some key aspects to consider:


Is your solution the right one for the environment? The type of product being processed and/or the location of the equipment on site are likely to have a heavy influence on the suitability of your climate control system. Let’s consider the ambient temperature of your facility. If, throughout


the year, it remains lower than the desired temperature inside the enclosure, then fan-and-filter units and air-to-air heat exchangers can be very effective. These use ambient air to remove heat energy from the enclosure and dissipate it into the local environment. If the ambient temperature rises above the required internal temperature,


Food processing demands very high levels of efficiency to meet daily production targets. However, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs expects that, by 2100, the global population will be in excess of 11 billion. This is more than twice what it was in 1990 – so there needs to be an even keener focus on productivity. Breakdowns of critical control and automation equipment in food


production are therefore a cause for concern. Not only are valuable resources redirected away from activities such as developing new processes, but production lines can also be stopped. The cost of the breakdown increases dramatically if this is the case, as it includes not only the cost of repairing or replacing damaged components, but that of lost manufacturing time. Stopping one line on which even the humblest of food products is made can cost businesses tens of thousands of pounds for every hour that it doesn’t restart.


Protecting critical equipment Enclosures protect sensitive electronic and electrical items from the atmosphere in which they’re installed, providing an environment that not only allows them to function as required but which prolongs their service life. Maintaining an internal temperature within required parameters is of


fundamental importance. This often requires an active cooling solution because heat is trapped inside enclosures designed to protect against the


then units with active cooling circuits must be used. Wall/roof-mounted cooling units use refrigerant as an intermediate medium to remove the excess heat from enclosures, transferring it to the surrounding ambient air. Air-to- water heat exchangers transfer unwanted heat to water, transporting it away from the enclosure to centralised cooling plant, where it may be more easily dissipated. Air-to-water heat exchangers are a more hygienic solution than cooling units – these don’t require a supply of ambient air so have no louvres; and they can have a simple housing that is easy to clean. Already in 2018 we have seen unexpected jumps in average temperatures.


Peaks in temperature put cooling equipment under the most strain, therefore reviewing existing equipment sooner rather than later can reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns. Dusty or acidic contamination (e.g. flour or yeast/vinegar extracts) can


interfere with switchgear and cause short circuits or a reduction in service life. Applying filter mats to fan and filter units will help, but if the environment is extremely contaminated you might be better off installing an air-to-air heat exchanger, cooling unit or air-to water heat exchanger, which all have sealed internal air-paths and thus ensure contaminated air isn’t drawn in.


The cleaning/maintenance regime Establishing a regular inspection and cleaning routine for cooling equipment is very good practice. For example, vacuum clean units with filter mats to remove any dust and debris which may starve the fan and the cooling circuit of air, meaning it will work harder for longer and have a reduced cooling capacity. Cooling systems must also be kept clean to maintain the highest levels


of hygiene. Some will be cleaned daily with pressure washers and jet steam cleaners, in which case use a solution that meets the ingress protection rating


Enclosure Cooling Whatever the scale...... ......we have the solution


ENCLOSURES POWER DISTRIBUTION CLIMATE CONTROL


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