RACKS, CABINETS & ENCLOSURES FEATURE
A CULINARY STEEL Special requirements of stainless
steel enclosures in food conveying and processing applications
Enclosures are often considered in relation to more intimate applications: within a domestic environment, for example. Axair broadens the search, examining how the use of stainless steel benefits electrical enclosures within a larger manufacturing setting: a food processing plant
W
hen an electrical panel is installed for a production line in the food and beverage industry, it is essential that all the equipment meets the hygiene requirements set out by the Food Standards Agency and other similar governing bodies. These requirements are just one example of many restrictive hygiene regulations that are designed to prevent contamination during the various processing stages, to facilitate the operations of cleaning, maintenance and disinfection of all machines involved. A major contributing factor to the effectiveness of electrical equipment cleaning, is the material that the equipment is built from. With this aspect considered, one should assess the value of stainless steel and how its properties affiliate efficiently with food production hygiene.
WHY USE STAINLESS STEEL IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY?
In the food and beverage industry, stainless steel is widely used in conveyor systems and for containers, machinery parts and processing equipment. Its properties, as mentioned earlier, are versatile. Durability, corrosion resistance, anti-bacterial properties, pitting resistance and its neutrality to food: all of these contribute to ease of cleaning and a lower risk of cross contamination. Use of stainless steel also ensures the food or drink is not tainted in colour, taste or smell when in direct contact with, or in close proximity to the element: the electrical equipment cannot affect the line. Stainless steel has a chrome oxide
layer, preventing a reaction between the surface and product. When stainless steel comes into contact with moist air
/ ELECTRONICS
or water, it does not oxidise; it instead forms a protective layer on the surface. This preserves the smooth, hygienic surface and prevents rust contamination. This allows for more effective sanitation, as food protein can be completely removed from machines and surfaces at the end of processes with water and detergents. Furthermore, stainless steel is assessed by its localised pitting resistance to corrosion by chlorine. The material is given a pitting resistance equivalent number (PREN) to measure this. Industry standards warrant that steel with a high resistance to chlorine corrosion, can and will withstand even the harshest sanitation routines. The most common types of steel employed are AISI 304 and AISI 316. They are known for their durability and do not need to be coated with paint. This eliminates the risk of paint particles contaminating the food stuffs, whilst providing a quality surface finish.
“A major
contributing factor to the effectiveness of electrical equipment cleaning, is the material that the equipment is built from”
STAINLESS STEEL SOLUTIONS FOR ENCLOSURE CLIMATE CONTROL In terms of their electrical applicability, the enclosures situated in food processing environments house vital electrical equipment that needs to be properly ventilated. Filter fans and inlets need to be installed on the panels to avoid overheating and condensation within the enclosure. Given the use of water and detergents to sanitise the food production areas, fans and inlets need
to be protected against the ingress of excessive moisture and food matter.
To achieve a balance between ventilating enclosures and protecting
With electrical
equipment in constant use on the production line, it’s important that the right enclosure is used to preserve the quality of the product
them from water and debris, AISI 304 stainless steel covers have been designed by Axair’s supplier, Fandis. Mounted on filter fan units, the covers protect the contents of the panel from the possible infiltration of food and water jets during cleaning, to a classification of IP56. Designed for use with the ‘FPF’ and ‘FF’ fan series, stainless steel covers are not only suitable for the food industry but also provide weatherproof protection against rain, snow, direct sunlight or vandalism, which normal plastic may be vulnerable to. The stainless steel construction and permanent gasket are easy to keep clean and are available in the following sizes: 08, 12, 13, 15 and 20mm. The steel covers can be retrofitted onto existing cabinets and can be steam cleaned and easily sterilised.
Axair
www.axaironline.co.uk Tel: 01782 349430
ELECTRONICS | JUNE 2019 11
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