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HEALTH & SAFETY W


ithin the food and beverage (F&B) industry, product recalls are every production manager’s nightmare.


The special rigours of food production are


rarely seen in other parts of the manufacturing sector. The need for fast, efficient production remains the same – but in F&B, a high standard of cleanliness must be maintained. Failing in this can have serious consequences – from stopping the line all the way through to a food recall.


Keeping clean


Maintaining cleanliness requires a regime that is not used in general manufacturing. A key operation in the F&B sector is washdown, where a combination of detergents and high-pressure hot water helps to remove bacteria. Ironically, the wet, humid conditions of washdown can create the ideal environment for bacterial growth – if exposed areas and components are not designed correctly. For instance, recessed surfaces – which are hard to clean – can act as a breeding ground for germs. Bearings are particularly susceptible to


washdown. High-pressure washing can force water and detergent through seals and break down the internal lubricant. This shortens the life of the bearing – and can cause line shutdown due to unexpected bearing failure. In addition, a failed seal then allows lubricant to leak out – which could cause contamination. This scenario is a typical reason for food recalls.


Better By design


Because bearings are critical to machine operation, it is necessary to design specific ones that can withstand the F&B production process. Most importantly, they must comply with food


safety and compliance regulations. This will require the use of food-grade materials, for instance – for the bearing itself, and the internal lubricant. In addition, their specific features must help food processors operate efficiently – such as by maintaining hygiene and easing jobs such as cleaning and maintenance. If correctly designed, bearings can also help to cut costs and raise sustainability performance. A prime example is SKF’s Food Line bearings,


which help food processors embrace hygienic design principles while maintaining performance, cost and sustainability. They have been specially developed to eliminate contaminants and reduce the spread of bacteria – even in demanding environments. They are an established solution for typical food safety issues.


Hygiene Help


Strict hygiene improves food safety – and reduces incidents of product recalls and line shutdowns. Bearings specifically designed for the food industry play a key role in this – as they have a range of features that overcome sector-specific challenges. For instance, angled surfaces promote self-


draining and resist soiling, regardless of mounting orientation. In addition, a smooth surface – comparable to the internal finish on hygienic piping – makes for more efficient cleaning.


For Food Line bearings, a critical factor is a


patented, four-element sealing system that reduces bacteria build-up. First, a base seal is formed when it is fitted to the mounting frame. Second, a back seal prevents material entering the bearing cavity from the back. Thirdly, the housing itself is designed to eliminate crevices or recesses – where bacteria might accumulate. Finally, an end cover – which is held in place by a patented locking mechanism – completely seals the unit. The bearing, base and back seals are made


from food-grade synthetic rubber that is FDA- and EC-compliant – while housings and end covers meet FDA regulations. Food-grade bearing grease is allergen-free and approved for accidental food contact. It complies with both Halal and Kosher certification. Blue-coloured seals and housing material make visual detection easier – if accidental contamination is suspected. Food Line bearings are engineered to have no ‘dead spaces’ – which could harbour bacteria.


deep groove SKF recently introduced an ‘off-the-shelf’ deep- groove ball bearing for F&B applications. An integral seal reduces water ingress – which


helps raise bearing performance and maintain hygiene. This type of bearing is typically only available as a ‘custom filled’ product. As an off- the-shelf product, it will be faster – and more cost-effective – to re-order than a custom-filled bearing. In addition, it is made to SKF’s Explorer performance class, with a high load-carrying capacity that helps to maintain rotating equipment performance. It complies fully with food industry standards.


For instance, its food grade NSF H1 grease is optimised for use in the F&B sector. It is Halal- and Kosher-certified and complies with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Community (EC) recommendations. The new bearing does not require relubrication,


which has several advantages: reduced maintenance; greater uptime; less chance of leakage; and lower grease consumption.


18 oCtoBer/noVemBer 2022 | industrial ComplianCe


Bearing up: meeting


the needs of food safety


Bearings designed specifically for use in food production can raise hygiene standards, reduce the need for maintenance and boost sustainability, writes david oliver of sKf...


sustainaBle performance


Bearings designed specifically for the food industry can also boost sustainability – which is critical for all industry sectors – in several ways. Firstly, cutting down on the need to relubricate


can stop excess grease accumulating in end covers – where bacteria typically grow. It also cuts the need to dispose of waste lubricant. In addition, bearings that are easier to clean


and also cheaper to clean. Cleaning a Food Line bearing requires about one-third less hot water than that of a typical bearing – which in turn reduces the energy needed to heat it. This can have a cumulative effect on both costs and carbon footprint over time. Food Line bearings can help to contribute to a 0% landfill policy.


cleaning up


General-use bearings are remarkably robust and can be applied to a wide range of applications. However, the specific conditions in food manufacturing make special bearings – engineered to withstand the rigours of washdown – a wise choice. Superior sealing can lengthen service life,


while the use of food-compliant materials means that products are safe for use. In addition, designing out ‘dead spots’ minimises the risk of bacterial growth. Together, these factors all help to raise hygiene standards – and cut the chance of a food recall. .


sKf www.skf.com


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