Skip links
Request list
NHK Machinery Parts
Advantages of Using Hygienic Machinery Parts and Sanitary Conveyor Components in Advanced Processing System
Published in: Food processing and pharmaceutical equipment

Designing a Food-Grade Hygienic Conveyor System

Author
Published on:

Compliance with food safety standards and operational efficiency

  • Stainless Steel Construction: Utilize AISI 304 or 316 stainless steel for its superior corrosion resistance and durability. This material choice ensures the conveyor can withstand rigorous cleaning and sanitation processes without compromising structural integrity.
  • Hygienic Design: Implement rounded edges, seamless welding, and inclined surfaces to eliminate areas where bacteria can accumulate. This design approach facilitates thorough cleaning and reduces the risk of contamination.
  • Ease of Cleaning: Design the system with tool-less removable parts for easy disassembly, allowing comprehensive cleaning and maintenance. An open frame design ensures access to all areas, while integrated cleaning systems like Clean-in-Place (CIP) automate the sanitation process.
  • Food Safe Components: Select food-grade materials for all components, including FDA-approved belts and food-grade bearings and seals. These components must resist frequent washdowns and exposure to cleaning agents without degrading.
  • Compliance: Ensure the conveyor meets relevant food safety standards such as FDA, EU 1935/2004, and EHEDG. Proper documentation and certifications are crucial for regulatory compliance and traceability.
  • Safety Features: Incorporate guarding around moving parts and accessible emergency stop buttons to enhance operator safety.
Product Line Contact

Food safety standards and efficiency in operation.

Designing a food-grade hygienic conveyor system with sleek, stainless steel construction involves several critical considerations to ensure compliance with food safety standards and efficiency in operation. Here’s an outline of the key features and considerations:

Key Features:

  1. Stainless Steel Construction:
    • Material: Use AISI 304 or 316 stainless steel for its corrosion resistance, durability, and ease of cleaning.
    • Finish: Polished or bead-blasted surfaces to reduce the risk of contamination and make cleaning easier.
  2. Hygienic Design:
    • Rounded Edges and Surfaces: Eliminate sharp corners and crevices where bacteria can accumulate.
    • Seamless Welding: Ensure all joints are smoothly welded and polished to prevent bacterial growth.
    • Inclined Surfaces: Design the system to allow water and cleaning agents to drain off easily.
  3. Easy Cleaning and Maintenance:
    • Tool-less Removal of Parts: Allow easy disassembly for thorough cleaning and maintenance.
    • Open Frame Design: Provide access to all areas for cleaning and inspection.
    • Integrated Cleaning Systems: Include features like Clean-in-Place (CIP) systems for automated cleaning.
  4. Food Safe Components:
    • Conveyor Belts: Use food-grade, non-porous materials like polyethylene or polyurethane.
    • Bearings and Seals: Ensure they are food-grade and resistant to water and cleaning chemicals.
    • Motors and Controls: Use hygienically designed, IP69K-rated motors and controls to withstand high-pressure washdowns.
  5. Compliance with Standards:
    • Certifications: Ensure the system meets relevant food safety standards such as FDA, EU 1935/2004, and EHEDG.
    • Documentation: Provide detailed documentation for compliance and traceability.
  6. Safety Features:
    • Guarding: Protect moving parts to prevent accidents.
    • Emergency Stops: Include accessible emergency stop buttons.

Example Components:

  1. Frame:
    • Material: Stainless Steel 316
    • Finish: Polished to a mirror finish
  2. Conveyor Belt:
    • Material: FDA-approved polyurethane
    • Design: Modular belt for easy replacement
  3. Motors and Drives:
    • Type: Hygienic, IP69K-rated
    • Brand: BJ Gear or equivalent
  4. Bearings:
    • Material: Stainless Steel
    • Type: Sealed for life, food-grade lubrication
  5. Leveling Feet:
    • Brand: NHK or equivalent
    • Material: Stainless Steel
    • Certifications: EHEDG, 3-A

Design Process:

  1. Initial Consultation:
    • Define specific needs and constraints, including product types, throughput, and available space.
  2. Conceptual Design:
    • Develop initial design sketches and layouts.
    • Select appropriate materials and components.
  3. Detailed Design:
    • Create detailed CAD models and engineering drawings.
    • Perform simulations to ensure functionality and compliance.
  4. Prototyping and Testing:
    • Build a prototype for testing.
    • Conduct thorough tests to validate design and compliance with standards.
  5. Production:
    • Manufacture the system using high-quality materials and precise fabrication techniques.
  6. Installation and Commissioning:
    • Install the system on-site.
    • Perform commissioning tests and train staff on operation and maintenance.

By incorporating these features and following a thorough design process, you can create a food-grade hygienic conveyor system that meets stringent hygiene standards and ensures efficient, safe, and reliable operation.

Questions and contact

Contact us for hygienic solution

Get our catalogue here

Competitive Advantage Through Optimized Hygienic Design using Advantages of Using Hygienic Machinery Parts and components
Hygienic conveyor parts in stainless steel

Contact

    Articles

    Understanding Machinery Components & Protection Standards

    347 words

    Industrial machinery requires precision-engineered components that meet exacting standards for durability, safety, and performance. This comprehensive guide explores the essential machinery parts that drive modern manufacturing across food processing, packaging, and chemical industries. Understanding the difference between Pillow Block Units and Flange Bearings is crucial for engineers and procurement professionals seeking to optimize equipment longevity. Pillow block bearings, also known as plummer blocks, are self-aligning bearing units that simplify installation and significantly reduce maintenance costs. These versatile components mount on machine frames and support rotating shafts with exceptional precision, ensuring smooth operation in demanding industrial environments. Flange bearing units offer a more compact alternative, featuring integrated flanges that enable direct mounting to flat surfaces without additional hardware. Both designs come in various materials, including stainless steel grades optimized for corrosive environments and food-grade applications where hygiene is paramount. The importance of material selection cannot be overstated in machinery design. 440 Grade Steel and 420 grades offer distinctly different properties suited to specific applications and environmental conditions. The 440 stainless steel variant provides superior hardness and exceptional edge retention, making it ideal for cutting tools and high-wear applications requiring maximum durability. Meanwhile, 420 stainless steel offers better corrosion resistance and is preferred in food processing equipment where chemical exposure is common. Hygienic stainless steel components have become essential in food machinery, meeting EHEDG standards and facilitating rapid equipment cleaning required in modern food production facilities. Understanding ingress protection ratings is equally critical for machinery durability and operational reliability. IP67 rating ensures protection against dust and temporary water immersion, while IP68 rating provides complete dust protection and sustained water immersion capabilities for submerged operations. The IP69K standard represents the highest protection level, specifically designed for high-pressure wash-down environments found in industrial food processing facilities. These ratings define how effectively machinery components withstand environmental challenges and maintain performance. Modern industrial facilities increasingly demand equipment that combines high performance with ease of maintenance and sanitation. The choice between different bearing types depends on operational requirements, environmental conditions, and budget constraints. Proper component selection ensures extended equipment lifespan, reduced downtime, and improved operational efficiency.

    More news