Food Processing & Manufacturing
Control temperature fluctuations and condensation, or cool, dry and extract with
Industrial Fans for Food Processing & Manufacturing
Industrial fans are used across a whole host of machinery in food processing. Stainless steel varieties are favoured due to their hygienic and easy to clean material composition. Special coatings for perfect cleaning may also be requested where required. The components within the manufacturing equipment are not to be overlooked. Without this significant machinery, the food processing industry would not be as efficient as it is now.


Industrial Fans in the Food Industry
Industrial fans are widely used within the food processing industry for a range of applications including fume and dust extraction, drying, heating, cooling, material handling, packaging, general ventilation, supply air and air filtration. Operation teams are often targeted on increasing the commercial yield whilst being faced with new processes, packaging issues, and growing competition in the industry. Implementing the most efficient and cost-effective methods is key for manufacturing across all stages of production line.
Bread, Grain & Production
Among many other materials, flour and starch are a combustible material. Therefore industrial fans such as the Rosenberg EHND & EHNE range can be used in this type of food processing. For material handling, the Casals MB range and our ATEX compliant lines can handle material and reduce the risk of explosive atmospheres. Within many manufacturing units a pneumatic conveyor utilising a stream of clean air, is used to transport raw materials such as grains, sugar, flour and granular materials. In addition, storage areas require humidity and temperature control and at the end of the production line, a high pressure fan acting as a vacuum for the packaging may also be required.


Drying
Industrial fans are used to reduce the water volume within some food in addition to facilitating the drying of washed fruits and vegetables before packaging. This significantly reduces drying time and enables a quicker process resulting in an increased yield and efficiency.
Industrial fans such as the EQ or DQ range of plate axial fans make a significant contribution. The dehydration of certain fruits, vegetables and meats is also required to prevent the growth of bacteria.


Cooking Fume Extraction
Applied directly over ovens and furnaces within industrial food processing, this is one of the most common areas for the use of industrial fans in food processing. Certain workplace safety guidelines must be met within this application to ensure safety and satisfactory working conditions. Integrating the correct fan is crucial for effectively exhausting any hazardous fumes, smoke and hot air out to atmosphere. The presence of gas or hazardous elements will dictate whether the fan should comply to ATEX regulations to avoid explosive atmospheres. Industrial fans suitable include the ANDB range of long cased axial fans or the range of centrifugals if high pressure is required.


Cooling
Industrial fans are used for accelerating the cooling of recently cooked food lines on the conveyors before they are packaged ready for shipping. Cooling fans are also required for food storage in industrial refrigeration plants. To optimise the process of cold storage the temperature and humidity level of each point within the room must be maintained to a uniform level.
Medium to high pressure centrifugal fans such as the Casals MB range can be used with a featured air knife.


Reducing Ethylene in Fresh Food Storage
Reducing ethylene to slow down the food maturation process of fresh produce is key to cutting down the amount of food waste in the retail and hospitality sectors working with fresh produce. Axair have a range of hydroxyl radical technology that reduces the production of ethylene and one company in particular to trial this technology is Freshview Foods Ltd, situated just opposite our premises in Wolstanton.
If you’ve ever visited Axair Fans before, you’ll know that we’re located on an industrial estate with a wide range of neighbouring businesses, all operating in different markets and sectors. Freshview Foods Ltd, are one of a few businesses that we work closely with in terms of social and environmental impacts. As an example, between the two businesses, we manage the cleanliness of the estate by organising regular business led clean up initiatives and encourage other businesses on the estate to take part and have a collaborative vision to look after our own spaces. We’ve jointly been featured in local newspaper business sections to highlight the great work we’ve done on environmental initiatives.