Industrial Fans for the Food Processing Industry

Food processing industrial fansIndustrial 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.

A wide range of processes are involved within the food processing industry to produce high quality products. Processing raw materials to a finished product is an important part of food manufacturing. The components within the manufacturing equipment play a crucial role in the ensuring efficiency standards are met at each stage of the process.

One of these components that can add value to all stages within production processes is the industrial fan. Fan selection will be determined by the type of application process, the airflow and the pressure required to perform the task as effectively as possible. Choosing the type of fans that are required at each stage of the food manufacturing process is determined by the end goal, for example, stable bottling, faster cooling, shrink packaging, wrap cooling, ambient food storage and drying. Ultimately leading to a much faster and more efficient manufacturing process resulting in a commercially positive yield for food manufacturers. A greater yield then leads to a lower cost per sale as production is faster, cheaper and the output is greater.

 

Examples of Fans in use in Food Processing & Manufacturing

 

Industrial Fans for food processingThe below list is not exhaustive as there are many more food manufacturing processes but serves as a brief introduction to the use of industrial fans in food processing applications.

Our ER or EQ Cased axial fans can be used within food process machinery for the complete drying or dehydration of foods before they can be packaged and dispatched. Removing any traces of water from washed produce prevents mould or bacteria growth, improving production yields and reducing the overall cost of sales.

Casals ATEX axial and centrifugal fans providing high pressure can be used within material handling due to their straight blades enabling them to safely transport and carry specific materials without risk of explosion such as bread, cereal, grains, sugar, flour and granular materials. In addition to these Casals industrial ranges, the Rosenberg EHND & EHNE range are suitable for combustible materials such as starch and flour and reduce the risk of an explosion. A good example of using an ATEX explosion proof fan within a food manufacturing factory was evident when Axair was tasked with selecting fans for a major throat and cough sweet manufacturer. The starch powder in the air had the potential to be explosive so HJBMX plate axial fans were used as they were suitable for handling such combustible dust. Read the full ATEX food processing case study here.

 

High pressure centrifugal fans such as the Casals MB range can also be used for cooling food along a conveyer belt after the cooking process and for refrigeration storage. Hot food must be cooled before it is passed to the next stage or packaged ready for shipment. Depending on the type of food being produced, cooling may also be required in transportation. Axial fans are typically used in large refrigeration trucks for the transportation of such produce. Centrifugal fans are also typically used within vacuum belt conveyer systems for bottling, the high-pressure fans situated under the conveyer belt vacuum air downwards creating a negative pressure effect and out through ducting. This consistently holds the bottles firmly in place throughout the production line. A prime example of this occurred when Unilever changed the shape of their bottles and experienced issues on their narrow conveyor. Creating a negative pressure environment on the conveyor using a medium pressure centrifugal fan solved the bottle stability issue and prevented further motor failures.

 

Many applications within this industry require stainless steel fans such as the MDI range from Casals that are hygienic, corrosion resistant, non-toxic and non-absorbent. Aluminium is also a satisfactory material for certain applications. Our engineers can advise on the most hygienic and long-lasting product based on the environment. For example, frequent wash downs will require a stainless-steel fan to prevent rusting.

 

Low noise and vibrations are very important features to be considered when choosing the correct fan for the application. Given the duty performed by these industrial fans, manufacturers of these machines want to pass on savings to their customers. By installing a cost effective, efficient fan component into the equipment or by automatically matching the fan speed to the local requirements. (Based on, for example, temperature detectors or fume detector signals) It will reduce energy consumption and result in a cost effective solution for the end user. Ultimately savings in the cost of sales should be passed along to the end user of the manufactured food. Basically consumers find that their products are better value while produced to the optimum standard of manufacturing.

 

Axair fans can supply a full range of industrial fans for food processing. Ranges include stainless steel, ATEX and fans suitable for harsh and corrosive chemical environments. Visit www.axair-fans.co.uk to see our full range of industrial fans used within food processing or contact our team of technical engineers on 01782 349430 for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

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