The use of air compressors in the food industry-how to choose

With the continuous progress of science and technology, the food industry automation is highly developed. Compressed air is an indispensable part of the production process. The quality of compressed air is very important. Many companies and factories do not pay attention to the air quality in the compressed environment. If the air is polluted and is directly used for production without separation, it may be related to food. Various physical and chemical reactions will occur, and the health of consumers will eventually cause problems, and the reputation of the company will be seriously damaged. This is really inappropriate, then, how to reduce these accidents? Today we talk about the correct use of compressed air in the food industry

what is the use of 1. compressed air in food production?

1. Indirect use: refers to the compressed air discharged into the general environment of food, including its packaging, processes and production equipment or the storage location of food and its ingredients.

Direct use: Compressed air is used as part of the production and processing process, including the packaging and transportation of safe food, and compressed air that is in direct contact with the finished food or its ingredients as part of the production process.

Non-contact application: food production enterprises tend to "over-protect" air compression system, so it is equally important to pay attention to non-contact low-risk systems. Most factories have a significant proportion (more than 50%) of compressed air entering "factory air" applications that will not come into contact with food or food packaging machinery at all.

What are the requirements of 2. compressed air in international standards?

In order to ensure the best possible food safety, international standards have established a number of requirements for compressed air to reduce the risk to consumers. For example, ISO 8573-1:2010 sets out the key quality requirements for compressed air and specifies the maximum values of contaminant content and particle size that can be present in each class.

In order to ensure that the quality of the gas supply treatment in the automation solution is up to standard and energy-efficient, parameters such as the quality level of the following substances are required: solid particles, moisture content and total oil content.

Compressed air in direct contact with dry food: This type of food compressed air is generally used for transportation and mixing, as well as for food production. Compressed air will be in direct contact with food, because it is dry food, if the air humidity is humid, the air will react with the dry food, so the air humidity has more stringent requirements.

According to ISO 8573-1:2010, the compressed air quality is classified as follows: ①. Solid particles: Grade 1;②. Water: Grade 2;③. Oil: Grade 1

2. Non-dry food in direct contact with compressed air: This type of food compressed air is generally used for transportation and mixing, and is usually used in food production. It comes into direct contact with food.

According to ISO 8573-1:2010, the compressed air quality is classified as follows: ①. Solid particles: Grade 1;②. Water: Grade 4;③. Oil: Grade 1

3. compressed air system should be how to choose?

How to choose a safe and efficient compressed air system in the food industry must first determine the way of using compressed air in the production process of the enterprise. Under certain circumstances, the problem of a safe and efficient air compression system for the enterprise can be well solved.

Periodic Risk Assessment:

to effectively monitor whether compressed air is a risk to food safety, companies need to be aware of the potential risks in food production, and after a preliminary risk assessment and classification of compressed air use, they must ensure that each category and application provides the correct air quality in accordance with practical norms, while also meeting applicable air quality standards.

Choosing the right equipment for compressing and purifying air:

the risk of food contamination can be prevented to the greatest extent, but most companies do not know the pollutants and sources of pollution in the compressed air, thus ignoring the compressed air in the hazard analysis process.

It is widely believed that there are two main sources of pollution in new compressed air systems

the sucked air and the compressor, the general compressor needs air compressor oil to lubricate and cool, but this process is likely to bring the oil into the downstream and thus pollution. In order to avoid compressor oil pollution, the main source of pollution must be removed, and at present, most food and beverage enterprises are using "oil-free compressor" technology of air compression system.

Oil-free compressors have these types so far: dry oil-free, scroll oil-free, water-lubricated oil-free; among them, oil-free water lubrication is the most talked-about machine for air compressors in recent years.

no oil and water lubrication of the machine:

1, the lubrication part is water, and it is pure water;

2, absolutely no oil, water;

3. Water-lubricated air compressors are single-screw air compressors, which are not a bit cheaper than dry oil-free machines.

More than 90kw, it is best to use water-cooled; water-cooled air compressor, whether it is oil-free or oil-free, need to build a simple water tower for cooling, of course, the cooling effect should be strictly better than air-cooled.

Air compressor without oil and water lubrication

food companies should consider the impact of various potential risks, if the use of 100 oil-free compressor, can minimize the potential risk of compressed air from the air compressor, to provide protection for enterprise production.

Finally, food companies must ensure that compressed air systems are safe for the health of consumers. Consumers pay great attention to the safety of the purchased food, so in the production process, all operations with the air compression system should be recorded to avoid unnecessary trouble!