Food processing plants for compressed air quota requirements

The demand for compressed air in food processing plants is mainly reflected in pressure, quality level, application scenario three aspects, the specific needs are as follows:

1. pressure demand

in food processing plants, the pressure requirements for compressed air vary depending on the specific application. Generally speaking, the pressure requirements of power gas sources (such as the operation of driving equipment and components) are relatively low, while the pressure requirements of process gas sources (such as compressed air directly in contact with food or involved in the production process) may be higher. For example, in food mixing, conveying, and the like, the pressure requirement is typically between 0.2MPa and 0.6MPa. For some special processes, such as oxygen supply during fermentation, higher pressures may be required.

2. quality level requirements

food processing plants have strict requirements on the quality level of compressed air to ensure food safety and hygiene. Specifically, the compressed air must meet the following quality requirements:

1. solid particle: The particle size should be less than 0.1 μm to ensure that the compressed air does not contain dust and other solid particles. In the ISO 8573-1 standard, the solid particle grade is usually required to be 1.
2. Moisture content: The moisture pressure dew point needs to be -40°C or lower to prevent moisture from adversely affecting the food. In ISO 8573-1, a moisture rating of 2 or higher is generally required.
3. Oil content: The oil content of food-grade compressed air should be less than 0.01 mg/m & sup3; to ensure that there is no oil contamination of food. The ISO 8573-1 standard usually requires a grade of 1 or higher.
4. Microorganisms: The number of bacteria in food-grade compressed air should be less than 100CFU/m & sup3; to ensure food hygiene and safety.
5. Chemical substance it is necessary to ensure that the content of chemical substances is within a safe range to avoid contamination of food.

3. application scenario requirements

in food processing plants, compressed air has a wide range of application scenarios, including but not limited to the following aspects:

1. power air source: Used to drive the operation of equipment and components, such as pneumatic instruments, pneumatic components, cylinders, solenoid valve control, etc. In automated filling, packaging and bottling lines, compressed air is used to control various valves and actuators.

2. Process gas source:

   • product delivery for example, compressed air is used to push dry food such as milk powder or cocoa powder along the pipeline.
   • Prevent cross-contamination: such as sterile compressed air to maintain a positive pressure environment.
   • Gas for fermentation tank compressed air provides oxygen to bacteria during fermentation processes used to produce food ingredients such as citric acid, red wine and yogurt.
   • Cooling and spraying: For example, compressed air can also be used to cool newly baked food.
   • Food storage: Such as the use of compressed air separation of nitrogen for canned food and stored in large storage facilities and marine transportation of food to play a role in preservation.
   • Process gas for packaging materials compressed air is used for blowing bottles such as glass bottles and PET bottles.
   • Cleaning of the inner surface of packaging materials: For example, use compressed air to clean bottles, packaging and molds before filling.

3. Cleaning and Hygiene: supporting the use of high-pressure cleaning equipment, provide compressed air pipeline, for food hygiene escort.