Airchannel - stirring things up
in the food sector
Helping producers improve standards and reduce the chance of contamination from compressed air
With ever-increasing demands to improve health and hygiene in the food chain, changes are imminent in the legislation and directives relating to the recommended standards of compressed air for direct and indirect contact with food products. Airchannel has taken the lead in the supply of products and services to help all food producers both maintain and improve current standards to comply with these requirements.
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Contamination
Contamination of compressed air systems and the potential types of contaminants are varied ranging from rusted pipes to micro organisms. The most significant contaminants in either oil-less or lubricated systems are DIRT (solid particles), WATER (gaseous & liquid) and OIL (gaseous & liquid). Microbiological organisms such as bacteria may also be transported through a compressed air system or propagated due to conditions within the system. Airchannel understands the importance of knowledge - where, when and how contaminants can manifest themselves. This knowledge not only ensures a deep understanding of how to eliminate and remove contamination sources but also forms the background for the design of any compressed air system for use in the food industry.
Leading the way
Airchannel has taken a lead role working with BCAS and the BRC in the creation of a code of practice - a code that lays out the minimum recommendations for compressed air quality in new installations.
Where compressed air is used in food production, its use is split into two groups. The outlet compressed air must be specified as one of the following:
- Air that comes into direct contact with the food (contact)
- Air that could come into contact with the food (non-contact)
We helped to design the code of practice and can help our customers ensure that any upgrades or new installations meet or exceed the minimum recommendations laid out.
The following are the recommendations as to the quality of the compressed air for contact and non-contact application.
Contact recommendations*
| To meet or exceed the following: | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Dirt: the maximum number of particles in the following size ranges shall not exceed | |||
| Particle size, dµ mm | 0,10 < d ≤ 0.5 | 0,5 < d ≤ 1,0 | 1,0 < d ≤ 5,0 |
| Maximum number of particles per m3 | 100,000 | 1000 | 10 |
| Humidity: ≤ -40°c pdp | |||
| Total oil: < 0.01mg/m3 | |||
Non-contact recommendations*
| To meet or exceed the following: | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Dirt: the maximum number of particles in the following size ranges shall not exceed | |||
| Particle size, d µ mm | 0,10 < d ≤ | 0.5 0,5 < d ≤ 1,0 | 1,0 < d ≤ 5,0 |
| Maximum number of particles per m3 | 100,000 | 1000 | 10 |
| Humidity: ≤ +3°C pdp | |||
| Total oil: ≤ 0.01mg/m3 | |||
* The above values for dirt and oil are those at the 'Reference Conditions' given in ISO 8573-1 at a temperature of 20°C, absolute atmospheric pressure of 1 bar and relative water vapour pressure of zero.
Some of this data was taken from the British Compressed Air Society Good Practice Guide 'Food Grade Compressed Air - A Code of Practice'.
How can we help?
Airchannel provides a range of services covering all aspects of system design, upgrade or maintenance for food-related compressed air systems.
Compressed air generation
Airchannel is able to advise you of the right compressor which will suit your application; oil-less compressor or food grade lubricated compressor.
Air treatment - contact
Where compressed air is used during food processing, direct contact can occur. To meet the new regulations a dew point of -40°C is required at this point. A point-of-use desiccant dryer is the only way to guarantee this.
Air treatment - non contact
A refrigerant dryer together with pre and after-filter will provide compressed air suitable for use in non-food-contact applications.
Air Quality
We are able to complete point-of-use tests on your compressed air supply to establish if water, oil, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are present.
Pipework
Transair pipework is ideal for use within food production environments. Available in a range of sizes in both powder-coated aluminium and stainless steel.
Packaging
When packaging a product the atmosphere within the packaging can be modified to enhance the shelf life. By utilising nitrogen generators, N2 can easily be produced from your existing compressed air system.
Production
Valves and cylinders are often within an area where hygiene standards are critical, and where caustic wash-down procedures are frequent.
We are able to supply you with the stainless steel pneumatics equipment which is resistant to caustic wash.
Airchannel holds an impressive set of industry standards including:
- Chartered membership of BCAS
- ISO 9001:2000
- Environmental ISO 14001
- OHSAS 18001
- SAFE contractor certification
All technical sales engineers are able to discuss any implications or requirements you may have as a result of aiming to meet the new code of conduct and the wider, legal implications of HACCP principles.
Useful links
- www.bcas.org.uk/codesOfPractice.asp
- www.food.gov.uk/foodindustry/guidancenotes/hygguid/fhlguidance/
- www.airuser.com/stories/articles/-/2007/news/filtration/oil_is_not_what_it_seems/
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Would you like to know more about how we can help your business? Call 0800 526 581
Email: enquiries@airchannel.co.ukFill out an enquiry online |
