Managing a food processing plant can include several challenging tasks each day. While some of these challenges are easy to deal with and remember, others can be easy to forget about because they are working behind the scenes. One of the most important responsibilities you have as a food processing manager is about keeping your compressed air systems free of unwanted contaminants that could cause the food your workers are packing to be tainted and even dangerous for consumers to eat.

Compressed Air For Container Cleaning

The air systems used in your processes to blow out cans or other containers before packing food products into them should never contain even a small hint of moisture. When moisture builds up inside compressed air piping systems, usually through condensation, it can create the perfect environment for microorganism and fungi growth. When air is used from contaminated systems around food product containers, those microorganism and fungi are blown directly into them. To keep down moisture, drying compressed air to a specified dew-point is advised. If you worry about your drying process reaching proper dew-points for drying, having a professional check your air systems is a good idea. Never taking chances with food packing air systems is strongly recommended.

Keeping Out Solid Particulates

During the drying process required for compressed air systems, any traces of microorganism and fungi become spores that will need to be filtered out before air systems are used near food packing. Specially designed coalescing filters are used to catch these kinds of particulates before they have a chance to re-enter the piping system and into food containers. Bear in mind that proper air filtering is also required for the air system your workers may use to blow off workstations.

Eliminating Vapors And Hydrocarbons

If your compressed air piping system uses an oil-free compressor, you will still need to incorporate filtering for the removal of vapors and hydrocarbons. Never assume because there is no oil used in the compressor that there not any hydrocarbons present in the compressed air. Consider that the air being used is taken into a compressor where the formation of vapors that lead to hydrocarbon collection is likely to occur.

Maintaining the most sanitary compressed air piping system for your food processing production is extremely vital to maintain a profit and to protect consumers from certain health hazards. By learning more about maintenance required for the compressed air system in your food processing plant, you can rest assured the food products you are shipping out to the public are safe.