EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VALVES IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY
The food and beverage industry spans over a wide range of goods and processes with specific regulations. In order to meet strict regulatory demands, manufacturers must understand exactly what each system needs to function as efficiently as possible. Understanding the complexities of the food and beverage industry will help you find the best working parts for your system.
Valves are a critical piece of equipment in the food and beverage industry. To achieve the best products and guarantee safety in your processes, the right valve must be chosen for operations. This will ensure proper functionality and minimize malfunctions down the line. When choosing a valve for your system, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here’s what you need to know about valves in the food and beverage industry.
Valves can be grouped into two categories.
Valves in the food and beverage industry can be categorized as either direct valves or utility service valves. Direct valves are used in systems that directly handle food. They come into contact with everything from milk and soda to condiments and meat. These valves are heavily regulated by a variety of independent organizations, like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and 3-A Sanitary Standards. For example, the valves must be smooth enough to prevent trapping food particles and allowing bacteria to grow. Stainless steel is often used for these types of valves because it is able to withstand corrosive agents.
Utility service valves do not come in direct contact with food. Instead, they handle utilities like steam or water that play a large role in food and beverage production. Although they do not directly contact products, they are still required to follow specific regulations to ensure safety.
Valves Boost Food Safety
Valves are an essential tool to block off pathogens and unwanted materials from entering food and beverages during processing. The need for sanitary valves in the industry is steadily growing and becoming a major focal point for manufacturers working on preventative safety. For example, sanitary valves used in the dairy industry handle some of the most perishable products and must follow regulations set by the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO). These valves must have tight shut-off capabilities to prevent leakage and cross-contamination.
Valves Support Automation
The biggest concern for food and beverage manufacturers is how to create and deliver products in the quickest and safest way possible. One of the best ways to minimize error and ensure consistency is through automation. While the introduction of pathogens is unavoidable, automation does reduce the risk of these unwanted materials from entering into the system.
Automated valves can be easily cleaned without being removed from machinery. This provides manufacturers with easy access for sanitation and reduces downtime for maintenance. With traditional systems, a pause or shut down of the line is required to complete any cleaning or service. With newer automated technology, any services can be handled quickly and efficiently.
As customers continue to prioritize the convenience of their food choices, the food and beverage industry will continue to grow. To maintain a competitive edge in the industry and follow safety regulations, manufacturers should always put efforts into choosing the right valves for their systems.
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