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• A breath of clean, fresh air for food manufacturers

  A breath of clean, fresh air for food manufacturers

  News Date: 30th Jun 11

  CAPS Australia will be showcasing a range of oil-free air compressors, suitable for use in food and beverage manufacturing, at the triennial Foodpro exhibition being held in Sydney in July. The compressors, built by Ingersoll Rand, have been certified as meeting the Class 0 air quality standard. This classification is the most stringent for air quality, limiting oil contamination in liquid, aerosol and vapour forms.    

   

  Food and beverage manufacturers use compressed air to push food stuffs—such as powders and cereals—through pipes and it often has direct contact with the product during processing. It may also be used to cool down baked goods, clean bottles or spray produce. In some applications, compressed air supplies oxygen to bacteria for fermentation or is pumped into liquids to raise dissolved oxygen levels.

  The cleanliness and quality of compressed air used in food and beverage processing is therefore vital to prevent contamination of the end-product and potential harm to the health of consumers. “Class 0, 100 per cent oil-free air ensures higher product purity, eliminating the risk of rejections and/or health risks associated with oil contamination being transferred directly to the product,” according to Dino Alessio, leading compressor engineer from CAPS Australia—the largest Australian-owned independent compressed air company. “Certified Class 0 air compressors deliver consistently clean, sterile air to critical applications,”   

  It is possible for a single drop of unwanted oil to cause an entire automated process to malfunction by causing seals to swell which may result in complete seizure of moving parts. Other contaminants that may impact production processes include solid particles such as dust and rust; condensed water droplets from ambient humidity, and liquid oil and oil vapours.

  By providing pure air, free from additional contaminants, these compressors minimise downtime associated with cleaning filters and other air system components. Oil-free technology increases productivity and ensures higher overall product quality. By selecting certified oil-free air compressors, food and beverage manufacturers can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing their critical air supply is completely free of compressor created contaminants.

  Food product recalls and food safety concerns are increasingly influencing consumer shopping behaviour. A recent study found that such concerns prompted 38 per cent of consumers surveyed to stop purchasing certain foods. “Compressed air is often identified as a potential source of contamination,” says Alessio. “While the majority of consumers acknowledge that they have some level of responsibility for ensuring the products they consume are safe, a growing number of consumers ultimately hold the manufacturers accountable,” he added.

  The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) developed the 8573.1 range of classifications to help plant engineers specify desired compressed air quality. Ingersoll Rand and CAPS Australia earned Class 0 certification for a range of rotary screw and centrifugal air compressors through rigorous testing by TüV Rheinland—a global leader in independent testing and assessment.    

  Ingersoll Rand oil-free rotary screw and centrifugal air compressors also help manufacturers comply with environmental standards such as ISO 14001 and European Union regulations. Because the compressors are oil-free, manufacturers do not encounter disposal issues with waste oil and filtration components. Disposal of air compressor condensate can also be an issue in traditional, lubricated compressors. By creating a clean condensate that is easier to dispose of, oil-free compressors do not require special treatment for oil and water mixtures.

  Discover the range of CAPS Australia supplied Ingersoll Rand oil-free compressors on stand T1 of Foodpro 2011, 10 - 13 July, in the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.