Enhancing Hygiene and Efficiency in the Food and Beverage Industry with Stainless Steel Piping

Maintaining high levels of hygiene is one of the most important elements in the food and beverage industry. Consumers expect their food and beverages to be produced in clean and sanitary environments; however, it’s food producers and manufacturers who carry the responsibility for this. They are required by law to abide by the health standards set out by the government and both national and local State based food regulation frameworks. In this case study, we explore how stainless-steel piping, with its exceptional hygienic properties and aesthetic appeal, plays a vital role in ensuring cleanliness, efficiency, and consumer confidence in food treatment plants.

In food treatment plants, thorough cleaning is essential to prevent the growth of bacteria and ensure product safety. A rigorous wash down process is necessary, particularly in environments such as abattoirs or places with significant waste. Water and chemicals are used to cleanse equipment, walls, and floors, eliminating any potential contaminants. Stainless steel piping used in wash-down applications because of its ability to withstand high-temperature water and provides a hygienic surface that’s easy to clean.

Stainless steel finds wide-ranging applications in the food and beverage industry, thanks to its unique qualities. For beverage production, stainless steel pipes are ideal for transporting CO2 in the carbonation process of soft drinks. Vacuum packing, essential for food preservation, is also facilitated by stainless steel equipment. Stainless steel is commonly utilised in refrigeration cold stores and chillers, maintaining optimum temperatures for perishable goods.

In addition to functionality, the interior of food treatment plants must convey a sense of cleanliness, hygiene, and efficiency. Just as car and motorcycle servicing workshops focus on aesthetic appeal for fastidious owners, the food industry also demands visually pleasing environments.

Stainless steel, with its shiny and uniform appearance, creates an impression of cleanliness and professionalism. Visitors, including consumers and school groups, and industry personnel such as food safety auditors, can observe the production process firsthand, reinforcing the importance of a pristine environment. It’s interesting how our visual perception can influence how we view cleanliness and sanitation.

The food industry is a diverse sector that encompasses various stages, from raw material transformation to food preparation, cooking, and packaging processes. To ensure the smooth flow of fluids required in these operations, press-fitting has emerged as a versatile solution.

Press-fit stainless steel piping systems have a wide range of applications in the food industry, across different food types; from ice-cream production to distilleries, and the preserving processes for ready-to-cook meats. It is extensively utilised in process fluid systems within the industry, where the transportation of fluids like chilled water, glycol, and gases such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide are crucial for food preservation.

Stainless steel press fittings offer so many advantages when it comes to piping systems in the food industry, including:

1. Longevity and Durability: Industrial piping systems made of stainless steel offer exceptional longevity, remaining in service for several decades without requiring significant maintenance. They retain their qualitative characteristics over time, ensuring reliability and extending product shelf life.
2. Efficient Installation: The cold joining technique of press-fitting can reduce installation time by more than half compared to traditional methods. This efficiency enables systems to become operational faster, contributing to enhanced productivity.
3. Fire Safety: In environments where highly flammable substances like gas and chemicals are present, press-fitting eliminates the need for open flames and welding during installations. This advantage significantly improves fire prevention measures, ensuring a safer working environment.
4. Chemical-Free Assembly: Unlike other methods, press-fitting does not require the use of solvents or chemical substances during assembly. By relying solely on a battery operated pressing tool, the risk of food contamination is eliminated, maintaining the hygiene and integrity of the food products.

Press-fitting technology offers significant benefits to the food industry, enabling efficient fluid transportation while ensuring longevity, quick installation, and enhanced safety. The AISI 316L stainless steel press-fitting system, with its high hygiene standards, quality materials, and ease of use, proves to be an effective solution for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of piping systems in the food industry. By embracing press-fit technology, food manufacturers can streamline their operations and uphold the highest standards of quality and safety.

Allmach is an innovator in the field of stainless-steel piping solutions, being the first to bring leading-edge products into Australia including SurePress press-fit. Allmach recently worked with JBS Foods Australia, a powerhouse in the food industry, located in Dinmore Queensland.

JBS is the largest processing facility in the southern hemisphere, with a capacity to slaughter 4,000 cattle daily. As part of an upgrade and expansion project, JBS implemented SurePress 316 stainless steel piping systems provided by Allmach. These piping systems were installed in the slaughter room, cool room, and production lines, enhancing hygiene and efficiency throughout the facility.

The hygiene aspect in such a controlled environment cannot be understated. In addition to the Food Standards Code and various state-based Acts, there are additional guidelines for packaging and handling meat goods in particular. Processes including vacuum packaging (VAC) and modified atmospheric packaging (MAP) can introduce bacteria, offsetting the benefits of using these techniques to preserve the shelf life of meat goods.

SurePress 316 stainless steel piping systems played a crucial role in the JBS Dinmore upgrade and expansion project. These durable and hygienic piping systems were used for various applications, including washdown, hot and cold water, and compressed air systems. SurePress 15mm to 168mm pipes, fittings, and custom-fabricated products were used to ensure seamless functionality and cleanliness. With over 4 kilometres of pipe and 2,000 fittings utilised in the project, the JBS facility is equipped and operating with state-of-the-art pipe infrastructure.

The food industry adheres to strict accreditation standards to ensure product quality and safety. Food and beverage industry regulations and compliance standards outline the minimum food standards the industry must comply with.

Watermark accreditation, covering gas and water, is another industry standard that is particularly vital for Allmach’s products. Compliance with Watermark regulations guarantees that all potable water lines are of the highest standard, further adding to consumer confidence in the hygiene and safety of food and beverage production.

Stainless steel pipelines are a crucial component in the food and beverage industry, providing hygienic and visually pleasing solutions for various applications such as wash-down processes, beverage production, vacuum packing, and refrigeration.

By incorporating stainless steel piping solutions and ensuring compliance with rigorous accreditations, the industry can uphold the highest standards of cleanliness, ensuring the safety and satisfaction of both consumers and suppliers in the food and beverage sectors.