This industrial-grade processing equipment must be easy to clean and be able to withstand the harsh cleaning regimens involved in meeting hygiene standards required by regulatory bodies.
It is not only the food processing equipment or machine that must meet the regulatory hygiene requirement, but also the instrument such as computer, display or cameras placed around around the processing line to operate and monitor the production line
When it comes to food processing or any production involving clean zone, it is extremely important that the production line can withstand:
- High pressure water jet
- Salt water
- Hot water and chemicals
- Wide temperature range
The 2 main parameters to take into consideration when deciding upon the type of electronic instrument you want to install are IP protection and type of stainless steel
Type of stainless steel
It all comes down to have equipment that are easy to clean and will remain corrosion free. This is when the quality of the stainless steel comes into play. It exist many type of stainless steel, but for environment that is expose to high humidity, a stainless steel grade 304 is an excellent choice. If further resistance to corrosion is needed, for example in location exposed to salt water, the grade 316 is a better alternative. More information about stainless steel grade on wikipedia page.
IP grading
In a food factory or in outdoor application it is necessary that the electronic system is completely sealed, and that water or dust has no possibility to alter the system. When deciding upon electronic instrument, the IP code determine the degree of protection that the system can withstand such as the ability to withstand dust, water and ambient humidity.
In environment subject to intensive cleaning with high pressure water jet and chemical, IP 66 or IP 69K is a preferred choose. This grading ensure that the enclosure is dust tight and resistant to powerful water jets.
more information about IP grading on wikipedia page.
