Classification of compressed air applications in the food industry

Classification of compressed air applications in the food industry

Compressed air is used in the food industry and can be divided into three types according to whether it is in direct contact with food:
1. Direct contact: that is, "compressed air is used as part of the production and processing process, including the packaging and transportation of safe food, and the compressed air that is in direct contact with the finished food or its ingredients as part of the production process. For example: the use of air cooling And to move finished products from one process to another, compressed air should have the same quality star priority as any other ingredient.

2. Indirect contact: refers to the compressed air discharged into the general environment of the food, including its packaging, process and production equipment or the storage location of the food and its ingredients. For example: blow molding PET bottles with compressed air or preparing and opening bags before pouring into food, similar to a valve actuated by compressed air near the finished food or its ingredients.

3. Non-contact: Food production companies often "overprotect" the air compression system, so it is equally important to pay attention to non-contact low-risk systems. Most factories have a significant proportion (over 50%) of compressed air going to "factory air" applications that will not come into contact with food or food packaging machinery at all.

The British Compressed Air Association's Code of Practice for Food Grade Compressed Air has carried out separate requirements for the compressed air grade for the above three cases according to ISO8573-1.

Compressed air quality grades for direct contact with compressed air are:
Solid particles: Class 1
Water content: Class 2
Oil content: Class 1
In order to meet the above-mentioned level requirements, the compressed air should be equipped with a cold dryer (rough water removal), a suction dryer (fine dehydration), a catalytic oxidation degreasing equipment (degreasing) and a precision filter (dust removal) after the compressed air comes out of the air compressor. To meet the above compressed air quality.

Compressed air quality grades for indirect contact with compressed air are:
Solid particles: Class 1
Water content: Class 4
Oil content: Class 1

In order to meet the above grade requirements, the compressed air should be equipped with a refrigerating machine (rough water removal), catalytic oxidation degreasing equipment (oil degreasing) and a precision filter (dust removal) after the compressed air comes out of the air compressor. To meet the above compressed air quality.