Food Processing Equipment

PTFE is outstanding in this group. In thin films it provides the lowest coefficient of friction (0.03—0.1) of any polymer, is effective from —200 to 250°C, and is generally unreactive chemically. The low friction is attributed to the smooth molecular profile of PTFE chains which allows easy sliding (57). Typical apphcations include chemical and food processing equipment, electrical components, and as a component to provide improved friction and wear in other resin systems. 

Table 11. Stainless Steels Used in Food Processing Equipment...

Cleaners. Phosphoric acid is used ia several acidic hard-surface (tile, porcelain, metal) cleaning and sanitising formulations, as well as an acid cleaner for food processing equipment. 

Acid cleaners based on sulfamic acid are used in a large variety of appHcations, eg, air-conditioning systems marine equipment, including salt water stills wells (water, oil, and gas) household equipment, eg, copper-ware, steam irons, humidifiers, dishwashers, toilet bowls, and brick and other masonry tartar removal of false teeth (50) dairy equipment, eg, pasteurizers, evaporators, preheaters, and storage tanks industrial boilers, condensers, heat exchangers, and preheaters food-processing equipment brewery equipment (see Beer) sugar evaporators and paper-mill equipment (see also Evaporation Metal surface treati nts Pulp). 

The coating thickness may range from 0.0025 to 0.05 mm, depending on the type of protection required. Pure tin coatings are used on food-processing equipment, milk cans, kitchen implements, electronic and electrical components, fasteners, steel and copper wire, pins, automotive bearings, and pistons. 

Another significant difference between large- and small-scale processing is dilution of the product samples with water. Food processing equipment for fluids often needs to be started with water, and the food needs to be flushed from the system with water before the process is shut down. When making small batch samples in this type of equipment, care must be taken to obtain a representative sample with a minimum of dilution. There will also be a difference in the weights of the sample into and out of the process due to water addition or sample loss to minimize dilution. 

Acrylonitrile has been used, in a mixture with carbon tetrachloride, as a fumigant for flour milling and bankers food processing equipment and for stored tobacco. However, most pesticide products containing acrylonitrile have been voluntarily withdrawn by the manufacturers (IARC 1979). 

Conveyor belts, food processing equipment, mining screens. .. Protective clothing, weatherproof clothing. .. 

Reaction vessels, spark plugs, electrical resistors, electron tubes, corrosion-resistant equipment, ball mills and grinders, food-processing equipment, piping, valves, pumps, and laboratory ware. 

Soman Lubricants, cleaning and disinfectants for brewery, dairy and other food processing equipment. 

In some technological and medical applications protein adsorption and/or cell adhesion is advantageous, but in others it is detrimental. In bioreactors it is stimulated to obtain favourable production conditions. In contrast, biofilm formation may cause contamination problems in water purification systems, in food processing equipment and on kitchen tools. Similarly, bacterial adhesion on synthetic materials used for e.g. artificial organs and prostheses, catheters, blood bags, etc., may cause severe infections. Furthermore, biofilms on heat exchangers, filters, separation membranes, and also on ship hulls oppose heat and mass transfer and increase frictional resistance. These consequences clearly result in decreased production rates and increased costs. 

Typical uses of martensitic steels are cutlery, surgical instrumentation blades (turbine engines) bearings, aerospace equipment petroleum production and refining fire arms, valves and stems and food processing equipment. 

Electrical applications include wire and cable insuladon, insulation for motors and generators, and high frequency electronic uses. Chemical equipment such as gaskets, pump and valve packing, and valve parts are also fabricated. Low friction and anti-stick applications include non-lubricated bearings and linings for bakery trays and home and institutional food processing equipment. 

FEP is closely related to PTFE but has a lower melt viscosity and may therefore be processed by conventional processes and possesses most of the PTFE properties. It is a tough, resilient material with an Izod impact value of 2.9 ft-lb/in. at -70F, no break at 73F, and 95,000 ft-lb/in. at 170F. FEP is noninflammable and melts at 545 to 563F. It has excellent chemical and solvent resistance and is largely used in such electrical applications as terminal blocks and valve and tube holders. FEP is also used for a variety of non-stick applications in food processing equipment. 

George D. Saravacos and Athanasios E. Kostaropoulos, Handbook of Food Processing Equipment (2002)... 

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