In the food processing sector, having a reliable ventilation system is key to preserving food safety, maintaining the integrity of products, and ensuring a clean, comfortable workspace. However, identifying the optimal ventilation system can often seem overwhelming due to multiple factors such as compliance with regulations and the wide array of choices available in the market.
Acknowledging these challenges, Fanquip has conducted a thorough analysis of our customers’ needs and previous orders to address the key ventilation issues faced in the food processing industry.
Ventilation & Air Challenges in Food Processing
Here, we present a range of industrial fans commonly used in food processing settings to address these concerns.
Temperature and Humidity Control
Fluctuating humidity can significantly affect food and beverage product integrity, leading to quality and uniformity issues. This may cause products to absorb moisture, becoming denser and stickier, complicating handling and transport. This also increases the risk of conveyance line clumping, and reduces pneumatic efficiency, necessitating more frequent maintenance, and causing operational downtime.
Fanquip recommends the following products to address these challenges:
- Air Circulators
- Air Curtains
- Mancoolers
- Giant Fans
- Roof Fans
- Wall Exhaust Fans
Odours, Fumes and Steam Extraction
Within the food industry, each phase of production unleashes a variety of smells and fumes, presenting unique challenges to both employees and the surrounding community. The range of aromas spans from the inviting fragrance of spices to the more unpleasant smells emanating from wastewater treatment. Handling meat and seafood introduces its set of olfactory hurdles, just as manufacturing dry fish food can diffuse intense smells. Surprisingly, even the generally odour-free poultry processing can face smell issues during inactivity.
To sustain a pleasant atmosphere and promote energy efficiency, it’s vital to incorporate ventilation systems equipped with odour management technologies, including:
- Roof Fans
- Wall Exhaust Fans
- Purging Fans
- Axial Fans
^Fanquip Profile Base Hooded Roof Fans.
Airborne Pathogen and Hygiene Management
Airborne bacteria flourish in still air, jeopardising the safety of food items. The processing environment is a breeding ground for dust, allergens, and microorganisms, highlighting the critical role of efficient ventilation systems in removing these pollutants and maintaining high air quality standards.
The presence of foodborne pathogens is a particular cause for concern, driving the necessity for advanced filtration and sterilisation techniques within ventilation systems to curb their proliferation and reduce the incidence of food-related illnesses.
To protect the indoor environment from microbial contamination, we recommend the following products:
- Roof Fans
- Wall Exhaust Fans
- Air Curtains
Key Areas Requiring Ventilation Solutions.
Bakeries & Confectionery Ventilation
Bakeries and confectioneries face challenges in meeting strict food safety and hygiene regulations due to the hot and uncomfortable conditions typical in these environments. Problems like negative pressure, where more air is extracted than supplied, keep the hot air inside, leading to uncontrolled airflow and potential contamination, such as chalk fungus. In the confectionery industry, high humidity can cause numerous visible issues with products, including a cloudy appearance, grainy coatings, and sugar blooms, because ingredients like sucrose and corn syrup absorb moisture.
To combat these conditions, several types of fans are effective in maintaining suitable indoor conditions:
- Axial Fans
- Exhaust Fans
- Air Circulators
- Filter Fans
Grain Mill & Cereal Product Manufacturing Facility Ventilation
Air quality concerns in grain mills and cereal manufacturing plants primarily stem from the emission of dust and particulate matter during the milling operations. These emissions not only affect air quality but also pose serious respiratory risks to the workforce if left unchecked. Equally important is the control of humidity levels to thwart grain spoilage and ensure the integrity of the cereal products. Implementing robust ventilation and dust management systems is critical to effectively tackle these air quality challenges. This ensures the health of employees and maintains the high standard of products produced within these facilities.
To maintain an uninterrupted and safe production environment, solutions include the installation of:
- Purging Fans
- Centrifugal Fans
- Heater Fans
- Exhaust Fans
Cold Storage & Refrigeration Rooms Ventilation
In cold storage and refrigerated spaces, optimal temperature and air quality are crucial for the freshness and longevity of perishables. Beyond cooling, this involves ensuring safety, enhancing airflow, managing humidity, and keeping temperatures consistent. Factors like design, codes, product needs, and operational practices influence these conditions, guiding the selection of appropriate ventilation equipment like:
- Air Curtains
- Giant Fans
- Mancoolers
- Centrifugal Fans
- Axial Fans
^Fanquip Air Curtains.
Meat Processing Facilities Ventilation
Maintaining product quality, safety, and hygiene in the meat processing industry requires optimal environmental control, specifically stabilising temperature and humidity levels. Fluctuations, influenced by factors such as weather, cleaning, staff, and product types, can increase humidity and lead to condensation, encouraging microorganism growth on meat products and equipment. Inadequate ventilation can further elevate these risks, spreading contaminants and compromising air quality.
Therefore, effective airflow and ventilation is critical for upholding standards and ensuring product integrity and can be achieved through the following products:
- Air Curtains
- Giant Fans
- Mancoolers
- Exhaust Fans
- Axial Fans
Fanquip Solutions for Food Processing
Discover all our findings and recommendations for ventilation solutions in more detail by downloading the full version of the brochure here: Fanquip | Food Processing | Challenges & Solutions.
