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•Article: Proper Design Of A Hygienic Feeder

By Jason R. Parpart and Steven L. Becker, Schenck AccuRate

Specifying a hygienic bulk solids feeder is not a simple task. The wide variety of requirements needed for specific applications are similar in scope to explosion proof environmental requirement variations. However, unlike explosion proof requirements, a classification system does not exist to easily identify requirements for hygienic applications. The requirements from each producer vary as widely as the products they make. The material being fed, operating environment, cleaning and sanitization requirements, regulatory requirements, food producer requirements and perception, and cost are all significant factors in the design of a feeding solution. Therefore, in order to find a solution that is appropriate for a particular application, it is necessary for feeder manufacturers to offer feeders that cover a variety of hygiene levels.

As stated in the general design guidelines, the product contact materials of the low level feeder are all FDA approved or FDA accepted. Product contact areas are manufactured to a smooth finish and welds are cleaned. Motors typically meet an environmental rating of IP55 (or better) to prevent dust from entering the motor and for the motors to endure occasional wet cleaning.

When designing or specifying a hygienic feeder or feeding system, it is important to understand the basic guidelines for design and manufacturing, the perishability of the material fed, the cleaning processes used, and any applicable sanitary regulations. Equipment designed to the appropriate requirements and operated accordingly can reduce overall costs while improving the hygienic nature of the process.

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•Article: Proper Design Of A Hygienic Feeder