Cut Costs By Cutting Down Heat Transfer In Food Manufacturing Equipment

By Isaac Fletcher, contributing writer, Food Online

A new thermal insulation coating specially designed for the food manufacturing industry offers long-term cost-saving benefits by reducing heat loss during the manufacturing process 

Because food manufacturing processes are high on energy consumption and expend large amounts of energy for heating and cooling, they are often very costly.  A new thermal insulation material reduces heat loss during the use of boilers, heat exchangers, pipes, furnaces, and refrigeration units.  Reducing heat loss translates not only to a reduction of energy use, but also converts to improvements in the processes themselves and the overall consistency of the product. 

This new insulation also offers protection against corrosion, resistance to molds, and can be easily applied to metal, wood, plastic, concrete, and many other industrial materials.  Extra protection helps food manufacturers increase the longevity of their equipment and avoid extra expenditures for equipment repair and/or replacement.  Savings in all areas affect manufacturers’ bottom lines and can ultimately be passed on to the consumer.

Check Out How A Process Control System Can Help Increase Profits

Since food manufacturers must meet rigorous safety requirements, the water-based thermal insulation coating is engineered to be low-odor and non-toxic.  The insulation has been approved for use around food processing and is even environmentally friendly.  The technology in this particular thermal insulation incorporates micro-sized nanotechnology that has very low thermal conductivity, which inhibits heat transfer.  The coating is also hydrophobic and provides mold and mildew resistance without the need for toxic chemicals.

Manufacturers that have used similar products have experienced success in increasing cost-savings and operational efficiency.  Grupo Modelo, maker of Corona beer, used a similar thermal insulation coating to reduce energy consumption and lower surface temperatures of equipment by up to 36 degrees Fahrenheit.  The insulation also helped protect equipment from corrosion and moisture.   Caribbean snack manufacturer Holiday Snacks wanted to reduce high surface temperatures using an insulation that would be safe to use around food.  Used on a variety of surfaces, including ovens, fryers, and vent ducts, the insulation reduced surface temperatures by 27degrees Fahrenheit.

The new thermal insulation coating will allow food manufacturers to reap similar benefits while still living up to regulatory requirements.  While surface temperature reduction, as was required by Grupo Modelo and Holiday Snacks, can result in boosting operational efficiency, manufacturers will also be able to cut down their energy consumption and costs.  Less expensive manufacturing with consistent quality results in a competitive edge and a better experience for the end consumer.