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Addressing hygienic requirements in food conveyance

06 November 2023

Marek Lukaszczy explains the role that hygienic motor design has to play in helping address hygienic requirements in food conveyance.

Motor design plays an important role in addressing hygienic requirements in food conveyance by incorporating features such as specialised coatings, high Ingress Protection (IP) ratings, and corrosion-resistant materials. 

These elements prevent hazardous substances from leaching into the food, safeguard the motor's internal components from external contaminants, and ensure durability without shedding particles that could contaminate the food. By adhering to stringent food safety standards, motor design can help maintain a hygienic environment on conveying systems which are, of course, ubiquitous in food manufacturing plants. 

Motor coatings can play a crucial role in preventing chemical leaching and moisture absorption that could contaminate food during the conveyance process. Food-grade epoxy coatings, in particular, form a protective barrier on the motor's surface, ensuring that no hazardous substances are transferred to the food being processed. By using such specialised coatings, manufacturers can maintain food integrity and comply with the strictest food safety, such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP). 

Next, IP ratings are essential for protecting the motor's internal components from dust, water, and debris. These ratings are especially crucial in food processing areas, where hygiene is paramount. High IP-rated motors prevent foreign particles from entering the food production process, reducing the risk of contamination. 

In addition to safeguarding against food contamination, it is also important to consider the impact of breakdowns from both a cost and food integrity perspective. A motor breakdown can lead to a temporary shutdown of the line, resulting in a loss of production. 

Using corrosion-resistant materials in motor design is vital to ensure the motor's longevity and prevent any shedding of particles that could contaminate food. By using materials that are resistant to corrosion the durability of a motor is enhanced, which can help minimise line disruptions, and maintain a hygienic environment during food conveyance.

Pectin manufacturing plant
A good demonstration of how motors canhelp ensuring food safety was demonstrated in a Cargill-owned pectin manufacturing plant in Brazil. WEG's WELL line motors, compliant with the American standard IEEE841, were installed in a variety of applications around the plant, helping to improve corrosion resistance, and offering an extended service life. The motors demonstrated easy installation, low vibration levels, and high mechanical precision, making them an ideal choice for the food industry. The specialised painting scheme used on the motors was able to withstand the corrosive environment produced by pectin, ensuring food integrity. Motor features such as specialised coatings, high IP ratings, and corrosion-resistant materials can help food manufacturers meet stringent industry regulations.

As the global food industry continues to grow, adopting advanced motor design and innovative solutions becomes imperative to protect consumers from potential health risks and uphold the highest food safety standards.

Marek Lukaszczyk is Marketing Manager for WEG Europe and Middle East.


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