Rubber Fab
collaboration with both the OEM
Engineering Team and the End-User
Quality Management Team it was de-
termined that the best solution was to
design a customized silicone manway
gasket using Detectomer® tech-
nology. Detectomer® materials are
INDUSTRY ducts. The plant was finding that after not only metal detectable and x-ray
Food Processing – Meat Massaging multiple cycles, the manway seals inspectable, but they also meet all ne-
on the massage units were breaking cessary industry standards to ensure
CUSTOMER down due to the physical stresses full compliance. A full metal detection
A global company providing equ ip- and strains placed on them during system was already in place as part
ment and service to the largest Food the process (friction, abrasion, and of the End-User’s HACCP programme,
Processors in the world. impact from meat chunks) and also but x-ray Inspection equipment was
repeated cycles (opening and closing also installed along the processing line
BACKGROUND of manways). Pieces of manway seals to ensure that any fragments could be
The food processing plant had 11 were clearly missing during mainte- detected before product going out to
types of Meat Massager Machines, nance checks, but the clear silicone the consumer.
which had been designed using clear could not be seen during any visual silicone manway gaskets. For spare inspection and process quality checks. The outcome is that the seal reliability
parts and service they were partne- The conclusion was that particles has been extended, and the end-user
ring with the OEM who, as a major of the gasket were falling into the response has been so positive that
supplier of food processing equipment process, thus creating contamina- they have implemented the Detecto-
to the world’s largest meat proces- tion events and a high risk of product mer® gasket technology across their
sors, considered performance and recalls. facility to enjoy the benefits of more
reliability to be fundamental to their
effective and safer process sealing.
value proposition. Therefore, any mo- OPERATING CONDITIONS The OEM is extremely satisfied that
dification required careful and open 1. Max Temperature During Process = Rubber Fab was willing and able to
3-way collaboration between Rubber 80°F / 27°C modify a standard gasket profile to
Fab, the OEM and the End-User. 2. Max Temperature During COP = create a much needed sealing solution
160°F / 71°C which keeps the End-Use customer
CHALLENGES FACED 3. Pressure: Partial Vacuum = 0.07 PSI efficient, safe and compliant.
Meat massaging is an important but / 5 mbar
challenging process step for optimum
For more information, please visit:
curing, water binding and ingredient SOLUTION AND BENEFITS
distribution in meat and poultry pro- Through in-depth discussion and
www.rubberfab.com
FDPP - www.fdpp.co.uk 81