Protecting Critical Cabling for Food
Processing Applications
With an increasing reliance on technology
and automation to deliver efficiencies
and operational safety, there has never
been a more important time to protect
potentially vulnerable cables within Food
and Beverage processing environments.
Presenting numerous challenges
regarding operating environments and
processes, hazards can vary dramatically
depending on the type of Food &
Beverage Category. The continuous
protection and integrity of Power and
Data cabling however, is fundamental to
eliminating downtime and maintaining
output across all Categories.
To address this, Flexicon has launched
10 new Hygienic Flexible Conduit
systems to mechanically protect cables
whilst making cable installations faster,
simpler and safer for food processing
applications.
Says Tim Creedon, Sales and Marketing
Director for Flexicon: “Flexible conduit is a
superior and more cost-effective means
of protecting and interconnecting power
and data cables compared to traditional
cable gland installations, since several
cables can be grouped together and
mechanically protected within a single
cable entry point.”
“It means that installations are simpler,
Failure of any cabling could lead to and/or dynamic installations and have
downtime, quality issues or potentially a reinforced construction for good
even safety issues. It is imperative that compression strength. The ranges include
any system does not create potential non-metallic and metallic versions, with
hazards such as the build-up of micro- different colour options. The non-metallic
organisms and bacteria” version offers a temperature range of
Flexicon’s Hygienic Conduit solutions
have been designed in accordance with
EN 1672-2 and EN ISO 14159, with a
smooth, easy-to-clean surface and finish
that eliminates the build-up of bacteria
and micro-organisms.
Manufactured using grade 316L stainless
steel, the range of hygienic fittings
offers an excellent level of corrosion
resistance, high thermal properties
and chemical resistance. They feature
smooth surfaces and incorporate blue
compression seals and a blue nut seal to
prevent the ingress of food and bacteria.
Ideally suited to applications requiring
a high level of ingress protection (IP),
with IP ratings of IP66, IP67, IP68 (2 Bar)
and IP69 achievable, Flexicon’s Hygienic
-20° to +90° and the metallic offer has
a temperature range of -20° to +105°.
The metallic range also features a version
with an internal braid layer which can
offer EMC performance and there are two
systems which have UL listing and NSF
169 compliance for use in splash zones.
Flexicon have recently become members
of EHEDG - a non-profit consortium of
equipment manufacturers dedicated
to ensuring the hygienic design and
maintenance of food production systems
worldwide. EHEDG membership
highlights Flexicon’s status as a proven
and trusted supplier dedicated to
providing safe cable protection solutions
for food and beverage production
environments.
Conduit systems offer space saving and Flexicon can offer over 60 different
reliability for the routing and termination Flexible Conduit Solutions to protect
conduit, compared to one gland for every of multiple cables. safety and performance critical cabling.
cable. Fewer cable entry points means Available in 16mm to 63mm options,
faster and save space because for every
entry, only one fitting is needed per
less potential points of failure regarding
ingress during wash down or cleaning.
Future maintenance is also reduced since
existing circuits can be replaced, upgraded
with straight metric thread derivatives,
the Hygienic fittings are compatible
with Flexicon Hygienic conduits
These products are featured in the new
Hygienic Guide to Cable Protection from
Flexicon. Contact us now for further
details.
which are manufactured from FDA For further information including
approved ingredients which have been product datasheets or to see a product
independently tested to European Food sample please contact Flexicon Ltd,
to cables, including corrosion due to regulation 10/2011. Roman Way, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46
chemicals, temperature changes or The flexible conduits in the Hygienic
or added with minimal disruption.”
“In the face of many potential hazards
potential ingress of water or dust, it is
vital that equipment remains operational.
4 FDPP - www.fdpp.co.uk
range all have a smooth cover for easy
cleaning, are flexible for simple routing
1HG. Tel: +44(0)1675 466900 or Email
[email protected].
www.flexicon.uk.com.