Stop generating listeria
Contaminated food processing machinery All cleaning methods tend to extend the Total exclusion of detergents is almost
is one of several key factors behind the distribution of bacteria, particulate matter impossible, as their formulations are
rising number of product recalls. Although and grease. Most alarmingly, research purpose-designed to pass through
machines may be hygienically designed shows that a high-pressure, low-volume barriers.
with smooth and easily cleaned surfaces, spray lance can raise them to a height of the crevices in components such as three-metres in an aerosol of small water mounted bearings and their housings can droplets. These may remain airborne harbour bacteria. for several hours before falling onto
Pressure washing can drive these food
particles and bacteria through the bearing
shaft gap and into spaces around the
bearing’s housing which never dry. By
the same token, bacteria sheltering
and breeding within the unit can be
subsequently washed out, together with
contaminated lubricating grease, and
The new units have another sealing
innovation which deals with this: the
gutter concept. Its structure blocks most
everything within a seven-metre radius. of the detergent, but the small amounts
Food-safe bearings directed around and out the other side.
The designers at SKF have responded
with the SKF Food Line ball bearing unit -
Blue Range. The range’s superior sealing
prevents penetration by microbes and
leakage of grease, so it is relubrication-
which do enter the seal’s top lip are
Cost savings
These premium bearing units come at a
slightly higher price, as you would expect,
but the investment is quickly repaid
spread elsewhere. free. through operational savings.
Relubrication practices often compound Following the rules of hygienic design, Their service life is longer, and there is
the problem. Regular flushing out and
replacement of grease to remove its
contaminants, and restore its lubricant
properties can result in over-greasing,
creating another source of contamination.
Contaminated grease may be washed
onto floors, and then trodden more
widely, or into drainage holes, where it
makes removal of listeria very difficult.
4 FDPP - www.fdpp.co.uk
the units feature smoothly shaped
surfaces and a self-draining geometry.
Polypropylene (PP) has been selected as
the material for their moulded housing,
because of its highly inert and chemically
resistant properties. Components have
been coloured blue for easy detection by
eye.
less need for cleaning, while the labour,
downtime and material costs of re-
greasing are eliminated.
Moreover, they could spare you the
considerable expense and reputational
damage of bearing-related product recalls.
www.acorn-ind.co.uk