Food & Drink Process & Packaging Issue 31 2020 | Page 16

Cutting the Fat from your Process

We all want to find a streamlined way to get rid of waste , right ? No one wants to be weighed down by waste and since it can appear in numerous forms within production , eliminating it from a process entirely takes a trained eye . Rising food disposal costs , staffing , and the pressure to implement leaner operations have left many considering new solutions . Luckily , there are areas where processors can optimize performance to ensure an efficient , and effective process .
Calculating how much waste is being produced can be difficult , as waste is not just wasted product – it can manifest as associated time lost , downtime , disposal , time wasted troubleshooting , lower production causing late or lost orders . This means calculating waste cost is much more involved than we ’ d all like it to be . But in what ways can waste manifest in the Process and Packaging industry ?
ELIMINATING MANUAL HANDLING & REDUCING RISK Food and waste is typically transferred throughout facilities via totes which are often handled manually . Containers are tipped , decanted into buckets , or scraped by hand to mix into a process , but with over 30 % of Food and Drink industry injuries caused as a direct result of manual handling , there must be a better way … at least we hope so ! By utilizing mobile pumps to port between processes , for the handling of hot , cold , thin or viscous sauces , mixtures or ingredients across facilities , over 80 % of time currently spent undertaking such processes can be saved . That ’ s right , over 80 percent ! Staff can be utilized more effectively within processes , and with operators reducing the frequency in which they enter areas , cross contamination between processes can be limited or avoided .
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Automating batching processes can also reduce machine set up times , ensuring manufacturing line speeds operate precisely at or close to their designed speeds rather than sub optimally .
CONSISTENT RECIPES Inconsistencies in batches can often occur with recipes across shifts , or inadvertently if amounts being dispensed are calculated incorrectly . With automated batching kits , consistent outcomes are delivered with mixtures batched according to weight or volume . Dispensed amounts are calculated according to Specific Gravity ( SG ) or viscosity of the fluid ensuring repeatability regardless of operator , temperature , and fluid characteristics .
REDUCING WASTAGE Pump systems which can extract up to 99.98 % of containers contents whether it be a low viscosity high cost flavoring or high viscosity tomato puree ensure that little goes to waste . With less than 1 % residue left within drums , annual savings can skyrocket when these systems are introduced .
REDUCING FOOD WASTE VOLUME Waste food can be bulky . By crushing or processing its volume , waste disposal costs can be reduced or the waste can be reused within another process . Reducing water content by thickening from 1 % to 5 % concentrated solids , reduces overall waste volume by up to 80 %.
Since consistency and aggressiveness can vary , when selecting pumps for
sludge , slurries or viscous products it is vital any pump selected is appropriate for the intended application . If the sludge is dry , contains large solids , or varies significantly premature wear can be experienced within units which can lead to frequent spare part replacements or downtime .
By working with a partner to design your process from the onset , pump selections can be made to ensure the correct pump technology is utilized for your application . Issues such as accelerated pump wear , premature pump failure , difficulty cleaning or reduced wastage is avoided . This is particularly true for partners who are not tied to a single pump technology enabling them to select what is most appropriate for your application . Place your trust in a partner that has your best interest in mind .
Pump and spare part lifespan can be improved , and where possible an estimate of annual cost , spare parts usage and cost over 5 years can be provided , ensuring complete peace of mind .
Whether it be an increase in productivity , elimination of manual handling , reduced wastage , improved cleaning time or ensuring consistency – we engineer your outcome – North Ridge Pumps .
www . northridgepumps . com