so you can meet demands for flexibility . Quality inspection can eliminate any human-related errors , and consistency can be achieved in elements like flavour , taste and texture .
Some examples of products used for error recognition and quality checking include :
• Various machine vision cameras for food inspection to test geometrics , packaging and for foreign objects , and to analyse food quality and freshness
• Smart vision sensors and cameras to check whether the quality of an object is ‘ good ’ or ‘ not good ’, displayed on a computer linked to the sensor
• Smart vision sensors and cameras for quality control , identification and positioning . Their software guides the user step-by-step . This can be used , for example , to check that bottle caps are firmly secured
3 . TRACEABILITY
By using automation , you can trace where production faults occurred and make appropriate alterations to prevent a product recall or low-quality product .
The following are examples of products that help to monitor and change future processes and so increase flexibility :
• Smart vision sensors to check whether an object is ‘ good ’ or ‘ not good ’
• Image-based scanners for fast omnidirectional barcode scanning during the barcode stage
• SWIR cameras combined with speciality lenses can be used for food inspection to check damage within food , for example bruises within an apple
• Various industrial protocols and networks such as IIOT and Ethernetenabled products can be more effective than recognition by the human eye
4 . USE COMPONENTS WITH QUICK TURN-AROUND AND EASY MAINTENANCE
Flexibility requires quick turn-around times and quick and easy maintenance products . Examples include :
• Easily pluggable connectors
• Products with IO-Link interface
• IIoT enabled products
• Motor drives with built-in Profinet and Ethernet / IP , easily interfaced with many PLC systems
• Motors and drives that work with many protocols
5 . INCREASE SAFETY FOR WORKERS
Flexibility can mean that people do not have to undertake complex tasks that could put them in danger . By utilising automation and all its various functions , people also do not have to undertake often repetitive critical tasks where consistency is difficult to achieve .
Examples of safety products :
• Non-contact safety switches
• Solenoid interlock switches with IP69K
• Safety relays
• Slip rings
• IP69K beacons for alerting and notification
6 . QUICK HYGIENE AND SANITATION PROCESSES
It is critical to get hygiene and sanitation right in food and beverage manufacturing .
The following ideas can help you maintain high hygiene levels during changes in the process , and without wasting time .
WASHDOWN
Develop an easy washdown procedure with well-designed equipment made from stainless steel and IP-rated equipment .
IP-rated products include :
• Cable conduits and cable glands with IP68K
• IP69K push buttons
• Stainless steel motors and safety switches with IP69K
• FDA and Ecolab approved products such as cable entry systems are suitable for washdown
CIP CLEANING CIP systems clean , rinse and sanitize pipes to remove any excess product . A twinscrew pump , for example , enables CIP cleaning and product handling within just one pump .
Twin-screw pumps ensure :
• An additional CIP pump is not necessary , saving costs and time
• High hygiene level
• Quick product handling and CIP cleaning
• OEM Automatic process instrumentation , such as pigging valves , pressure gauges and turbidity sensors are suitable for CIP cleaning
7 . REDUCE WASTAGE
Flexibility means you can change production direction and switch functions without wasting too many resources . Reducing waste not only saves you resources but also improves the environmental image of your manufacturing process .
An example of a product that helps reduce waste is a pigging system . Here a pig is pushed into the pipe to stop media getting through , thus enabling the pipe to be quickly scraped and cleaned .
A pigging system ensures :
• Less waste and less use of cleaning agent
• Reduction in water consumption
• Lower energy consumption
This guide has outlined ways of developing flexibility in food and beverage manufacturing and suggested some suitable products to help you create a flexible food and beverage production line .
Please contact us if you are interested in knowing more about any of the products mentioned above .
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