The requirements and challenges in food and beverage production stem from both consumer expectations and industry regulations. Compressors convert power into potential energy stored as compressed air, which can be used to power various pneumatic tools and systems. The reliability and efficiency, of air compressors make them indispensable in the F&B sector
How to select the right compressor technology
When choosing an air compressor, you must know the pressure and flow required by your facility. It is critical to be aware of the amount of compressed air flow (CFM) needed at a specific pressure (PSI) for the process to work right.
Undersizing will lead to pressure drops, oversizing can lead to mechanical issues. Both can lead to potential failure of the compressor and interrupted production. The best way to measure accurate flow, is to perform a compressed air audit.
General plant air
Oil-injected compressors, coupled with a refrigerant dryer and proper air treatment and filtration will provide general plant air for service air in applications, such as packaging. Atlas Copco’s GA and G series paired with the FD VSD refrigerant dryers and compressed air filters are ideal for supplying general plant air. To ensure maximum efficiency, you should always consider using a compressor with variable speed drive (VSD), which will greatly reduce your energy costs and your total cost of ownership.
Onsite nitrogen: the secret advantage
Nitrogen plays a significant role in the storage and packaging in F&B. It is used to purge oxygen from packages, such as bags of roasted coffee. This is vital in preventing oxidation. Nitrogen also finds its place in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). In-house generation cuts out the recurring cost of ordering gas and time spent in order processing, reduces gas wastage, and removes the risk of disruption.
Unlike fixed-volume nitrogen cylinders, onsite generation systems can be tailored to meet specific production demands. Whether it's a small-scale operation or a large industrial facility, the system's modular design allows for seamless scalability.
Optimize with EQ. Monitor with SMARTLINK.
- Minimize unload time
- Reduce pressure band
- Optimize system performance
- Minimize unload time
- Reduce pressure band
- Optimize system performance
- Make your factory smart
- Improve health and uptime
- Experience energy efficiency
- Make your factory smart
- Improve health and uptime
- Experience energy efficiency
Air quality matters 🔎
From dairy and baked goods to beverages and snacks, one common thread runs through it all: the need for uncompromised air purity. For critical applications within food and beverage plants, you need ISO 8573-1 (2010) Class 0 oil-free air to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety and comply with ISO 22000 food safety standards.
Atlas Copco desiccant dryers meet and often exceed international standards for compressed air purity. protect the reliability of your production and the quality of your automotive parts and metal.
The BIG picture: Integrated options
GA75 VSD+ FF
We integrate Variable Speed Drive as standard, along with an Integrated Permanent Magnet motor and a unique air compressor inverter. As a result, the GA18-22VSD reduces energy consumption by an average of at least 35%,
UD+
UD+ filters efficiently reduce oil aerosol, wet dust and water drops in your compressed air stream to protect your investment, equipment and processes. The UD+ combines two filtration steps (DD+ and PD+) into one.
Energy Recovery
Atlas Copco Energy Recovery solutions allow you to reuse that thermal energy, lowering your plant’s overall energy consumption. It enables you to save costs, while reducing your environmental impact. Easy installation, minimal floorspace.
Does your F&B facility use silent class 0 air ?
Oil-free air is used in all kinds of applications in the automotive industry, where air quality is paramount for the end-product and the production process. Class 0 helps you:
- Do away with filters to remove the oil from compressed air
- Reduce high energy consumption due to higher pressure drops created by the filters
- Reduce risk of damaging the product quality & product lifecycle due to contaminated air by oil.
- Cut down on production stops, contaminated product or loss of brand image.
- LZ: The low-noise, high-performance, cost-saving foundation of your nitrogen system, doesn’t require additional filtration equipment.Vompact footprint, low maintenance and downtime.
- SF: Equipped with IE3 premium efficiency motors as standard. Unloaded power consumption is eliminated thanks to the simple start/stop control.
- AQ: Eliminates the risk of contamination with 100% oil-free air for applications that require the highest levels of purity. Water-cooled or air-cooled, it meets your needs for quality air with high-pressure capability and energy efficiency.
Process filtration in the F&B industry
Process filtration is crucial in the food and beverage industry for several reasons, primarily to ensure the quality, safety, and compliance of the final products. Example of processes that require filtration: water filtration, juice and beverage production, brewing and distilling, dairy processing, edible oil processing, pharmacuetical filtration, and sugar and sweetener production. Here are some key reasons why process filtration is important in food and beverage production.
1. Contaminant removal
Filtration helps remove physical impurities such as particles, debris, and microorganisms from raw materials, ingredients, and the final product. This is vital for maintaining product quality and safety.
2. Microbial control
Filtration is an effective method for controlling and removing microorganisms, including bacteria, yeast, and mold, which can spoil the product or pose health risks to consumers.
3. Clarification
Filtration is used for the clarification of liquids, removing suspended solids and impurities to achieve a clear and visually appealing final product, especially in beverages like juices and wines.
4. Stabilization
Filtration helps stabilize products by removing unstable particles that can lead to sedimentation or separation over time. This is important in products like dressings, sauces, and emulsions.
5. Consistency in flavor and texture
Filtration aids in achieving consistent flavor, texture, and color by removing unwanted components that can vary in composition and concentration.
6. Compliance with regulations
Stringent regulations govern the food and beverage industry to ensure the safety and quality of products. Filtration processes help companies comply with these regulations and meet industry standards.
