The Importance of Industrial Filters in the Food and Beverage Industry

Introduction

When you hit the grocery store to pick up a few things, the last thing you’d ever think about is industrial filtration. This is a good thing, because it means that all the industrial filters used to produce the food you eat are working properly. If they ever stopped working or weren’t used according to specifications, then you’d realize just how important they really are.

Introduction

Virtually every food or beverage that is produced in any processing facility requires filtration in order to be safe for consumers. Food safety regulations also require manufacturers to provide adequate filtration so all products that are sent onto store shelves are safe for human consumption.

Clarification and Prefiltration

During the early stages of filtration for the food and beverage making process, the goal is usually to prepare the solution for a higher level of purification. The removal of fine particles and sediment during beverage processes is a must for clarification, especially when making wine and beer as it can affect the taste of the finished product.

Clarification and Prefiltration

The first step of any filtration process in the food and beverage industry is particulate removal. The largest suspended matter must be removed to increase the efficiency of the process as it rolls along. Removing substance that may cause problems with future processing is crucial in the early stages.

Bacterial Control and Sterilization

Bacterial contamination is one of the greatest concerns in any food and beverage operation. Industrial filters are used to control bacteria and keep it out of the finished product, whether it is food or beverage. Bacterial contamination can destroy the quality and flavor of the end product and it also poses a serious health risk.

Bacterial Control and Sterilization

It’s possible to remove bacteria anywhere along the process, but right before the final packaging is probably the most important time. It can be a fine balance to protect both the quality and safety of the product throughout the entire process.

Tank Venting

Contamination of ingredients or beverages during the storage process is another issue for those in the food and beverage industry. The air that surrounds storage tanks is filled with airborne bacteria and other serious contaminants. Process gases and air that’s used to dry or purge the systems can contain particulates that will contaminate the finished product and cause havoc with your process. During the storage process, particulate removal with industrial filters may not be necessary if outside air isn’t being introduced into the equation.

Applications

Industrial filters have many applications that apply to all areas of the food and beverage industry. Here are some of the specific products and processes that industrial filters help to keep safe and of high quality.

– Baking and Dairy – This area of products includes baking powder, milk, lard, cheese, butter, gravy base and other related products. Many of the raw materials used to make a lot of these products require effective filtration so the finished product is safe on the shelves.

Applications

– Animal Rendering – This area may leave some people feeling a little queasy, but it is important if you enjoy meat products as part of your diet. With meat processing, industrial filters help to remove bone, gristle and similar solids that don’t belong in the finished product. Shelf appeal is an important element, and only when the undesirable aspects of the meat are removed is that really possible.

Applications

– Confectionery – You may not think of sugars and starches and fats as needing filtration to create great confectionery products, but they need it just as much as any other product.

– Chocolate – Chocolate processing as well as other cocoa-based products relies on industrial filters at some point in the overall process. This may include everything from harvesting to fermentation, shell removal, pressing, grinding and cooling.

Applications

– Corn – Corn and corn by-products like corn oil and corn meal require industrial filters to remove bacteria and other contaminants. Corn is being added to more and more products on a regular basis, so the filtration process is increasingly important.

– Oils – The shelf appeal of edible oils like canola and vegetable oils depend on the clarity of the end product. If the oil looks cloudy or has sediment, consumers won’t want to buy it. Removing contaminants and keeping oils clear are top filtration priorities.

Advice

Fil-Trek Corporation specializes in the design, manufacture and service of industrial filtration for the global market. Fil-Trek’s product line specific to the Food & Beverage industry will service both process & critical applications.

View their services at http://www.fil-trek.com/. They are located at 70 Fleming Dr Cambridge, ON N1T 2B1 (519) 623-7448