Dust challenges in the food industry and how to solve them

The food sector is one of the largest industries in the world, responsible for providing sustenance to billions of people every day.

It plays a significant role in the global economy and importance can be attributed to its contribution to economic growth, employment and food security. As demand for food products continues to rise, there are increasing opportunities for growth and investment in the food sector especially in developing countries. However, the sector also faces several challenges, including the need to ensure food safety & quality, manage environmental impacts to ensure the sustainable growth and development of the food sector.

Industrial cleaning - crucial to reduce risks to both workers and the environment

Like any industry that involves manufacturing and production, it also poses certain risks to the workers and the environment. Two significant hazards in the food industry are poor hygiene and combustible dust, both of which can have severe consequences if not adequately addressed.

Maintaining proper hygiene is essential in the food industry to prevent the spread of illness and disease. Contamination of food products can occur through various means, including improper handling, inadequate cleaning of equipment and surfaces and improper storage of raw materials and finished products.

This can result in the growth of harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, which can cause foodborne illnesses. To prevent the spread of illness and maintain hygiene in the food industry, manufacturing plants must implement appropriate procedures and practices. These include regular cleaning and sanitizing of equipment and surfaces, proper storage and handling of raw materials and finished products, and employee training on good hygiene practices.

Combustible dust in the food industry poses significant risks

Food processing plants are also known to generate large amounts of combustible dust, which can pose significant fire and explosion risks if not handled properly. Combustible dust is defined as a combustible particulate solid that presents a fire or deflagration hazard when suspended in the air.  In food processing plants, common sources of combustible dust include flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and various other food powders and particles. When a combustible dust is suspended or dispersed in the air, inside an enclosure such as a dust collector or walled processing plant area, and the dust comes in contact with an ignition source such as a spark or flame, a dust explosion is possible, and can cause catastrophic loss of life, injuries, and destruction of the facility.

Compliant dust collection solutions for the food industry

Nederman provides a range of products & systems, designed to effectively capture, contain, and control dust in the food industry for hygiene and ATEX environments as per EN, ATEX & NFPA compliances.

1. Dust Collection Systems: Nederman offers ATEX complaint dust collection systems that are designed to safely capture and remove dust particles from the air. These systems utilize various filtration technologies such as bag filters or cartridge filters, to ensure efficient dust removal while minimizing the risk of explosions.
   
   
2. Extraction Arms and Hoods: Nederman manufactures extraction arms and hoods for use in specific ATEX zones to capture dust directly at the source. These devices are flexible and can be adjusted to reach the dust generation points, effectively preventing the dispersion of dust particles into the surrounding atmosphere.
   
   
3. Explosion Protection Systems: In environments where there is a risk of dust explosions, Nederman offers explosion protection systems that isolate or suppress the effects of an explosion, protecting the facility, machinery and employees. These systems typically include explosion vents, isolation flap valves, abort gates rotary airlocks, flameless ventilation spark detection/spark quenching systems, and chemical isolation/chemical suppression safety systems.
   
   
4. Nederman smart systems: Supports energy savings, automate, optimize cleaning processes, enhance operational efficiency, and provide real-time monitoring and data insights for more competent facility management. In the event of a dust explosion, the smart system will follow ATEX and NFPA standards for shutting down the system, including sending alerts and messages to managers so quick responses can be made.

Overall, the management of combustible dust in food processing plants is a complex and challenging task that requires a proactive and holistic approach. By implementing appropriate engineering controls, training, and monitoring procedures, plant operators can reduce the risk of fire and explosion, and ensure the safety of their employees and the surrounding community.

Contact our combustible dust experts to learn more and make sure that your food industry is safe, efficient and compliant.