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Conveyor belts play a crucial role in efficiency and serve as the arteries of any food processing facility, representing a critical control point for food safety. An improperly cleaned conveyor can result in the following issues, which can negatively impact production and damage a brand’s reputation:
- Costly recalls
- Foodborne illnesses
- Widespread cross-contamination
Electro-Steam is a pioneer in the field of steam sanitation technology, and we have been committed to advancing food safety with industry-leading solutions since 1952. In this guide, we’ll explore industrial sanitation best practices for food production cleaning, taking an in-depth look at effective sanitation methods and conveyor belt cleaning systems from Electro-Steam.
Why Conveyor Belt Sanitation is Essential
Conveyor belt cleaning is not without risk and must be done properly to avoid potential contamination, allergen exposure, or workplace injuries. Regulatory pressures in the food industry include full compliance with hygiene standards, making a robust sanitation plan vital to ensuring adherence to food safety guidelines.
The hazards seen with inadequate cleaning include:
- Cross-contamination. In food processing facilities that handle raw meat, ready-to-eat goods, and various other food types, cross-contamination is a primary concern. It only takes one improperly cleaned conveyor belt to quickly spread contaminants to large volumes of other products.
- Microbial growth. Oils, moisture, and food residue create the ideal breeding ground for harmful microorganisms and pathogens, such as E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella.
- Allergen management. Removing allergen residue between production runs is essential for complying with labeling regulations and protecting the health and safety of consumers.
- Regulatory compliance. Strict adherence to FDA & USDA standards is crucial to avoiding unnecessary penalties or shutdowns.
Old vs. New: Comparing Sanitation Methods
It’s important to understand different cleaning methods of cleaning conveyor belts in order to ensure optimal efficiency and safety in the intended application.
Traditional Methods
Manual cleaning methods are prone to human error and extremely labor-intensive, often resulting in unreliable and inconsistent conveyor belt sanitation. Relying on harsh, potentially hazardous cleaning chemicals on food surfaces can negate food safety standards. Massive volumes of water are required for this cleaning method, resulting in excessive consumption and wastewater costs.
Manual cleaning also may not reach hard-to-reach areas and can aerosolize bacteria, causing further spread. The wet environment can also promote the growth of dangerous pathogens and mold.
Modern Method: Dry Steam Sanitation
Modern steam sanitation offers clear advantages, especially when it comes to efficiency and meeting stringent cleaning requirements. High-temperature dry steam is an excellent solution for proper food production cleaning, helping to maximize efficiency while adhering to regulatory standards. With this method, a small amount of water is converted into a hot, pressurized vapor that quickly dissolves oil, grease, sugar, and other tough residues while simultaneously sanitizing food surfaces.
Industrial Sanitation Best Practices: The Benefits of Steam Cleaning
Dry steam is the gold standard for industrial food production cleaning and promotes the following best practices:
- Achieving a deep, chemical-free clean. Dry steam penetrates hard-to-reach areas and surfaces of complex conveyor belt systems that brushes and water jets often miss. The steam effectively sanitizes without the use of harsh chemicals, protecting employees and the food product.
- Improving operational efficiency. Steam is a Clean-in-Place (CIP) advanced technology, which means the conveyor belts can be properly cleaned without requiring disassembly. This minimizes labor requirements and reduces downtime, allowing for faster changeovers between runs.
- Enhance safety and sustainability. Food processing facilities can significantly reduce water consumption (by up to 99%) by using dry steam, resulting in a more eco-friendly, sustainable process. Dry steam cleaning also eliminates large pools of water, which can create dangerous slip and fall hazards.
- Extend equipment lifespan. Steam cleaning removes accumulated material and grime that can lead to premature wear and tear on pulleys, belts, and other system components, leading to lower maintenance costs and longer-lasting equipment.
How to Clean Conveyor Belts
There are several different types of steam systems, and the most effective approach depends upon the type of conveyor belt. At Electro-Steam, our products are the ideal solution for different scenarios and cleaning requirements.
Flat Belts
The best cleaning solution for flat belts, which are commonly used in packaging and bakery applications, is a brushless dry-steam cleaning system. The Electro-Steam Eagles Series Dry Steam Cleaners attach directly to the flat belt. A dry steam vapor detaches contaminants while an integrated vacuum immediately removes them, resulting in a dry, clean, and sanitized belt.
Mesh and Modular Belts
Mesh and modular belts are prone to considerable debris build-up due to their interlocking parts and intricate features. The ideal solution for these complex belts is a robotic steam-jet system. The Electro-Steam Jet Systems incorporate a rotating steam head and programmable robotic arm to penetrate every crevice of the belt, enabling total hands-free coverage.
Upgrade Your Sanitation Protocol With Electro-Steam
Conveyor belt sanitation is not merely a task but the foundation of proper food handling and safety. While traditional cleaning methods can be time consuming and pose various risks, modern dry steam technology offers a safer, more consistent, and more sustainable solution.
As a trusted American manufacturer with over 70 years of specialized experience in steam generation technology, Electro-Steam has the capabilities to reinforce effective sanitation methods that adhere to food safety standards. Whether you operate modular, mesh, or flat belts, Electro-Steam offers purpose-built, advanced conveyor belt cleaning systems that can effectively elevate your sanitation process, helping to ensure sanitation compliance and reduce downtime.
Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive conveyor belt sanitation solutions. You can also schedule a free demo of our clean steam equipment for food and beverage processing and see how Electro-Steam can help improve your sanitation procedures.
