Food Manufacturing

Exploring the opportunities offered by virtual commissioning

Robert Glass, global food and beverage communications manager at ABB, explains how "˜virtual commissioning' can benefit the food industry.

14th June 2018

Getting a grip on awkward products with vacuum lifting

When it comes to gripping and handling irregularly shaped or loosely wrapped products, vacuum lifting is often the only viable solution. But some vacuum lifting systems are decidedly more versatile than others, as Dale Simmonds, Managing Director of Simmatic, explains.

27th April 2018

Comparing flowmeters: Coriolis vs. Surface Acoustic Wave

Flow measurement of liquids is an essential requirement for the control of many manufacturing processes, because accurate control improves efficiency and guarantees quality. Whilst there are a number of different technologies available, when high accuracy is the requirement the Coriolis flowmeter has so far been the default choice. However, the development of Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) technology for use in flowmeters has presented a challenger in the market with potentially a host of additional benefits. Ian Webster, Field Segment Manager .hygienic - Pharmaceutical for Bürkert Fluid Control Systems UK and Ireland, looks at how these two top-spec alternatives match up.

18th April 2018

What eggs can teach us about traceability

In summer 2017, 15 EU states, Switzerland and Hong Kong were affected by the Fipronil contamination scandal. The scandal originated in the Netherlands but had global effects. Around ten million tainted eggs were imported into Germany, with not only eggs themselves being contaminated, but also egg products such as sandwich fillers. Here, Shan Zhan, Global Business Manager for Food & Beverage within the ABB Control Technologies business unit, looks at what the scandal can teach food manufacturers about the importance of traceability processes.

31st March 2018

Precision control for CIP processes

Clean-in-place (CIP) has been used for maintaining the cleanliness of process equipment in the pharmaceutical and food & beverage industries for over 50 years. However, specifying the most appropriate valves and sensors to control a CIP process can make a huge difference in terms of how effective and efficient the system is, which in-turn has a significant impact on operating costs.

31st March 2018

PLCs and PACs - which one is right for you?

A survey carried out by flavoured syrup supplier, Monin, in October, 2017 found that 61 per cent of Brits prefer coffee over tea. Here Jonathan Wilkins, marketing director of EU Automation explores the pros and cons of using traditional programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and newer programmable automation controllers (PACs).

1st February 2018

Taking pneumatic process control to a new level

Automated process control has delivered a host of benefits to industries such as water treatment, food & beverage and pharmaceuticals. Increasing productivity, safety and cleanliness are just a few of the advantages to controlling a range of processes with either centralised or distributed pneumatic automation. Craig Kerr, UK Product Champion at Bürkert looks at some of the developments and features that are providing even more functionality for a host of applications.

30th January 2018

Precise flow control for efficient, accurate pneumatic conveying

Pneumatic conveying provides an effective, enclosed transport system for manufacturing, handling and processing applications where small particles, grains, pellets or powders are required. These flexible transport systems offer a number of handling advantages over more conventional mechanical systems, as well as being able to deliver precision flow control.

28th December 2017

Why machine builders must adapt to digital supply chains

Richard Hell of Oliver Wyman's Harbour Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering practice explains why machine builders must adapt as their supply chains go digital.

22nd November 2017

How to select filler metals for welding stainless steel

Jay Coubrough, Global Product Manager for Stainless Steel and Nickel Solid Wires, and Karin Ivarsson, Global Project Manager for Filler Metals, both of ESAB, explain what to consider when specifying filler metals for welding stainless steel.

13th November 2017

Technical Articles