Using Inline Heaters in the Food Processing Industry

Last updated on June 4th, 2018 at 03:58 pm

With the population of the planet rapidly growing, there has been an increasing demand for quality commodities. Specifically, automation and food manufacturers have experienced an increase in demand for their products. With this come many positive and negative changes. Each industry will have to conform to the growing population demands.

The automation of critical processes in any industry has become increasingly important over the last decade or so and machines have become our greatest ally. They are a vital component in the rising demand for industry products. The automation process is more prevalent in certain industries, in comparison to others. For example, the production and packaging of large quantities of food can be completed with the assistance of machinery. However, certain pieces of machinery will not be able to function without periodic human intervention. Finding a way to balance both machine operations with human intervention makes the production process much more efficient.

Throughout this article we will take a look at the importance of industrial process heaters and the use of industrial control panels. The usage of an inline heater is one example of how the food industry has adapted to the increasing concerns about product safety.

Why are industrial process heaters so important to the food industry?

One of the most prevalent questions regarding the food industry is whether or not the use of industrial process heating and control panels is really necessary.

With the population on the rise a lot of pressure has been placed on the food industry to produce quality products. The growing population needs food, and they need it now. Which means the food industry must begin to speed up the production. The growing population demands quality food that’s made using the appropriate precautions.

The food industry is held to a higher standard when it comes to safety compared to many other industries. As an example the shoe industry is subject to much laxer safety standards as it’s products are not meant to be ingested.

Any mishaps during food production or packaging could result in poor quality, which could potentially be dangerous. Quality lapses include situations where there is not enough heat to kill germs.

These problems are the result of a number of different factors. One lapse in quality could come from a lack of supervision. Another reason could be the result of poor heating and cooling systems. Having a proper industrial process heater, like an inline heater, is one way to decrease the number of faulty products.

Industrial Process Heaters

Industrial process heaters are tools that we use to provide heat during an industrial process. The term is actually very broad. It represents a long list of heaters, including inline heaters, that are used for different reasons throughout the industry.

An inline heater is designed to provide accurate and efficient heat transfer to applications used by industrial manufacturers. The food industry uses them for a number of reasons, which include product sanitation and sterilization.

We have created a list of the most popular, and versatile, industrial process heaters for you to look at. The food industry makes good of the items on this list, often using many different types of industrial heaters. To maintain quality food production they have implemented the best equipment to help meet our population’s expectations.

Circulation Heaters

• Work in conjunction with Control Panels
• Use in high temperature conditions
• Units are available with larger vessels and heavier flanges
• Thermal insulated vessels
• Installation is problem free
• Suitable to general purpose terminal enclosures, and explosion proof or unsafe locations
• Stainless or steel vessels fitted with 150 lb./300 lbs./ 600lbs./ 2000 lbs. PSI
• Standard sizes: 1.25” NPT Screw Plug size to 14” diameter
• Special wattages, sizes and materials are available upon request
• Reduce heat loss from the vessel – Provide maximum dielectric strength
• Provide more wattage in a smaller heater bundle
• Provide fast response and evenly distributed heat
• Protect and prevent products from thermal insulation
• Insulated upon request
• Very energy efficient
• Easy mounting support
• Extremely durable
• Designed and built for safety
• Custom-designed to meet your specifications
• Compatible with industry piping and safety standards
• Compact
• Clean
• Custom unit sizes
• Supplied with stainless steel parts and special design terminal boxes used for heat protection

The Importance of Industrial Control Panels

Control panels were designed to minimize human intervention during the production process. Most importantly, industrial control panels provide stability during the production of quality products. The food industry specifically uses control panels to ensure machinery does not overheat and damage the product. They are also used to monitor the cooling systems that work side by side with industrial heaters.

Temperature plays an important role in the manufacturing and packaging of food items. An inline heater, in collaboration with a control panel, enable manufacturers to maintain an appropriate temperature to produce products safely.

What are the different kinds of control panels, and what are they used for?

There are two main types of control panels that play a large roles in the food industry.

A motor control is used during packaging, where it can monitor the process and dictate the motors actions. A temperature control panel monitors the temperature at which the food is produced. Below we have outline the key features of an effective control panel, which put into perspective why they are so important to the food industry.

On Off Control Panels

• Available range of 4000 Amps
• Additional sensors provided, if need be
• Controls are mounted on a remote
• Wiring is hidden carefully
• Control panel comes with detailed drawings
• All leading approvals from agencies such as CSA US, CSA  & UL
• Cost effective
• Additional alarms
• Automatic control of temperature
• Set remote point available

SCR Direct Control Panel

• Contractors of control panel are fused
• Distinct system of door interlock disconnect
• Fused transformers of circuit controllers
• Manual reset option
• Option of a pilot light
• Trip pilot light can be easily highlighted
• Effective and detailed process controls
• Detailed and automatic temperature control
• Type 12 dust tight enclosure available up to 4000 amps
• Controls are remote mounted
• Wiring is neat and hidden
• On/off switch and pilot light
• Cost effective

Conclusion

The role of both heaters and control panels continues to be of extreme importance within the food industry. An industrial heater in collaboration with an industrial control panel has resulted in better products. Industry leaders continue to make improvements that will satisfy the population’s needs and their demand for quality.