Food Engineering articles from February 2004

Food Engineering archives from February 2004

Engineers and plant managers: this one's for you!(Editor's Note)(Editorial)
February 1, 2004... JUST AFTER THE 4TH OF JULY HOLIDAY every year, the needs of our readers weigh heavy on the minds of Food Engineering staff. While we try to fill the pages of the magazine every month with information to help you and your plant perform more...

Calendar.(Calendar)
February 1, 2004... FEBRUARY 2004 18 Partners in Packaging, Los Angeles, CA; Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute; 1-888-ASK-PMMI; www.pmmi.org/pip. 23-24 Principles of Warehouse Sanitation, Manhattan, KS; American Institute of Baking; 800-633-5137...

Plant openings & expansions.(Manufacturing News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... YoCream International completed a $2.5 million in-house aseptic packaging line. Increasing capacity by more than 30 percent, the line is capable of filling half-gallon to 5-gallon bags. Expected to be operational by March, Wegmans' new...

On guard against BSE.(Manufacturing News )(Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy )(Food Safety and Inspection Service regulations)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) implemented new rules to safeguard against Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE). The rules include: Product Holding: FSIS inspectors will no longer mark cattle tested for BSE as "inspected...

Congressional scrutiny expected in response to mad cow.(Regulatory Watch)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... The first-time appearance of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy in the United States is likely to renew debate in Washington over food inspection regulations, and many industry representatives see some type of increased regulatory scrutiny in the...

Tyson Foods' Robert L. Peterson resigned from the company's board of directors due to health reasons.(Industry & People)(Tyson Foods Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Tyson Foods' Robert L. Peterson resigned from the company's board of directors due to health reasons. He had been a member of the board since 2001 when Tyson acquired IBP, Inc., the company he served for 20 years as chairman and chief executive...

Del Monte Foods.(Industry & People)(Melissa Plaisance joins Del Monte Foods Co.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Melissa Plaisance joins Del Monte Foods in a newly created position, senior vice president, finance and corporate communications. Previously, she worked for Safeway Inc. as senior vice president, finance and investor relations.

The Steritech Group, Inc.(Industry & People)(Steritech Inc. appoints Richard Ennis as vice president, Food Safety Division)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... The Steritech Group, Inc. named Richard Ennis vice president of the company's Food Safety Division. He was previously marketing director of Kimberly-Clark Corp. where he managed the Kleenex and Scott towel brands.

International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA).(Industry & People)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Connie Tipton is president and chief executive officer of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA). She has served the IDFA for 22 years, roost recently as executive vice president.

CH2M HILL acquired Lockwood Greene for $95.5 million.(Industry & People)(CH2M Hill Ltd. )(Lockwood Greene Engineers Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... CH2M HILL acquired Lockwood Greene for $95.5 million. CH2M HILL is an employee-owned, global firm providing engineering, construction, operations, major project management and related technical services.

Purdue University received a NEMA-4 plant controls cabinet from JCS Controls.(Industry & People)(JCS Controls)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Purdue University received a NEMA-4 plant controls cabinet from JCS Controls. It will be used in research and teaching applications to test new process configurations for making liquid-based products such as cheese sauces, pudding or yogurt.

Crown Holdings.(Industry & People)(Crown Holdings Inc. appoints Jim Wilson as vice president)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Jim Wilson joined Crown Holdings as vice president, sales of its food packaging affiliate. With nearly 20 years of experience, Wilson most recently served as general manager of Printed Products at Alcoa Company.

Wayne Farms LLC.(Industry & People)(Wayne Farms hires Courtney E. Fazekas as vice president and chief financial officer)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... The nation's sixth largest poultry production company, Wayne Farms LLC, hired Courtney E. Fazekas as vice president and chief financial officer. Fazekas formerly worked as vice president and chief financial officer for Pepsi Bottling Group's...

Alfa Laval.(Industry & People)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Dan Brockmann joins Alfa Laval as business development manager, fittings. Brockmann formerly held the position of sales manager, sanitary/pharmaceutical markets at Trent Tube.

Key Technology.(Industry & People)(Key Technology Inc. reorganizes staff)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Key Technology reorganized its staff, naming Rodney Larson vice president of sales & marketing; Neil Burck director, western region sales; and Jack Kraemer sales engineer for northern California and Nevada.

Ignorance ain't bliss: the lesson of mad cow in the US: industry cannot afford to accept status quo on programs or education.(Food Safety)
February 1, 2004... THE ANNOUNCEMENT LATE LAST YEAR that the US uncovered its first case of bovine spongiform encephalitis (BSE), or mad cow disease, caused immediate and varied reactions around the world. I spent the holidays in Europe, and thanks to my friends...

'FlexiBowl' caters to consumers on the go.(Food Packaging Materials & Container)
February 1, 2004... In another take on the stand-up pouch, Kapak has launched its FlexiBowl, a new flexible, stand-up, single-serve "fill, seal and eat-from" bowl. The container is the latest rendition of on-the-go packaging and single-serve convenience. ...

Poore Brothers gets 'Looney' with snacks in stand-up pouch.(Food Packaging Materials & Container)
February 1, 2004... Poore Brothers is no stranger to the power of pouches to help make its snack foods stand out. After finding market success in 2001 using stand-up pouches for its first licensed line of snack foods under the T.G.I. Friday's brand name, the...

CPET dual-ovenable food trays.(Food Packaging Materials & Container)
February 1, 2004... Coextruded Plastic Technologies, Inc. (CPT) introduced a new line of rice and soup bowls for the home meal replacement and frozen meal markets. Available in a range of sizes and styles, the bowls are the latest addition to CPT's line of CPET...

A pouch that can handle the bubbly.(Food Packaging Materials & Container)
February 1, 2004... While stand-up pouches for beverages are nothing new, developing a flexible stand-up pouch that can contain a carbonated beverage has been somewhat of a challenge to pouch producers. PPi Technologies, the Sarasota, FL-based company that...

Innovative folding carton barrier coating draws the line on moisture.
February 1, 2004... In its effort to enhance protection from moisture vapor damage to dry goods such as powdered milk, rice, potato flakes, and baby cereal, Appleton has launched MoistureBloc--a folding carton barrier packaging substrate engineered to prevent...

Stick packs help preserves producer out of a jam.
February 1, 2004... Flexible stick packs are making their way into more product categories where there is a need to dispense products easily and without mess. While stateside, consumers, particularly children, have enjoyed the fun and convenience of stick packs...

Plastic closure for dairy market.(Cutting edge ideas: in materials, containers and fitments)
February 1, 2004... The Alcoa Closure Systems International business division of Alcoa has expanded its presence in the $100 million fluid milk closure market with the introduction of its new Seal-MAX 38mm screw-on/screw-off closure. The Alcoa Seal-MAX closure was...

Shrink labels.(Cutting edge ideas: in materials, containers and fitments)
February 1, 2004... Pechiney Plastic Packaging, Inc. now offers a greater variety of domestically available shrink films in North America with the addition of its new Signature Shrink labels. Pechiney's print capabilities offer customers the choice of 10-color...

Self-venting film.(Cutting edge ideas: in materials, containers and fitments)
February 1, 2004... Huhtamaki introduced a self-venting film with multiple polypropylene (PP) and CPET (crystalline polyethylene terephthalate) tray options for its Steam Chef line of ready meal packaging. With no flaps or piercing required by the consumer, the...

PET resin with UV light protection.(Cutting edge ideas: in materials, containers and fitments)
February 1, 2004... Voridian recently launched a new PET resin that provides ultraviolet (UV) light protection for food and beverage products. Voridian's Vitiva PET PC715 contains an FDA-approved UV absorber that protects delicate colors, flavors, vitamins and...

Dry solids processing better by design.(Profile)
February 1, 2004... Capabilities Founded in 1977. Metalfab is a recognized worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of dependable, high performance dry solids processing equipment and controls for precise, economical handling of a wide range of powders,...

On-line metal detection.(Technology sourcebook: focus on software & metal detection)
February 1, 2004... Fortress says its Phantom metal detection systems provide highly accurate, on-line detection of products and packaging contaminated with ferrous and non-ferrous tramp metal including stainless steel. The units are available in a range of...

Vision sensor software.(Technology sourcebook: focus on software & metal detection)
February 1, 2004... In-Sight Explorer from Cognex includes a suite of tools to ease vision application development. The software allows users to connect a vision sensor, configure a vision application, operate a vision system, expand a vision network, and...

AGV control software.(Technology sourcebook: focus on software & metal detection)
February 1, 2004... Rusco's De'Carte provides AGV routing and traffic control of complex material handling layouts. It is based on standard Windows platforms and devices, uses off-the-shelf components and industry-standard hardware and communications protocols....

Three frequency metal detector.(Technology sourcebook: focus on software & metal detection)
February 1, 2004... Lock's Met 30+ 3F metal detector operates at three crystal tuned frequencies--high, medium, and low. The unit's automatic frequency selection chooses the frequency based on the product and its packaging. According to Lock, poly wrapped and...

Magnetic separators.(Technology sourcebook: focus on software & metal detection)
February 1, 2004... Eriez' RF (radial field) cartridge magnets remove contaminants from dry, free-flowing granular products conveyed in pneumatic pipelines. Material enters the housing and is distributed by a stainless cone near the magnetic cartridge. Ferrous...

Ask the expert.
February 1, 2004... Q How can we improve our processes, with the goal of lowering our operating costs? A Significant savings may be achieved by using Continuous Improvement (CI) techniques. CI changes the mindset of an organization through the disciplined...

Low NOx burners.(Technology sourcebook: focus on software & metal detection)
February 1, 2004... Clayton's low NOx burners do not re-circulate flue gas and use a main air blower that is a radial type high-pressure aluminum unit. Its pre-mix chamber is a rectangular duct with a gas diffusion pipe and mixing plates. The chamber connects with...

Software with Linux platform.(Technology sourcebook: focus on software & metal detection)
February 1, 2004... CSB-System offers its business software for the food industry on the Linux platform.The enterprise resource planning software provides functions such as inventory management, production yields and automated shipping--all with food-specific...

Pipe stress analysis software.(Technology sourcebook: focus on software & metal detection)
February 1, 2004... Version 4.50 of CAESAR II from COADE offers updated codes, a revised material database, HTML help for piping and structural input, and improved graphics that provide a walk-through option, color-contoured piping system, stress plots and a...

Statistical process control.(Technology sourcebook: focus on software & metal detection)
February 1, 2004... Northwest Analytical's NWA SPCx embedded real-time SPC software monitors real-time critical process parameters and product characteristics. Designed specifically for Wonderware InTouch, NWA SPCx provides all standard SPC control charts,...

Valve control head.(Technology sourcebook: focus on software & metal detection)
February 1, 2004... Designed to control pneumatic valves, Alfa Laval's ThinkTop is a control head with indication units and solenoid valves. It receives signals from a PLC to control the valve and sends feedback signals to the PLC to indicate the valve's position....

Low temperature floor patch.(Technology sourcebook: focus on software & metal detection)
February 1, 2004... Capital Industries' Kwik-Bond repairs holes, cracks and larger spalled areas on cooler or freezer floors. Able to set-up and cure in 45 minutes, the floor patch works in temperatures ranging from -30[degrees]F and up without heating lamps,...

Conveyor belting.(Technology sourcebook: focus on software & metal detection)
February 1, 2004... Wire Belting offers Flat-Flex EL conveyor belting for applications requiring superior strength, Eye-Flex belting for heavy-duty applications, and a line of specialty conveyors for a stable conveyor surface with maximum product exposure. The...

Tuning fork vibration viscometer.(Technology sourcebook: focus on software & metal detection)
February 1, 2004... Featuring a patent-pending tuning fork vibration method, the SV-10 viscometer from A&D Weighing offers a one percent accuracy reading (full range) and a viscosity range of 0.3 cP to 10,000 cP without the need to change sensor plates. The unit...

Metal detector.(Technology sourcebook: focus on software & metal detection)
February 1, 2004... The Powerphase Plus metal detector from Safeline operates at frequencies in excess of 800kHz. These ultra-high frequencies provide the unit with increased sensitivity to non ferrous and stainless steel contamination, according to Safeline. The...

Stationary pressure washer.(Technology sourcebook: focus on software & metal detection)
February 1, 2004... ALTO Cleaning's KEW UNO and DUO boosters feature heavy-duty C3 motor pump units, inlet water temperatures of 185[degrees]F, hygienic steel frames and cabinets, and a built-in computer with factory installed options. Available in one or two-pump...

Innovation incubator: since its construction six years ago, Beef Products Inc.'s South Sioux City plant has undergone one improvement and expansion after another.(Fabulous Food Plants)(Cover Story)
February 1, 2004... Restless energy is the defining feature of Beef Products Inc. (BPI), the Dakota Dunes, S.D.-based meat processor that has spent the last quarter-century reinventing the way lean meat is separated from beef and pork trimmings. The company...

Will aseptic heat up? If R&D energy is converted to commercial action, 2004 could be a watershed year for many types of shelf-stable products, including aseptic particulates.(National Center for Food Safety and Technology)
February 1, 2004... Aseptic foods and beverages have been a U.S. trend waiting to happen for more decades than most Americans have been alive. While processors continue to calculate the economic case, important strides in the technology for processing and...

No-brainer maintenance tools: technology that's easier to use and new-breed engineers who can sell management on its value are helping reshape the way food companies attend to their machines.(Tech Update)
February 1, 2004... AS THE RODNEY DANGERFIELDS OF THE PRODUCTION FACILITY, maintenance engineers feel the frustration of knowing about the technological tools to help improve equipment performance but lacking the pull to procure them. "Production is the prima...

C-Cure Edge[TM] belting increases user safety by eliminating snagging and catching: user friendly design increases safety and reduces downtime.(product of the month)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Wire Belt Company of America has introduced patented C-CureEdge open-mesh, stainless steel wire belting, specially designed to enhance productivity, and upgrade safety in the production environment. C-CureEdge Advantages * Patented...

EZSplice[TM] belt splicing strand simplifies installation and repair: splicing your Flat-Flex[R] conveyor belt will never be the same!(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... The revolutionary new EZSplice strand eliminates the process of "lacing" or "weaving" of a single wire strand through the spaces across the width of your conveyor belt. Is your splice a weak link in your conveyor circuit? This innovative...

Hercules doors and metal insulated composite wall and roof panels, manufactured by Metecno-Aluma Shield, have a worldwide reputation for rugged dependability and durability.(Supplier literature: catalog/brochures/literature/technical bulletins)
February 1, 2004... Hercules doors and metal insulated composite wall and roof panels, manufactured by Metecno-Aluma Shield, have a worldwide reputation for rugged dependability and durability. These products are installed in the most demanding material handling...

Kerian Sizer.(Supplier literature: catalog/brochures/literature/technical bulletins)
February 1, 2004... The KEBIAN SIZER separates most products by diameter. This expanding-roll Sizer is gentle while allowing accurate separation for large-volume sizing. Products of any shape are quickly and easily separated into 2 to 10 sizes. Fifteen models of...

Bowers Process Equipment is a designer and builder of top quality process equipment.(Supplier literature: catalog/brochures/literature/technical bulletins)
February 1, 2004... Bowers Process Equipment is a designer and builder of top quality process equipment. For more than seventy years we have supplied the North American food industry with Single and Multi Shaft Mixers, High Speed Dispersers, Horizontal Mixers and...

Seal Master[R] Inflatable Seals.(Supplier literature: catalog/brochures/literature/technical bulletins)
February 1, 2004... Improve production efficiency with versatile, custom-built, fabric-reinforced elastomeric seals. In addition to sealing, they are widely used for mixing, drying, cooling, granulation, coating, conveying and other applications. Require little...

CADWorx.(Supplier literature: catalog/brochures/literature/technical bulletins)
February 1, 2004... This brochure describes capabilities of CADWorx--COADE's AutoCAD-based programs for creating plant drawings. CADWorx is fully capable with manual and multi-port valves and stainless fittings in various grades and polishes. PIPE module draws...

High Level Case Palletizer.(Supplier literature: catalog/brochures/literature/technical bulletins)
February 1, 2004... High Level Case Palletizer. Higher production speeds and gentle product handling are important features of Whallon's high Level Case Palletizer. It provides continuous flow from line to pallet and operates at up to 100 cases per minute and...

AccuRate[R]'s USDA Accepted SolidsFlow[R] Feeder was designed specifically for use in the food and dairy industries where equipment and processes must meet stringent sanitary levels.(Supplier literature: catalog/brochures/literature/technical bulletins)
February 1, 2004... AccuRate[R]'s USDA Accepted SolidsFlow[R] Feeder was designed specifically for use in the food and dairy industries where equipment and processes must meet stringent sanitary levels. The product offering is manufactured with welds, radii,...

New Brochure Details Utility Solutions for the Food Industry.(Supplier literature: catalog/brochures/literature/technical bulletins)
February 1, 2004... Armstrong has provided utility system solutions through products, education, training and service for more than 100 years. Food plant managers looking for ways to make their facilities more efficient can turn to Armstrong for total system...

Rotomaxx[TM] sanitary stainless batch mixers for higher torque.(Supplier literature: catalog/brochures/literature/technical bulletins)
February 1, 2004... NEW! The Rotomaxx was recently introduced to meet your requirements for higher torque and larger volume mix & holding tanks, capable of processing up to 10,000 gallons at viscosities up to 10,000 cps. Rotomaxx models feature a 316SS gearbox,...

Carrier spiral elevators are used worldwide for the processing of materials including synthetic rubber, minerals, ores, foods, dairy products, pharmaceuticals, polymers, solid chemicals, grains, plastics and explosives.(Supplier literature: catalog/brochures/literature/technical bulletins)
February 1, 2004... Carrier spiral elevators are used worldwide for the processing of materials including synthetic rubber, minerals, ores, foods, dairy products, pharmaceuticals, polymers, solid chemicals, grains, plastics and explosives. Carrier spiral elevators...

A Dry Idea!(Supplier literature: catalog/brochures/literature/technical bulletins)
February 1, 2004... Air Blast Inc. Air knives blow water off of cans, bottles, and packages after rinsing, cooking, or pasteurizing. We also blow off fruits & vegetables, separate them from stems and leaves as they come out or the fields. They also do a great job...

Combining the art and science of extrusion technology, Clextral's experts create co-extruded foods that delight consumers around the world.(Supplier literature: catalog/brochures/literature/technical bulletins)
February 1, 2004... Combining the art and science of extrusion technology, Clextral's experts create co-extruded foods that delight consumers around the world. That is why leading food processors rely on Clextral's complete twin screw extrusion production lines to...

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.(Supplier literature: catalog/brochures/literature/technical bulletins)
February 1, 2004... Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. is offering a variety of services through its Food Laboratory to help customers evaluate freezing parameters--both for existing food products and products under development--and to make informed freezing...

Washing scale parts has never been easier.(Supplier literature: catalog/brochures/literature/technical bulletins)
February 1, 2004... Washing Scale Parts Has Never Been Easier. Developed in cooperation with manufacturers of multihead weighers, the Douglas Model 1536-SPW Scale Parts Washer is designed to quickly and efficiently clean scale parts such as weigh and feed buckets,...

How to choose & use magnetic separators!(Supplier literature: catalog/brochures/literature/technical bulletins)
February 1, 2004... New 16-page "How-to" manual covers magnetic materials, differences in dry, moist and liquid process applications and a complete overview of magnetic separation equipment. Get links to online calculators, diagrams and many free tools to simplify...

New DB1SU and DB1SV sanitary feeders.(Supplier literature: catalog/brochures/literature/technical bulletins)
February 1, 2004... New DB1SU and DB1SV Sanitary Feeders. The DB1SU Feeder is designed with an integral front trough face and feed tube flange that are quickly removed via four (4) hand nuts to provide easy access to the internals of the trough and screw for...

Fristam Pumps' new FS Series Shear Blender improves product consistency by eliminating unblended product and preventing lumps and masses in product.(Supplier literature: catalog/brochures/literature/technical bulletins)
February 1, 2004... Fristam Pumps' new FS Series Shear Blender improves product consistency by eliminating unblended product and preventing lumps and masses in product. The FS saves processors time and money by being CIP'able (clean-in-place). Its design...

Gericke Nibblers provide an economic alternative to hammer mills and complex equipment for size reduction of lumps and agglomerates.(Supplier literature: catalog/brochures/literature/technical bulletins)
February 1, 2004... Gericke Nibblers provide an economic alternative to hammer mills and complex equipment for size reduction of lumps and agglomerates. Units handle capacities up to 20 tons/hr. with final product size range of 1 to 25 mm. Standard features...

Komline-Sanderson designs and manufactures innovative solutions for wastewater treatment and sludge handling problems facing the food processing industry.(Supplier literature: catalog/brochures/literature/technical bulletins)
February 1, 2004... Komline-Sanderson designs and manufactures innovative solutions for wastewater treatment and sludge handling problems facing the food processing industry. K-S equipment and technology is used for clarifying wastewater to meet discharge...

SlipNOT.(Supplier literature: catalog/brochures/literature/technical bulletins)
February 1, 2004... SlipNOT, Metal Safety Flooring represent state of the art technology for the Food industry in NSF approved anti-slip metal plate, grating, stair treads and ladder rungs among other applications. SlipNOT, won't lose it's anti-skid effectiveness...

Lee Industries.(Supplier literature: catalog/brochures/literature/technical bulletins)
February 1, 2004... Soup vs. Peanut Butter; Pie Fillings vs. Taco Fillings; Delicate vs. Heavy Duty. You may say that these comparisons are complete opposites; however, from a mixing standpoint they are all best mixed using Inclined Agitation. Difficult-to-mix...

Wire Belt Company of America, leading manufacturer of open mesh conveyor belting.(Supplier literature: catalog/brochures/literature/technical bulletins)
February 1, 2004... Wire Belt Company of America, leading manufacturer of open mesh conveyor belting, offers the original Flat-Flex*, the innovative Flat-Flex XT*, Flat-Flex EL*, Eye-Flex* belting for heavy duty applications, and a line of specialty conveyors...

Diesel fuel from waste: the partnership that runs Smithfield Foods' BEST BioFuel division is gearing up to convert swine manure to biomethanol, a renewable component of biodiesel and a possible solution for a nagging environmental problem for the food industry.(Engineering R&D)(Interview)
February 1, 2004... BIODIESEL REPRESENTS ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING opportunities ever to come along for by-products of the food industry. Just as ethanol in gasoline created a new market for corn farmers, biodiesel offers new possibilities for rendered fat from...