Food Engineering articles from February 2009

Food Engineering archives from February 2009

A new tradition in sustainability.(Food Engineering )(Editorial)
February 1, 2009... As many of our long-time readers know, Food Engineering has been honoring one plant each year since 1983 with the Food Plant of the Year Award. Over the past 26 years, much has changed in terms of automation, software and the increased need for...

Calendar.(Brief article)(Calendar)
February 1, 2009... FEBRUARY 2009 25-27 22nd Annual Summit of the Packaging Industry, Clearwater Beach, FL; Packaging Strategies; 610-935-2183; www.packstrat.com. MARCH 2009 1-4 Annual RFA Conference & Exhibition, Lake Buena Vista, FL; Refrigerated...

Plant openings & expansions.(MANUFACTURING: NEWS)
February 1, 2009... Begun in March 2008, expansion work on Uncle Ben's Greenville, MS plant has been completed. The $10 million project doubles the production of Uncle Ben's 90-second Ready Rice line. Uncle Ben's is part of Mars Foods US. 7-Eleven completed a...

Engineering career? Kids say, 'no way'.(Survey)
February 1, 2009... While the engineering workforce continues to age, the looming question is who will replace them? According to the American Society for Quality (ASQ), it won't be today's American children. Engineering isn't even on the radar for most kids. ...

Tyson Foods.(Dick Bond)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Dick Bond, president and CEO of Tyson Foods, has relinquished his position. Leland Tollett, former chairman and CEO of the company, has agreed to return to the company as president and CEO on an interim basis until a permanent successor can be...

Kraft Europe.(Michael A. Clarke )(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Michael A. Clarke was named president, Kraft Europe, effective January 2009. Clarke joins Kraft from The Coca-Cola Company, where he served most recently as president of its Northwest Europe and Nordics business unit.

Pilgrim's Pride Corporation's.(Don Jackson )(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Pilgrim's Pride Corporation's board of directors named Don Jackson as its president and chief executive officer subject to approval of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas. The board also appointed Lonnie Ken...

PMMI's.(Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... PMMI's board of directors elected Jim Anderson, CEO of Marlen, to serve as its chairman in 2009. Anderson, who served as chairman in 2007-2008, was nominated to fill the term after Randy L. Spahr resigned his volunteer PMMI position.

Honeywell.(INDUSTRY & PEOPLE)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Honeywell appointed Norman Gilsdorf as president of Honeywell Process Solutions. He was formerly vice president and general manager of the Process Solutions business in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Gilsdorf replaces Jack Bolick, who retired...

Coca-Cola Enterprises'.(INDUSTRY & PEOPLE)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Coca-Cola Enterprises' (CCE) Downey, CA production facilities earned the Orion Energy Systems Environmental Stewardship Award, which was presented by Orion's executive vice president Michael Potts. CCE's project will decrease energy consumption...

Engineered Software.(INDUSTRY & PEOPLE)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Engineered Software appointed Michael Blondin as its COO and Christy Bermensolo as its new VP of engineering. Former VP of engineering, Ray Hardee, P.E., will operate solely as CEO.

Get the weight out: lightweighting of PET containers and systems that otherwise reduce packaging costs were in abundance at PACK EXPO.(FOOD PACKAGING)
February 1, 2009... The drive to lightweight containers and effect other material reductions is shifting into overdrive, and manufacturers stand to save millions. A progress report on those efforts was on display in November at PACK EXPO. Greenhouse gas...

A second look for induction seals.(FOOD PACKAGING)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... When concerns about product tampering spiked after September 2001, induction-sealer suppliers thought they might win more food and beverage business. A few companies did add seals, but most packagers decided the inconvenience of prying off a...

More strength, less resin.(FOOD PACKAGING)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Less can be more in container performance when basic architectural principles are brought to bear. At least, that's what Ropak Packaging Corp. contends. The Fountain Valley, CA supplier began extruding square and...

Getting rid of unwanted foreign materials: more customers are demanding all products be passed through a metal detector.(FOOD SAFETY)
February 1, 2009... According to an old joke, "What's worse than finding a worm in your apple?" The answer: "Half a worm." No one likes finding surprises in their food. Processors devote time and effort to ensure foods do not contain unpleasant surprises. In most...

Extreme-temperature lubricants.(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Intended for use on oven chains, Inolex's Lexolube FG-OCL ester-based, H1 food-grade lubricants remain stable in operating temperatures up to 550[degrees]F. Approved for incidental contact with food, they provide...

Synthetic grease.(Total Fina Elf Lubricants USA Inc)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Comprised of a synthetic base oil and complex calcium sulfonate soap thickener, Total Lubricants' Nevastane SFG grease for food processing plant machinery is resistant to water, steam, food acids and alkalis. It can...

Hot filler.(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Engineered to fill sensitive beverages packaged in PET or glass and sold at ambient temperatures, Sidel's Veloce FM hot filler has an electronic flow meter filling valve that measures the precise amount of product to be filled. It does not...

Metal detection/checkweighing.(Sartorius Mechatronics Corp)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Flexible for changing products on production lines, production sequence and production quantities, Sartorius' CoSYNUS metal detector/checkweigher units provide reliable detection and high throughput in one unit. With...

Ask the expert.
February 1, 2009... Q What should I consider when choosing a modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) solution provider? A The right solution provider is a key to bringing your products to market faster. Air Products' Freshline[R] MAP solutions offer more than...

Anaerobic threadlocker.(Loctite 2046 )(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Intended for locking and sealing food and beverage processing equipment threaded fasteners, Henkel's Loctite 2046 medium-strength, removable, anaerobic threadlocker fully complies with the Federal Food, Drug and...

Dry film lubricant.(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Designed for stainless steel and plastic conveyor lines, Chemetall's FiSan E-Z Glide near-neutral, dry film lubricant can be used on glass, plastic, aluminum and PET containers. Dispensed through automatic feed systems, the synthetic lubricant...

Metal detector.(Lock's MET 30+ 3f/hf metal detector )(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Offering a fully automatic triple frequency, Lock's MET 30+ 3f/hf metal detector can inspect food products and poly-film and metallized packaged products. Featuring a built-in automatic frequency selection facility, the detector operates at 3...

Refrigeration lubricant.(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... A high-performance, semi-synthetic blend with a scar diameter of 0.65mm, Petro-Canada's Reflo XL refrigeration lubricating fluid extends fluid life, reduces wear and extends drain intervals in ammonia refrigeration systems. Specially formulated...

Semi-synthetic grease.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Lubricants, Metal Detectors and Checkweighers)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Used for general-purpose food processing and beverage applications, Kluber's aluminum complex-thickened, semi-synthetic Allplex FMG-2 US lubricating grease features water resistance, a broad operating temperature...

X-ray inspection.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Lubricants, Metal Detectors and Checkweighers)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] S+S Inspection's Raycon product inspection system uses a low-power X-ray source to provide image processing at high throughput speeds. Designed for final inspection of packaged products including aluminum-coated or...

Bulk flow metal detector.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Lubricants, Metal Detectors and Checkweighers)
February 1, 2009... Designed for dry processing applications, Safeline's Gravity FlowSD metal detector can detect ferrous, non-ferrous and stainless steel contaminants in high-volume, free-flowing powders and granular products. Available as a free-standing unit...

Metal detection.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Lubricants, Metal Detectors and Checkweighers)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Automatically minimizing strong product effects, CEIA's MS Series metal detectors achieve high sensitivity to detect all magnetic and non-magnetic metals including stainless steel. An enhanced autolearn system scans...

Detection/weighing systems.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Lubricants, Metal Detectors and Checkweighers)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Providing production quality control in the food industry, Eriez's metal detector and in-motion checkweigher systems combine Eriez's designs in metal detector technology with the accuracy and flexibility of Thompson...

Food-grade lubricant.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Lubricants, Metal Detectors and Checkweighers)
February 1, 2009... Now available in an aerosol can, Haynes' 500 Plus food-grade grease resists heat and operates in high-speed bearings, reducing friction and wear on food processing equipment. The synthetic lubricant has load-carrying properties and resists...

Metal detectors.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Lubricants, Metal Detectors and Checkweighers)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Available in a range of models and configurations, Fortress' Phantom metal detectors are suitable for a variety of industrial applications including bakery, snack, confections, powder, granulated, liquids, meats,...

Conveyor belt.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Lubricants, Metal Detectors and Checkweighers)
February 1, 2009... Designed for small products and closer transfers, Ashworth's 3/4-in. pitch Omni-Pro 075 conveyor belt can be used in demanding, high-tension spiral applications. The belt has 360[degrees] buttonless welds utilizing a zero tension design that...

Flow meter.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Lubricants, Metal Detectors and Checkweighers)
February 1, 2009... Designed for mass or volumetric energy flow measurement of steam, Spirax Sarco's DIVA compact, direct in-line variable flow meter produces repeatable measurement over a wide turndown. Automatically compensating for changes in steam density, it...

Synthetic grease.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Lubricants, Metal Detectors and Checkweighers)
February 1, 2009... A multipurpose, H-1 food-grade synthetic grease, Ultrachem's Omnilube FGM can be used in a variety of industrial applications. It features water washout resistance, serviceability at -40[degrees]F and usability to 300[degrees]F (continuous) and...

Wet environment checkweigher.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Lubricants, Metal Detectors and Checkweighers)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Designed for smaller packaging lines where space is at a premium, Hi-Speed's A300 checkweigher for mild to moderate washdown applications can accommodate a variety of packages at a rate up to 165ppm in 30 in. of line...

Multi-gas detector.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Lubricants, Metal Detectors and Checkweighers)
February 1, 2009... Compact in size, GfG's G460 multi-gas detector simultaneously detects up to 6 gases. It offers completely automatic calibrations, 1-button operation, a top-mounted display and interchangeable battery packs. The detector's concussion-proof boot...

Sanitary X-ray system.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Lubricants, Metal Detectors and Checkweighers)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Designed in accordance with AMI sanitary guidelines, Anritsu's KD7400 Series sanitary X-ray system has a crevice-free housing that prevents bacteria build-up during food manufacturing. Solid shaft rollers for the...

Silicone lubricant.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Lubricants, Metal Detectors and Checkweighers)
February 1, 2009... Krylon's Sprayon Food-Grade Silicone Lube can be used on slides, slicers, dough mixers, conveyors and poultry eviscerators. NSF-registered and H1-rated, the lubricant is colorless, odorless, and has a low viscosity. Its 5% silicone formulation...

Emergency spill kit.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Lubricants, Metal Detectors and Checkweighers)
February 1, 2009... Capable of containing and cleaning up hazardous spills in factories as required by OSHA and the EPA, Oil Eater's emergency spill kit includes a 5-gallon pail of Oil Eater's cleaner/ degreaser for cleaning surfaces after absorption of a spill;...

Modular checkweigher.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Lubricants, Metal Detectors and Checkweighers)
February 1, 2009... Suitable for a range of food industry applications, Thermo Fisher's VersaWeigh 300 checkweigher has a modular design that allows upgrades. It features standard IP65 protection, with an optional IP66 upgrade; an open design for routine cleaning;...

Heat exchanger.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Lubricants, Metal Detectors and Checkweighers)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Capable of handling a variety of process applications such as cooking, heating, cooling, slush freezing, crystallization, pasteurization and sterilization, Terlet's Terlotherm vertical scraped surface heat exchanger...

Curtain walls.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Lubricants, Metal Detectors and Checkweighers)
February 1, 2009... A flexible and adaptable system that allows partitioning large interior spaces where temperature is essential, Zonework's TZ insulated curtain walls provide up to 40[degrees]F of temperature separation and eliminate the need to construct rigid,...

Oil absorbing cartridge.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Lubricants, Metal Detectors and Checkweighers)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Constructed from modified cellulose-based filter media, Pentair's Carbflex OAC-20BB oil absorbing filter cartridge reduces hydrocarbon contamination and other pollutants, absorbing up to 95% of the total hydrocarbons...

Hydraulic fluid.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Lubricants, Metal Detectors and Checkweighers)
February 1, 2009... Biodegradable, Houghton's Cosmolubric FG-46 vegetable oil-based hydraulic fluid doesn't require treatment as hazardous waste. Appropriate for hydraulic equipment used to manufacture snack foods, baked goods, meat and poultry, soft drinks and...

Pouch chiller.(IJ White's Hydro Pouch )(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Utilizing chilling technology, IJ White's Hydro Pouch chiller lowers internal product temperature by employing intermittent pouch agitation. Its gentle handling prevents surface scarring or creasing of pouches; the chiller can also cool printed...

Sieve certification.(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Used to certify food and coffee wire mesh test sieves, Vision Machines' ASCS automated sieve certification system is in compliance with ASTM E11 and ISO 3310 standards. An optical instrument that scans and measures...

Anti-stick agent.(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Applied to Garlock's extreme-grade gaskets for critical service applications, Garlock's Flange Free high-temperature, inorganic coating facilitates the removal of gaskets from flanged joints. The anti-stick agent is...

Slope weigher.(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Designed for delicate food products that are easily damaged during handling, Ishida's Gentle Slope multihead weigher has product hoppers with a laid-back angle to eliminate harsh drops. Double-opening, dual-angle hopper doors and angled lips on...

Protecting your intellectual property: innovative products sustain manufacturing companies, and managing the intellectual property underpinning those products is critical.
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It became a symbol of patent abuse for some, but JM Smucker Co.'s vigorous defense of its rights to the sealed, crustless PB&J sandwich exemplifies the difficulty food companies face in staking their turf in the...

Sanitary, safe & long-lasting floors: safety is the top priority for processors considering a new flooring installation.
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Money may be tight right now for most companies, but safety is still the number one priority for food and beverage processors. While manufacturers are being squeezed on other aspects of business, most choose not to...

Food & beverage industry flooring suppliers.(FLOORING)(Directory)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Atlas Mineral and Chemicals Inc. 1227 Valley Road, P.O. Box 38 Mertztown, PA 19539 800-523-8269 sales@atlasmin.com www.atlasmin.com Blome Inc. 1450 Hoff Industrial Drive O'Fallon, MO 63366 ...

Wireless technologies provide critical measurements: applications are as vast the imagination can create.(TECH UPDATE: WIRELESS NETWORKS)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Say you'd like to keep track of what's remaining in your ingredient storage silos. It's not the cost of the level sensors that's the problem. It's the trenching and running underground and overhead wires that cost...

Trail mix on spec every time: weigh belt feeders improve ingredient weighing accuracy.(Kar Nuts Products Co)
February 1, 2009... Kar Nuts Products Company, located in Madison Heights, MI, produces salted nuts, snack food and trail mix blends in flexible 10-16 oz. packages. When growth and expansion caused the company to move to a new facility, the design objective was to...

Weigh belt feeder.(Brabender)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Brabender's weigh belt feeders are available in belt widths from 6 to 24 in. and are compact, clean and simple. The stainless steel construction is suitable for food applications with a food-grade belt. The machines...

Granulizing-drying system.(DRY PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY: Focus on POWDER & BULK OPERATIONS)
February 1, 2009... Kason's granulizing-drying system consists of a centrifugal screener, a spheroidizer, circular fluid bed dryer and a vibratory screener that converts non-flowing moist solids discharged from cartridge and vacuum filters, filter presses, mixers...

Dry ingredient depositor.(DRY PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY: Focus on POWDER & BULK OPERATIONS)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Hinds-Bock's dry ingredient depositor works with dry, free-flowing products such as sugar, sprinkles, chocolate chips, oat flakes, sliced nuts, dry low-fat streusel and flour. The depositor can be mounted on existing...

Check-weigh conveyors.(DRY PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY: Focus on POWDER & BULK OPERATIONS)
February 1, 2009... NBE's NTEP certified check-weigh conveyors are engineered for reliable, accurate and repeatable weight verification of bulk bags and containers up to 4,500 pounds. The conveyor has formed, adjustable support legs to allow for leveling and...

Stainless steel weigh-belt feeders.(DRY PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY: Focus on POWDER & BULK OPERATIONS)
February 1, 2009... Schenck AccuRate's DEA stainless steel, weigh-belt feeders provide weight-controlled feeding, weight indication and totalization for fragile (friable) materials like cereals, snack foods, kibble, fruits and fibers. The feeders are available in...

Water-cooled and stainless: improved motor performance and unparalleled energy efficiency were realized in a medium-sized motor project.(ENGINEERING R&D)
February 1, 2009... Even premium-efficiency electric motors generate waste heat, and the bigger the motor, the greater the waste. The energy usually is lost in the air, though water-cooled motors exist. In either case, the heat energy is lost for good. But if the...