Food Engineering articles from November 2002

Food Engineering archives from November 2002

Breakthrough in right angle gearing technology. (Product of the Month: Advertisment).
November 1, 2002... A breakthrough in advanced gearing geometry at the heart of the new Series B helicoidal gearmotors and reducers has enabled Cone Drive to provide the most flexible and powerful right angle gearing solution currently available. Conex[TM]...

A very high price paid for convenience. (Editor's Note).(meat processing plants; safety issues)(Editorial)
November 1, 2002... LAST MONTH IN THIS COLUMN, I SUGGESTED that often times simple solutions can be the answer to complex problems. Over the past few months our industry has been experiencing very perplexing situations in some meat processing plants, culminating...

Calendar.(Calendar)
November 1, 2002... November 2002 18-22 IPA/SIEL/MATIC/ Emballage 2002, Pans Nord-Villepinte Exhibition Center, Paris, France, (704) 365-0041 www.embaliage2002.com. 19-21 NFPA Annual Meeting, Grand Hyatt Washington, DC, (202) 639-5910. ...

Land O'Lakes and Davisco Foods International are building a $40 million state-of-the-art mozzarella cheese plant next to the Davisco food ingredients plant in Lake Norden, S.D. (Manufacturing News).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Land O'Lakes and Davisco Foods International are building a $40 million state-of-the-art mozzarella cheese plant next to the Davisco food ingredients plant in Lake Norden, S.D. The plant will increase the market for milk produced by area...

Department of Agriculture. (Manufacturing News).(poultry research laboratory)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... The U.S. Department of Agriculture is planning to construct a new poultry research laboratory in Georgia. Design plans are now being finalized for addressing safety issues at this new facility before the project proposal is submitted to...

Degussa. (Manufacturing News).(global headquarters planned for Philadelphia )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Degussa is building a new global headquarters in Philadelphia for its Fruit Systems business line. The new facility will add 18,000 square feet to its existing 150,000 square-foot production facility combining management customer service,...

EVAL Company of America (EVALCA) and its parent company, Kurary Co., Ltd., have announced an $8,500,000 research and development facility expansion. (Manufacturing News).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... EVAL Company of America (EVALCA) and its parent company, Kurary Co., Ltd., have announced an $8,500,000 research and development facility expansion at EVALCA headquarters in Pasadena, Texas.

Grupo Modelo S.A. de C.V. (Manufacturing News).(new malting plant in Idaho )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Grupo Modelo S.A. de C.V. (Clonia Lomas de Chapultepec, Mexico) is building a new $64 million malting plant near Idaho Falls, ID.

Simplot Canada, Limited. (Manufacturing News).(new potato processing facility)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Construction is nearing completion on a new potato processing facility for Simplot Canada, Limited in Portage la Prairie in Manitoba, Canada. Designed and constructed by Stuart Olson/Fisher & Sons ULC, the plant covers over 210,000 square feet...

P&G study finds acrylamides in wide range of foods. (Manufacturing News).(Procter and Gamble Co.)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... RESEARCH RECENTLY COMPLETED BY THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY (P&G) says that many foods, including roasted asparagus, banana chips, toasted English muffins, taco shells and pretzels, may have measurable levels of acrylamide. According to...

PLC versus PC battle heats up. (Manufacturing News).(programmable logic control v. programmable control)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... DESPITE THE UNCERTAINTY OVER whether PCs or PCLs get the job done more efficiently, there's no doubt that food manufacturers need automation to improve productivity, reduce costs, and increase flexibility. According to a recent ARC...

ESKAY Corporation, the North American arm of Daifuku Company's factory automation and distribution automation FA/DA systems business. (Industry & People).(changes name to SK Daifuku )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... ESKAY Corporation, the North American arm of Daifuku Company's factory automation and distribution automation FA/DA systems business, will change its name to SK Daifuku to reflect its global market position.

Bemis Company, Inc., supplier of flexible packaging and pressure sensitive materials, will acquire the Walki Films division of UPM-Kymmene for $70 million. (Industry & People).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Bemis Company, Inc., supplier of flexible packaging and pressure sensitive materials, will acquire the Walki Films division of UPM-Kymmene for $70 million. This purchase will expand the company's packaging film manufacturing presence in Europe....

Packaging Education Forum. (Industry & People).(Hall of Fame inductees; Richard C. Botsch (posthumously), Kenneth J. Gollman, Thomas E. Hogue, Norman Nieder and Charles Perrin)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Five career packaging professionals were induced into the Packaging Education Forum's (PEF) Packaging Hall of Fame during the organization's annual Packaging Leadership Awards ceremonies. This year's inductees are Richard C. Botsch...

Aurora Foods, Inc. (Industry & People).(Dale F. Morrison )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Aurora Foods, Inc. has announced that Dale F. Morrison will assume the position of chairman and chief executive officer. Morrison is the former chief executive officer of the Campbell Soup Company and had been on the board of directors at...

Crown Cork & Seal Company, Inc. (Industry & People).(Raymond L. McGowan Jr.)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... The Crown Cork & Seal Company, Inc. promoted Raymond L. McGowan, Jr. to vice president and president of the U.S. Food Can Division. McGowan succeeds Clinton J. Waring who retired after 43 years of service with Crown, Cork & Seal and was...

Intralox. (Industry & People).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Intralox appointed Donald Osborne as account manager for the bakery team covering the Western United States.

Dresser Inc. (Industry & People).(Charles S. Wolley to head Dresser Measurement and Control)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Dresser Inc. appointed Charles S. Wolley as president of Dresser Measurement & Control, one of the organization's four business units. Wolley joined Dresser Measurement & Control in August 2001 as senior vice president. Prior to that, he held...

Delavan Operations. (Industry & People).(David Smith )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Waukesha Cherry-Burrell named David Smith vice president of manufacturing, Delavan Operations. Previously Smith held positions as vice president of operations at Berchtold Corporation, and president of operations, valves and actuators at...

Silliker, Inc. (Industry & People).(Keith Ainsworth and Andrea Hendrickson )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Silliker, Inc. appointed Keith Ainsworth as director of its Minnetonka, MN, laboratory and Andrea Hendrickson as technical sales manager for its Cedar Rapids, IA, testing facility. In the past, Ainsworth held the position of Minnetonka...

Processed corn healthier than corn on the cob? (Manufacturing News).(Cornell University researches heat processing)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... A CORNELL UNIVERSITY SCIENTISTS REPORT THAT THE HEAT processing used to manufacture sweet corn significantly increases both the total antioxidant activity and the level of phenolics, a naturally occurring type of phytochemical found in many...

Food `war games' may be in the offing. (Manufacturing News).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... In this post-9-11 world, U.S. food safety inspectors will likely view future food safety outbreaks through the prism of potential bioterrorism. Deputy FDA Commissioner Lester M. Crawford Jr. signaled the new perspective in a speech at a recent...

Can quality control save cork closures? TCA issue opens door to alternative closures in wine packaging. (Food Packaging).(2, 4, 6-Tricholoroanisole)
November 1, 2002... COFFEE MANUFACTURERS AND OTHER BEVERAGE processors have contended with off tastes that result when chlorophenols and mold combine as TCA, but the phenomenon is especial]y troubling in wine. Shorthand for 2, 4, 6-Tricholoroanisole, TCA...

Chinese chip away at U.S. packaging lead. (Food Packaging).(Confederation of Packaging Machinery Associations report)
November 1, 2002... North American manufacturers of packaging machines and parts took a $377 million sales hit last year, dragging down global equipment sales 0.8 percent, while Chinese packaging firms solidified their No. 5 ranking with a 15.1 percent sales spike...

Package and process deliver ESL soup. (Food Packaging).(Heartland Soups )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... AIRTIGHT PACKAGING AND A QUICK CHILL process that extends refrigerated shelf life to 45 days are helping San Francisco based Heartland Soups gain a Bay area foothold in the emerging health-conscious food market. According to H. Joseph...

Sports drink packaged for pre-teens. (Food Packaging).(Gatorade All Stars)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... CONTAINER GRIPABILITY IS A FUNCTION OF HAND SIZE, AND PACKAGERS INCREASINGLY are designing their containers for easy gripping by children in the 8 to 12 age group. Pepsico's Gatorade Co. is the latest beverage firm to cater to this group with...

Label language standoff between manufacturers and FDA. (Regulatory Watch).(Food and Drug Administration)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... FOOD MANUFACTURERS ARE RAISING FIRST Amendment issues in their battle with FDA over what words can and cannot appear in food labels. The National Food Processors Association (NFPA) says the government "should permit, even encourage, the...

Senators call for more Fed involvement in recalls. (Regulatory Watch).(Tom Harkin and Kent Conrad on food industry recalls)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Two Senate Democrats are pushing legislation that would increase the federal government's role in recalling most food products. Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Kent Conrad (D-ND) have co-sponsored S. 2803, a bill that imposes federal mandatory...

New system to track adverse food events. (Regulatory Watch).(Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) says it is developing a new, comprehensive system for tracking and analyzing adverse event reports involving foods, cosmetics and dietary supplements. Center Director Joseph Levitt said...

ESL for refrigerated foods maintaining the chain: a number of technologies can deliver longer shelf life. But before employing any of these techniques, food and beverage makers must stay focused on safety and hygiene.(extended shelf life)(Cover Story)
November 1, 2002... US food industry consolidation is resulting in fewer, larger plants, expanded distribution areas and increased demand from retailers for quality products. Meanwhile, consumers are also presenting a long list of demands to food processors,...

Gradual immersion principle: implementing a warehouse management system was just a first step in Jelly Belly Candy's distribution system automation plans.
November 1, 2002... In the confectionery business, production focuses on meeting the peakdemand season that begins in October and stretches to spring. Making sure customer orders are quickly and efficiently filled from Halloween to Easter is distribution's...

Supply chain software moves into the mainstream; merging standards and technology will move the food supply chain to a place where partners will be able to `sense and respond' to the overall needs of the chain. (Technology Update).(Directory)
November 1, 2002... When we think of efficient supply chains there are two companies that come immediately to mind: Wal-Mart and McDonald's. While they achieve their efficiency in different ways--Wal-Mart by sharing product movement data with suppliers and...

Are new FDA regulations headed your way? (Managing Software).(food engineering industry)
November 1, 2002... THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY IS buzzing with the impact of an FDA regulation called 21 CFR Part 11 or simply Part 11. Does a food company need to concern itself about Part 11? Roddy Martin of AMR Research believes it should. "Rest assured that...

Spiral freezer. (Focus on Refrigeration and Freezing).
November 1, 2002... RMF Freezers, Inc. introduced the COLD-WAVE series spiral freezing and cooling systems. The systems' split deck, dual airflow design directs high velocity airflow uniformly across the product, minimizing both freeze time and product weight...

Rotary chiller system. (Focus on Refrigeration and Freezing).
November 1, 2002... The Rotary Chiller from Praxair offers consistent temperatures and uniform chilling for meat and poultry. Since the product is evenly chilled, it remains pliable for handling ease and maintains flavor and texture quality. High-speed and...

Portable chillers. (Focus on Refrigeration and Freezing).
November 1, 2002... Mokon has a full line of portable chillers that provide accurate chilled water for food processing or packaging applications. Iceman portable chillers are available in air cooled or water cooled configurations ranging from 1/4 to 20-ton...

Tunnel freezer. (Focus on Refrigeration and Freezing).
November 1, 2002... The new CRYO-QUICK[R] Z freezer from Air Products is designed to increase food throughput capacity, decrease liquid nitrogen consumption by at least 20 percent and improve food quality. Combining two freezing technologies--the application of...

Self-stacking spiral freezer. (Focus on Refrigeration and Freezing).
November 1, 2002... FMC FoodTech launched a line of freezers from Frigoscandia Equipment with a modular design. The M-series GYRoCOMPACT[R] self-stacking spiral freezer features fewer parts and has less surface for bacteria to cling, making cleaning easier....

Liquid nitrogen dosing equipment. (Focus on Refrigeration and Freezing).
November 1, 2002... Vacuum Barrier Corporation introduced liquid nitrogen dosing equipment for packaged nuts. The dosing equipment helps meter liquid nitrogen into composite, glass and plastic containers, effectively purging the container of oxygen and creating a...

Miniature ball screws. (Focus on Refrigeration and Freezing).
November 1, 2002... Thomson Industries, Inc. has a new range of miniature ball screws utilizing internal ball-return technology. The ball screws provide high efficiency and repeatability, precise positioning and smooth, reliable motion. Standard diameters include...

Drum motor drives. (Focus on Refrigeration and Freezing).
November 1, 2002... Van der Graaf, Inc. has new internally powered drum motor drives with sprockets for food industry conveyor belts. Mounted on to the drum motor, the sprockets mate with and drive plastic modular segmented belting which is widely used in a...

Pinch bag sealer. (Focus on Refrigeration and Freezing).
November 1, 2002... American-Newlong's products include the new PBC-S pinch bag sealer, the 3CM-6KH bag placer and the new Fuji-Ace robotic palletizer. The PBC-S bag sealer is automatic and designed to eliminate shifting. It is available in several models with...

Hose reels. (Focus on Refrigeration and Freezing).
November 1, 2002... Hannay Reels introduced the SS1000 series stainless steel hose reel engineered for use in sensitive or harsh environments. Suitable for use in food, beverage and dairy industries, typical applications for this product include steam cleaning,...

Micro drive. (Focus on Refrigeration and Freezing).
November 1, 2002... Rockwell Automation's Reliance MD60 microdrive is designed for customers seeking a drive for variable speed industrial applications such as material handling, fans and pumps. Available in 115/230/460-volt AC ratings, the drive features a...

Disinfection system. (Focus on Refrigeration and Freezing).
November 1, 2002... Aquionics' medium pressure ultraviolet (UV) disinfection Systems can ensure sugar and fructose syrup used in soft drink manufacturing remain free from yeast and mold contamination. Microprocessor-driven "Photon" control modules allow remote...

Load cell. (Focus on Refrigeration and Freezing).
November 1, 2002... Kistler-Morse unveiled its next-generation load cell, the LD360s, designed specifically for in-process and bulk storage sanitary tanks and vessels. The LD360s continuously measures the content weight of in process and bulk storage vessels....

Aero mechanical conveyor. (Focus on Refrigeration and Freezing).
November 1, 2002... Spiroflow Systems, Inc. introduced aero mechanical conveyors with a new design that allows them to turn at 90 degree bends. The new system enables users to plan out conveying routes around obstacles. The aero mechanical conveyor maintains...

Digital flow instruments. (Focus on Refrigeration and Freezing).
November 1, 2002... Hastings instruments introduced digital versions of its high capacity flow instruments. These new digital instruments allow the measurement and control of up to 2500 sire and complement the existing lower flow Digital Metalline (5sccm to 30...

Rotary magnet. (Focus on Refrigeration and Freezing).
November 1, 2002... Nu-Con Equipment introduced rotary magnets designed to remove ferrous particles from product flows that tend to clog and bridge in stationary magnetic grates. The unit rotates several powerful magnetic tubes while the product passes through....

Produce trays. (Focus on Refrigeration and Freezing).
November 1, 2002... Pactiv Corporation offers Panta-Pak produce trays in new club store sizes designed to fit into a new "half shoe-box" (HS) size case (9 3/4 by 11 1/4 inches). These thermoformed, polyvinyl chloride trays can be used to line the produce box...

Vacuum mixer homogenizer. (Focus on Refrigeration and Freezing).
November 1, 2002... Charles Ross and Son Company introduced a 5-liter Vacuum Mixer Homogenizer. The system includes a self-contained touch screen control system, independently controlled inner and outer counter rotating agitators and a high speed homogenizing...

Stand-up pouch. (Focus on Refrigeration and Freezing).
November 1, 2002... Kapak Corporation launched the reclosable QuadPAK side-gusset, stand-up pouch. The premade pouch can be produced with either press-to-close or slider reclosable devices based on customer preference or with the bottom or top open to accommodate...

In-line emulsifier. (Focus on Refrigeration and Freezing).
November 1, 2002... Quadro's new in-line YTRON Z Emulsifier provides a controlled shear rate throughout the process to ensure reproducible results. The high mechanical and fluid shear is the key to its wide range of applications such as deagglomeration,...

Volumetric cup-fillers. (Focus on Refrigeration and Freezing).
November 1, 2002... Spee-Dee Packaging Machinery, Inc.'s Volumetric Cup Fillers gently handle particulate products such as rice, dehydrated vegetables, candy, popcorn, beans, nuts, salt and sugar. Operating with gravity feed to achieve speeds up to 120 fills...

Food grade lubricants. (Focus on Refrigeration and Freezing).
November 1, 2002... Keystone Lubricants introduced 19 new food grade lubricant formulas including new lube hydraulic and compressor oils offered in synthetic, semi-synthetic, mineral base, emulsifiable, semi-fluid, grease and spray formulations. All lubricants are...

Inductive sensors. (Focus on Refrigeration and Freezing).
November 1, 2002... Baumer Electric Ltd. has a new line of miniature inductive sensors for tight mounting applications. The line includes Series 03, 04, 05, 06, and 08 inductive proximity switches that incorporate the latest ASIC and flip chip technology. They are...

Conveyor belt. (Focus on Refrigeration and Freezing).
November 1, 2002... Wire Belt Company of America introduced Series 7 Flat-Flex EL open-mesh, stainless steel, wire belts designed to deliver extended life in food processing applications. According to the manufacturer, the Series 7 Flat-Flex EL belts have lighter...

Dessicant breather filters. (Focus on Refrigeration and Freezing).
November 1, 2002... Exxon Mobil introduced Dessicant Breather Filters designed to protect all types of industrial and commercial equipment containing hydrocarbon and other non aqueous fluids. These filters can prevent water and contaminants from entering fluid...

Shuttle valve. (Focus on Refrigeration and Freezing).
November 1, 2002... A new style sanitary shuttle valve from Terlet, designed specifically for the food industry, is made of stainless steel round bar stock. The valves feature CIP flush cleaning, leak detection, and pressure relief. Available in many styles such...

Fusion machine. (Focus on Refrigeration and Freezing).
November 1, 2002... George Fischer Inc.'s new BCF (bead and crevice free) Plus Fusion Machine offers fusion of different materials with a single machine. A compact versatile unit, it can be transported and installed even in remote locations. Suitable for food...

Mechanical tester. (Focus on Refrigeration and Freezing).
November 1, 2002... Instron Corporation introduced the InSpec 2200 Hand Held mechanical tester. According to the manufacturer, the tester easily converts between two test modes--"push-pull" and "tension-compression." In both modes the tester applies load or...

Currents of change: an alternative to conventional heat exchangers, electroheating or ohmic processing applies a direct electrical current to food. (Engineering R&D).(Interview)
November 1, 2002... THE TIME LAG BETWEEN NEW PROCESS DEVELOPMENT and commercial adoption usually is measured in decades, so it's not surprising that only a handful of firms have deployed David Reznik's electroheating technology since its introduction in 1991....