Food Engineering articles from November 2006

Food Engineering archives from November 2006

Could customization help end the battle of the bulge?(EDITOR'S NOTE)
November 1, 2006... While customization of packs for major retailers and warehouse chains has been more about rainbow pallets, special displays and bulk packaging, could our industry make a dent in the obesity problem through special, small packs? I am sure...

Calendar.(Brief article)(Calendar)
November 1, 2006... NOVEMBER 2006 28-30 PET Strategies 2006, Atlanta, GA; Packaging Strategies; 610-935-2183; meetings@packstrat.com. DECEMBER 2006 5-7 Building Your HACCP Program, Seattle, WA; American Institute of Baking; 800-633-5137;...

Gold Kist.(plant opening and expansion)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Gold Kist completed an expansion of its poultry processing plant in Guntersville, AL, in September. The 80,000-sq.-ft. expansion project increased capacity to produce value-added products for its private-label retail customers. About 200 jobs...

Lindt USA.(PLANT OPENINGS & EXPANSIONS)
November 1, 2006... Lindt USA began construction on a 300,000-sq.-ft. production and storage capacity expansion at its Stratham, NH, facility. The project should be completed next fall.

Clabber Girl.(new facility and creation of new jobs)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Clabber Girl, a manufacturer of retail baking powder, is expanding its Terre Haute, IN, operation with a 70,000-sq.-ft. building addition that will create 42 jobs over the next four years. The new building should be completed in the fall of...

McKee Foods.(McKee Foods investment in expansion of their plant)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Little Debbie snack cake maker, McKee Foods, is investing more than $50 million to expand one of its Collegedale, TN, plants. The expansion will double the plant's size, create room for new product development and create at least 175 jobs.

Lake Champlain Chocolates.(new facility constructed)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Lake Champlain Chocolates opened a new 47,000-sq.-ft. packaging and distribution facility constructed in accordance with Leadership in Energy Efficiency and Design (LEED) certification in Burlington, VT. The building will consolidate packaging,...

E coil outbreak not surprising.(Food and Drug Administration)
November 1, 2006... According to a recent FDA report, the September 14th CDC-confirmed E coli outbreak affecting 204 people in 26 states was traced back to Monterey County spinach grower and producer, Natural Selection Foods in San Juan Bautista, CA. But...

Bio-tech gets the nod.(REGULATORY WATCH)(agricultural biotechnology)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns and US Trade Representative Susan Schwab have praised the WTO ruling against EU-member state bans on agricultural biotech products. The European nations had placed a moratorium on even considering the products...

Kraft Foods.(appointment of Jeri Finard, Rick Searer and David Brearton)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Kraft Foods announced a new executive team. Jeri Finard has been named to the newly created position of EVP & Chief Marketing Officer to lead consumer innovation and marketing services. Rick Searer is EVP & President of Kraft North American...

Mountain Herbal Foods.(INDUSTRY & PEOPLE)
November 1, 2006... Mountain Herbal Foods appointed Rudy Rubenis as corporate operating officer.

PepsiCo.(appointment of Indra Nooyi, Richard Goodman and Hugh Johnston)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Indra Nooyi, who has been president, CFO and a director at PepsiCo since 2001, was recently elected to CEO. Richard Goodman, currently CFO of PepsiCo Intl., will become corporate CFO and Hugh Johnston, currently senior vice...

San Francisco Chocolate Co.(INDUSTRY & PEOPLE)
November 1, 2006... Charles Huggins was named as chief executive officer at San Francisco Chocolate Co. He previously held executive positions at Joseph Schmidt Confectioners and See's Candies.

Nestle S.A. is acquiring Jenny Craig, a weight management company that offers consumers branded nutritional products.(INDUSTRY & PEOPLE)
November 1, 2006... Nestle S.A. is acquiring Jenny Craig, a weight management company that offers consumers branded nutritional products. The Jenny Craig acquisition follows Nestle's recent purchase of the Uncle Toby's cereals and nutritional snacks business in...

KVP.(INDUSTRY & PEOPLE)
November 1, 2006... Jon Sasala has been appointed director of operations for KVP, a Reading, PA-based manufacturer of radius, straight-running and spiral modular plastic conveyor belting.

Smithfield Foods and Premium Standard Farms will be merging.(INDUSTRY & PEOPLE)
November 1, 2006... Smithfield Foods and Premium Standard Farms will be merging. Smithfield Foods will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Standard Farms. Premium Standard Foods' facilities are expected to remain open and in operation at current production...

Hormel Foods.(appointment of Jody H. Feragen )(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Jody H. Feragen will take the place of Michael McCoy, executive vice president and chief financial officer at Hormel Foods. Feragen will now serve as senior vice president and chief financial officer. She is being promoted from the position of...

Material suppliers seek sustainable advantage.(FOOD PACKAGING)
November 1, 2006... Sustainability may be the feel-good corporate buzzword of the year, but the vagueness of the term becomes even more murky when applied to packaging. Three years ago, Unilever, Pepsico and other corporations established the Sustainable...

A shape fit for a can vendor.(FOOD PACKAGING)
November 1, 2006... As beverage companies scrambled to meet new standards for products sold in elementary schools, warehouses began filling up with machines designed to vend 12-oz. cans of soft drinks. Seeing an opportunity, officials at Bravo! Foods International...

Reach trucks.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... The t-TV Series 1 reach trucks from Jungheinrich provide solutions for cost-effective stacking and retrieval at high lift heights and in confined spaces. Models ETV 110 and 112, with load capacities of 2,000 and 2,400 lbs., respectively, have a...

Lift trucks.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... Raymond says its new 4700 Series four-wheel, sit-down electric lift trucks are easy to use and offer roomy interiors with ergonomic, intuitive controls. The steering system design includes a dual powered, counter-rotating AC motor, giving the...

Cylindrical vacuum dryers.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... Cylindrical dryers for the process industries are available from Charles Ross & Son. The dryer can include special features such as a variety of constuction materials, including hastelloy and stainless steel, full vacuum and internal pressure...

Forklift bumper system.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... Fork-Kushions from Kastalon provide a comprehensive cargo bumper system for forklift trucks. They are designed to reduce damage by providing cushioning protection from marring, denting and other forms of damage. The cushions are mounted...

Drum handler.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... The Liftomatic 4-DCM fork-mounted drum handler is automatic and mechanical. It handles one to four drums in a straight line configuration. Suitable for loading containers and trucks, the product has a total capacity of 8,000 lbs. Equipped with...

Beverage and dairy homogenizer.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... The Tetra Alex 350 handles flow rates up to 9,000 gpm and pressures up to 5,800 psi. It features a five-piston positive displacement pump using a solid-pump block. The machine includes a wet end, containing only the components with product...

Multi-purpose homogenizer.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... Chemineer's Greerco homogenizers mix, emulsify and disperse. These high-speed, high-shear homogenizers subject mixtures to intense mechanical and hydraulic forces to reduce mixing time and ensure uniform blending. The motor is mounted above the...

Railcar loader.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... Cyclonaire's railcar connector with pneumatically actuated lifters streamlines unloading dual outlet, hopper-bottom railcars. It is designed to reduce the time and eliminate the spillage associated with the job of mating railcar connectors with...

Spray grease.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... Total Lubricants offers Nevastane SFG synthetic food grade grease in a 10-oz. spray can. The lubricants are for use on food processing machinery in the beverage, snack foods, meat processing, packaging plant and dairy industries. The grease can...

Pan and tray trucks.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... Nine models of pan and tray trucks are available from Durham for use as all-purpose work transporters in situations where product needs to cool or dry in commercial bakeries and for movement of packaged goods. The trucks feature all-welded...

Tubing pumps.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... Masterflex pumps from Cole Parmer feature an improved, intuitive loading system for quick and easy tubing chanqes. Pump performance relies on PerfectPosition tubing, which has retention marks to indicate the exact alignment needed for optimal...

Electric lift truck.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... Mitsubishi says its FBC15N FBC30LN N-Generation of AC-powered electric forklift trucks are engineered with an AC control system that features MOSFET and thermal technology, both of which offer an advanced Integrated Presence system and deliver...

Laboratory homogenizers.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... Microfluidics offers the HC-2000 and HC-5000 sanitary laboratory homogenizers. Lightweight, portable and easy to use, the homogenizers are suited for applications including emulsions and dispersions In food and beverage products. The units...

Sanitary pump.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... The Moyno sanitary pump is available in a CIP design for quick and easy cleaning. The suction housing is equipped with an additional sanitary connection to accept flow bypass piping and valves. During CIP operation, cleaning solution passes...

Fill application module.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... The Fill-560 application module from Mettler Toledo adds advanced features to the standard tar get control capabilities of the IND560 weighing terminal, including seven new sequences, process control parameters and input/output control for both...

Level monitoring.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... Red Lion tank level and multi tank level monitoring HMI Modbus RTUs from MTS provide customized display panels for multiple tank systems that provide vital storage information on temperature, volume, interface and level. The display screens are...

In-rack PCs.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... ProSoft Technology's high speed, in rack PC (PCS6-LX800) is backplane compatible and fully customizable, which allows the module to integrate into an existing network without modifications to the ControlLogix controller program. The PCS6-LX800...

Remote display.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... Avery Weigh-Tronix offers the XR Series remote display, which provides bright, clear characters for remote viewing of scale information. The series offers the largest LED digits available at 2, 4.5 and 6.5 inches. The displays are suitable for...

Size reduction equipment.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... The Gericke Cone Nibbler from Powder Technologies handles size reduction by a combination of compression, impact and shear forces to which the material is subjected as the rotor arm moves over the stationary cone wall. Due to low residence time...

Hose assemblies.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... Page-flex SBF, a line of flexible, smooth-bore hose assemblies from Parker/Page, uses a smooth-bore PFA tube, bonded, wire braid (a silicone-textile braided composite) to provide a high bend radius, kink and vacuum resistance. The hose can be...

Packaging isolator.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... Serac offers a new RABS (restricted access barrier system) isolator to optimize aseptic packaging of milk and drinks in and around the sterile enclosure. This isolator, the SAS 3, enables up to 72 hours of non-stop production without...

Desiccant dryer.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... Kaeser Blower Purge desiccant dryers and Exhaust Purge desiccant dryers use a heated regeneration method to produce high quality air and dew points as low as -40[degrees]F with minimal purge air losses. The dryers feature a dual-tower design...

Paneling solution.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... Packagers working with hot-fill cans, PET and wide-mouth containers may find that traditional LN2 injection units cause too much splash, leading to variation in the amount of pressure in each finished product. Cryotech says its SoftDose option...

Narrow-aisle trucks.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... The RR 5200 reach truck from Crown Equipment features a variable side stance design with padded surfaces, suspended floorboard and good thermal management. The company says these features maximize operator control, flexibility and productivity....

Accumulation conveyor.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... Heat and Control's SwitchBack conveyor provides in line accumulation of snacks, baked products, frozen meats and other delicate foods. Gentle horizontal-motion conveying and unique sloped pan configurations prevent product damage by eliminating...

Motor control.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... Danfoss Drives'VLT AutomationDrive is a variable frequency drive available in the 40 to 60 hp power range. This power extension covers IP21- and IP55-rated enclosures in the voltage range 380-480/500V. It is also available to satisfy power...

Freestanding enclosures.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... These freestanding enclosures from Rittal are heavy-duty models in carbon steel and type 304 stainless steel. They are available with a flange-mount disconnect option and offer Type 4/4X, 12, 13 and 3R protection for a variety of electrical...

Colloid mills.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... Bematek Systems' colloid mills can be tailored to customer processing requirements ranging from low- to high-viscosity to abrasive slurries. The milling head features a standard rotor and stator with working surfaces that can meet specific...

Data logger.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... The Hart Scientific 1620A paperless temperature and humidity data logger offers wireless, Ether net and RS-232 communications. Model 1620A--the DewK--accepts inputs from up to two sensors, which may be mounted directly on the unit or remotely...

Tag technology.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... Schober USA's STP (Smart Tag and Ticket Processor) incorporates second-generation REID technology with the ability to read HF, UHF and EPC GEN 2 tags. The product line is suitable for contactless readable tickets for pallet and case tracking,...

Flow sensors.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... Suitable for gas, liquid or steam measurement, Meriam's Accutube flow sensors have an averaging pilot tube that is a head-type device capable of generating a different pressure signal similar to the orifice, venture, flow nozzle and other...

Listeria plate.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... 3M Microbiology's 3M Petrifilm Environmental Listeria Plate has been validated by the AOAC Research Institute for the detection of Listeria on environmental surfaces in food processing plants. The EL Plate gets quantitative results that provide...

Lubricating greases.(TECHNOLOGY SOURCEBOOK: Focus on Focus on Lift Trucks and Homogenizers)
November 1, 2006... Synthetic lubricating greases, Klubersynth UH1 14-151 and UH1 14-222 from Kluber, are authorized in accordance with SNF/USDA-H1 for use in food and beverage applications. The company says they exhibit good anti-wear properties, water resistance...

The new math of energy efficiency: ROI is still a priority, but factors beyond payback are entering into the equation.(energy)(Cover story)
November 1, 2006... As the benchmark price of a barrel of oil slid below $70, then $60 in early tall, the hearts of energy-conscious engineers sank with it. Investments in energy efficiency are a tough enough sell when commodity prices for gas, oil and electricity...

Power protection: stainless-steel construction for motors, gearboxes and other power-transmission elements is a growing trend, but other refinements in the technology are being developed and debated, as well.(TECH UPDATE)
November 1, 2006... The harsh realities of the production environment and the ongoing revolution in electronics are driving major changes in the power transmission components that drive food and beverage plants. High-pressure washdowns and caustic cleaners...

Keeping an eye on quality: vision system removes potato strip defects with three times the accuracy of previous sorters.(FIELD REPORTS)
November 1, 2006... Employees at Frigemo, a Swiss processor of frozen vegetables and potato products, keep an eye on quality at all times. And, their dedication has paid off. McCain Foods, the exclusive supplier of french fries to McDonald's worldwide, licensed...

The golden nugget of efficiency: bulk handling system simplifies labor-intensive process for frozen food manufacturer.(Dry Processing Technology: Focus Powder & Bulk Operations)
November 1, 2006... When it comes to the manufacture of its chicken nuggets, Unilever ice Cream & Frozen Foods in Lowestoft, UK, periodically reassesses all of its manufacturing processes to identify areas where quality, efficiency and worker safety can be...

Bin unloader.(Eye on Equipment: IN POWDER & BULK HANDLING)
November 1, 2006... Thayer Scale's line of loss-in-weight portable bin unloaders allows accurate discharging and metering of material stored and transported in side or bottom discharge portable bins. The system can be configured for continuous loss-in-weight...

Cooling system.(Eye on Equipment: IN POWDER & BULK HANDLING)
November 1, 2006... Bulkflow Technologies' high-temperature bulk powder cooling system has a tube exchanger that minimizes thermal stresses and accommodates thermal expansion. The unit cools bulk solids with temperatures up to 1,832[degrees]F. For high...

Drum discharging system.(Eye on Equipment: IN POWDER & BULK HANDLING)
November 1, 2006... Material Transfer offers a 180-degree rotation discharging system for drums of non-free powders at 49 in. above floor level. The Lift & Seal System hydraulically docks drums to a PTFE-lined 304 stainless steel pour cone for dust, tight...

Oscillating mounts.(Eye on Equipment: IN POWDER & BULK HANDLING)
November 1, 2006... Lovejoy offers the ROSTA AB oscillating mounting system, which gives operators greater control over the movement in the sifters, as well as dampening and lessening sound and excess vibration. The mounts consist of two metal squares separated by...

Rotary valve.(Eye on Equipment: IN POWDER & BULK HANDLING)
November 1, 2006... The MEI rotary valve from IEDCO serves as a batch feeder. The company says the equipment has achieved batching accuracies of [+ or -]0.00 kg. The unit does not revolve 360 degrees. Instead it reciprocates 180 degrees, which prevents product...

Vacuum conveyors.(Eye on Equipment: IN POWDER & BULK MATERIAL HANDLING)
November 1, 2006... PIAB says its IC Series of vacuum conveyors features patented multi-stage ejector technology, which uses less energy than other compressed air-driven technology. The unit is suitable for transporting beans, flakes, pellets and powders. It is...

Heat exchanger.(Eye on Equipment: IN POWDER & BULK MATERIAL HANDLING)
November 1, 2006... Bulkflow Technologies' heat exchanger uses mass flow and a bank of evenly spaced vertical hollow plates connected to a cooling water system to cool bulk powder. Pellets, granules and other bulk solids can also be heated or cooled. The unit...

Vacuum conveyor.(Eye on Equipment: IN POWDER & BULK MATERIAL HANDLING)
November 1, 2006... K-Tron's PCS batch weigh vacuum receiver offers multi-material batching into a common weigh vessel by a single vacuum source. The equipment allows individual ingredients to be conveyed and weighed so that accurate hatching of ingredients can...

Feeder system.(Eye on Equipment: IN POWDER & BULK MATERIAL HANDLING)
November 1, 2006... The Vibra Screw LIW (Loss-In-Weight) feeder system is a single unit featuring a large supply hopper and feeder combination. Proprietary bin activators, vibrated feeders and a sensitive scale allow the unit to avoid frequent refill and eliminate...

Engineers mine brown energy: plant-level controls drive an advanced anaerobic digestive system that addresses both waste disposal and energy needs for major food processors and livestock operators.(ENGINEERING R&D)(Interview)
November 1, 2006... At least 60 waste-management firms are hawking anaerobic digesters to harness the energy potential in agricultural and food processing waste. Among them is Golden, CO-based Microgy Inc. Instead of simply selling the tanks and other...