Food Industry Piping And Fabrication FAQs
Posted on: 3 April 2023
The food industry is one of the most expansive industries in the country. And, many pieces of equipment go into making the food industry possible. One often overlooked component in food industry setups is the piping used. If you are in the food processing or manufacturing business, there is a good chance you will need to work with a food industry piping fabrication company at some point. Check out a few common questions about food industry piping and fabrication.
What is the most common type of pipe used in food manufacturing?
Without question, the most common type of piping used in the food industry is stainless steel. Stainless steel poses a number of qualities that make it ideal for food industry applications. For example, stainless steel pipes:
- Are hygienic and easy to keep clean
- Are resilient enough for long-term use
- Do not corrode or break down with exposure to certain agents
- Work well for temperature-sensitive applications
Stainless steel is also resistant to biofilms and microorganism collection which can be an issue with other materials. For example, plastic piping can be prone to collecting microcontaminants that cause sludge to build up inside the lines.
How is pipe used in the food industry?
Pipe and piping setups are used for many different purposes in the food industry. A series of pipes may be used for:
- Transferring raw fluid ingredients from large vats or holding tanks to food production areas
- Distributing water to different points in a production setup
- Moving large volumes of certain ingredients to mixing equipment
- Carrying steam to steam machines used to soften foods or food ingredients
- Moving finished mixed products from production to packaging
Why would a food processor need custom-fabricated piping?
Food industry piping fabrication is important for a long list of reasons. It is rare for a food processor to move into an industrial setting and immediately have a setup that works well for their production plans or the type of products they intend to create. Working with a food industry piping fabrication company allows the manufacturer to choose the type of pipe, the pipe configuration, and the appropriate pipe size to accommodate their specific needs. For example, if a candy manufacturer needs a pipe that can carry heated, liquefied chocolate from a mixing vat to a distribution point where the chocolate is pumped into molds, the fabrication company will design piping that works for the purpose.
For more information on food industry piping fabrication, contact a professional near you.
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