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Centralised Cleaning Systems

Central Wash Pump System

Energy saving and efficient food preparation are cleaning

Over the past 25 years food process cleaning has used both high pressure and low pressure water. One of the factors that determine the design of the pump system is the amount of operators simultaneously using the ring main. High pressure has been frowned upon in some cases due to the aerosol effect and concern about of bacteria potentially being suspended in air borne particles. This has led, in some cases, for high pressure cleaning to be avoided.
To provide an effective alternative cleaning system for all types of factory and production environment, wash pump pressures below 20 Bar have been installed. In many cases this provides an effective cleaning system. In some factories however it does mean more manual cleaning and the use of acid chemicals to deal with protein build up etc.

Food Process Cleaning – the Problem

In addition to increasing standards for cleanliness and hygiene, there is now an additional pressure on the factory manager – the need for energy efficiency and minimum waste. Considerations for Central Wash Pump Systems include electrical efficiency for the pumping system, oil or gas efficiency for water heating, water quantity and effluent disposal costs. Now a new factory system must consider all of these as well as ensure a clean sanitised result.

Food Process Cleaning – the Solution

B&G bespoke systems are designed for cost-effective, efficient and responsible cleaning and can achieve a variety of pressure levels to suit the factory manager’s requirements, from one system.

Over recent years cleaning pressures have risen to allow a reduction in the water flow from each gun. In low-risk areas medium pressures of 40 to 100 bar are common. In high-risk areas lower pressures are common.

Water usage can be optimised by providing the correct pressure for the cleaning task. Electrical energy can be optimised by the use of the central wash multi-pump concept. If only one or two operators use a wash system during the production shift but then say 12 operators are required to clean the factory before the next day, a multi-pump with say 30 litres/minute pumps provides the ideal energy efficiency. This can be achieved with a six pump machine whereby two operators share a pump, or even a twelve pump unit depending on the ideal flow per operator.

B& G has developed a computer controlled wash-down system for larger requirements which uses two of its standard six pump assemblies connected to the same ring main. The system switches on just the number of pumps required depending on how many operators are using the system at the same time, and also ensures that pumps receive equal usage over time. This creates an energy efficient system which uses on average 5.5Kw of electrical power maximum for one high pressure gun. This design would absorb less power for lower pressures.

A Central Wash Pump System using a medium pressure pump set has now been introduced, using a seal-less pump system. This uses 30 litres/min pumps capable of a maximum pressure of 70 Bar. A single pump assembly is available for smaller producers as well as assemblies up to six pumps.

Coupled with efficient satellite foam/sanitiser connection points and a well designed ring main, B &G Cleaning Systems can provide an efficient, operator friendly, turn-key project. B & G have a wealth of experience in food preparation cleaning and so can offer outstanding advice and information.

For more information, follow these links:

Centralised Wash Pump Systems 

New MPA Hydra Multi-Pump assembly