The Use of a Steam Boiler in the Food and Beverage Industry
The steam boiler system works in the food and beverage business in a variety of capacities. The use and application of controlled and regulated heat are necessary for many steps and processes in the manufacturing and processing of food. This controlled heat and a number of other plant functions are produced by the steam boiler system in a food manufacturing and processing facility.
Installation and operation of steam boiler pumps are necessary for the majority of industrial and manufacturing facilities for a variety of reasons. In some pump applications, they can also be utilised to generate heat for washing and cleaning. But in the food and beverage sector, people participate more directly in the manufacturing process.
If you’re thinking of getting a steam boiler, this article will discuss the numerous uses and benefits of steam in the food and beverage industry.
1. Protocols for sterilisation, safety, and health
The additional processes that had to be put in place by some food production and food processing businesses have been compared to some of the regulations that were implemented and closely followed in hospital triads and admission sections. It closely resembles the sanitization and cleaning procedures used in hospital operating and surgery rooms.
All of the tools, utensils and other instruments needed in food preparation and food processing can be cleaned and sterilised using steam boilers. They must ensure that all the equipment they use is thoroughly, routinely, and frequently cleaned and sterilised in order to remove any bacteria or germs that may have been transferred from human contact to the surface.
One of the most often-used applications of steam is in the food processing sector. They are now able to ensure that all of their utensils, tools, containers and other tools and equipment are cleaned and sterilised before they begin their food processing activities.
2. Cleaning and infection control
The use of industrial steam boilers for cleaning and disinfection in the food and beverage sector is one of their most significant uses. Because the majority of the food and products that businesses in the food and beverage sector handle and process are ultimately consumed by the general public, food cleanliness and safety should always be among the highest priorities of such businesses.
It is crucial to make sure that all the utensils, equipment, containers, surfaces, pans, and other instruments used in food manufacturing and processing are routinely cleaned, washed, and disinfected for this reason alone. Sometimes pressured water is created using steam boilers for cleaning and disinfecting purposes.
3. Lowering the risk of microorganisms
Reducing and avoiding the hazards of microbial contamination from the food raw materials themselves, which are utilised as inputs in food production and food processing, is another significant use of steam in the food and beverage sector. The majority of food raw materials come naturally with germs and microorganisms that can occasionally cause illnesses and disorders related to food.
Before being employed in food production and food processing, raw food ingredients can be steam pasteurised in steam boilers. One of the best ways to get rid of, or at least minimise, the dangers of microbial contamination that could occur from the food’s raw material inputs is steam pasteurisation.
4. Preparation, cooking, and processing
The preparation, cooking, and processing of the food itself is a crucial application of steam boiler technology in the food and beverage sector. The majority of food products are cooked and packaged in enormous batches. To make sure they are soft and supple, some of the meat is cooked. Fire and heat are used in the actual cooking process, and in some cases, steam boiler systems are used to provide the heat.
Certain methods of food production and processing result in dry rather than wet food items. The steaming and drying operations also make use of steam boiler technology. Additionally, some meat and fish products are smoked using steam techniques. Before being placed in vacuum plastic packaging, some food products are dried. The heat produced by the steam boiler applications is also used in the drying pans and ovens.
5. Processing food and making sauces and flavors
Applications for steam boilers are crucial to the fundamental operations and procedures of a facility that produces and prepares food. The majority of people are unaware that practically all of the processed foods that are advertised and sold on supermarket and grocery store shelves have in some way involved the use of a steam boiler. Before they are ready and flavorful for cooking, the meat and poultry used in canned foods go through a steaming, cleaning, or boiling process.
Steam boilers are even used to make some of the mixes, sauces, coatings, and flavourings for the meat sections. Usually, very large volumes of mixes, sauces, and tastes are made in large-scale food production and food processing facilities. Without the assistance of the steam boilers, it would be challenging to obtain the same accuracy of portions and proportions when determining the precise amounts of components for the sauces and flavours.
6. Regulate the temperature of production and processing facilities
Steam is utilised in the food and beverage industry to control the climate in manufacturing and processing facilities, which is another significant application. Without heating systems, several of these structures would experience extreme cold during certain months of the year. If it was below zero or even negative degrees on the factory floors, employees wouldn’t be able to concentrate on their tasks.
When this occurs, the production plant’s steam boiler room system may be employed for purposes other than simply steaming or boiling the raw ingredients for meals. Additionally, it could be utilised to control the temperature and climate in the building, particularly in the working and production areas.
Types of Steam Boilers
According to their internal structures, steam boilers can be split into two categories: fire tube boilers and water tube steam boilers.
LPG steam boilers, palm oil steam boilers, rice husk steam boilers, oil steam boilers, and other types of steam boilers are available based on the fuel material.
Safety Measures of Steam Boilers
During the Industrial Revolution, safety valves were initially applied to steam boilers. Early boilers without them were vulnerable to unintentional explosions.
When a tank is being emptied or when cold rinse water is used following hot CIP (clean-in-place) or SIP (sterilization-in-place) processes, vacuum safety valves (or combination pressure/vacuum safety valves) are used to prevent the tank from collapsing. Although the calculating method for sizing a vacuum safety valve is not specified in any norm, particularly in the hot CIP/cold water scenario, some manufacturers have created sizing simulations.
