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AutoJet
Fogging System Ensures Food Safety
Application:
A processor of fresh salads, quiches and frozen specialties needed
an automated spray system to control the application of specialized
cleaning chemicals in their facility. This spray application is
critical to ensuring the safety of the plant’s products.
Problem:
To ensure the cleanliness of the plant, rooms and production equipment
within the facility were previously sprayed nightly with quaternary
ammonia or a dilute chlorine solution using portable sprayers. This
manual fogging process required significant labor and chemicals
were applied inconsistently by different operators. If too little
chemical was used, food safety
was at risk. If too much chemical was used, the equipment had to
be completely washed down before resuming production.
The
automated fogging system needed to operate in dozens of zones throughout
the plant, while providing independent control for each zone. Most
importantly, the spray system needed to ensure accurate dilution
and consistent application of the cleaning chemicals – factors
critical to meeting stringent governmental regulations.
Solution: The AutoJet Fogging System is built around Spraying
Systems Co. 1/4JH air atomizing nozzles, which provide a fine mist
that evenly coats the processing equipment and all exposed surfaces
in the spray zones.
A
programmable controller in a NEMA 4 enclosure controls the operation
of 47 air atomizing nozzles, which are mounted two feet below the
ceiling. The nozzles are grouped into 25 zones and are positioned
to provide coverage for all areas of the plant. Air and liquid flow
are coordinated so that proper atomization of the cleaning chemicals
is assured.
 System
Components:
- 1/4JH
Air Atomizing Nozzles provide a fine mist that evenly coats the
processing equipment
- Control
System, including a programmable controller equipped with custom
software, actuates the chemical pump, activates the various spray
zones and monitors all system components
- Regulation
Packages provide air and water to the nozzles at varying pressures
and flows, depending on feedback from the control system
- Chemical
Metering Pump provides cleaning chemical to be injected into the
water stream. This dilution, measured in parts per million by
volume, can be adjusted as necessary and varies based on seasonal
requirements
- 3-way
Valves allow individual nozzles to be purged clean with compressed
air to prevent dripping
Results:
Using the new system, multiple spray zones are activated with
the touch of a button, eliminating the need for manual spraying.
The status of any zone within the plant can quickly be checked and
adjusted as necessary. Cleaning chemicals are injected into the
water flow in precise concentrations and the consistent fog produced
by the air atomizing nozzles ensures equipment cleanliness.
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