STAINLESS STEEL IN THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY Stainless steel has become the number one choice to meet the challenges in the food and beverage industry as it combats all of the factors listed below.
CORROSIVE AGENTS Wash-Down Procedures Usually the most corrosive areas of a food and beverage facility are the wash-down regions. Recently, wash-down procedures are including higher pressures and temperatures as well as greater frequency and higher chemical concentrations in order to prevent contamination. Chemical mixtures can vary across industry but all contain cleaning agents that can be very corrosive. Food and Additives Food itself can be corrosive in nature. Many foods are acidic and therefore contain a high chloride ion concentration, which can lead to corrosion. Limes, lemons, vinegar, and apples are just a few examples of foods that have a low pH. In addition to the food itself, organic acids are often added as flavor enhancers, preservatives, acid regulators, etc. and can be corrosive in nature. Some of the most common organic acids include acetic, citric, formic, and lactic acid. Environment and Processes Other corrosion catalysts such as heat, moisture, evaporation, and cooling water can also be found in food and beverage plants. Temperatures in dairy production can reach as high as 130°C. In other facilities, brine cooling or steam heating processes may be used. When water is present, it may contain additional impurities and high chloride levels.
OTHER FACTORS Exposure to Bacteria Food particles and bacteria can become trapped in small spaces and hard to clean areas such as crevices and cracks. This can harbor the growth of bacteria and lead to contamination. A smooth and non-absorbent surface can help to prevent this entrapment. Leaching Leaching is defined as “dissolving out by the action of a percolating (penetrating) liquid.” When in contact with food and beverage applications, some metals and nonmetallic surfaces (e.g., rubber, plastic, paints, etc.) may leach into products, causing contamination.
STAINLESS STEEL SOLUTIONS The material composition of stainless steel provides superior corrosion resistance. This corrosion resistant property helps stainless steel stand up to wash-down environments, corrosive foods, and additives, as well as processing conditions and bacteria.
In addition to its corrosion resistance as a result of its chemistry, stainless steel has other benefits. Stainless maintains its mechanical properties (e.g., strength and ductility) at both high and low temperature extremes. Furthermore, a smooth surface helps prevent bacteria and food particles from becoming trapped. CenturysteelKuwait Stainless products have a bright, polished finish, which further enhances the smooth surface. Finally, stainless steel is neutral and will not leach into a product, ensuring foods will not be chemically affected by coatings, paint, or the alloy itself. As the superior metal, stainless steel may cost more initially but may save a company various costs involved with scrapped production batches and penalty fees, as well as the headaches of regulatory issues, recalls, and plant shutdowns. To learn more about stainless steel or to discuss your next project, contact Century Steel today. Visit https://www.centurysteelkuwait.com for other products like SS Round Tubes suppliers in Kuwait,Stainless Steel Sheet & Plates suppliers in Kuwait , Stainless Steel Square Tubes suppliers in kuwait,Stainless Steel Fittings suppliers in Kuwait, Aluminium Sheets suppliers in Kuwait, SS Round Tubes wholesaler in kuwait,Stainless Steel Sheet & Plates wholesaler in Kuwait ,Stainless Steel Square Tubes wholesaler in kuwait,Stainless Steel Fittings wholesaler in Kuwait, Aluminium Sheets wholesaler in Kuwait.
