Cooling and maintaining temperatures in workplaces is vital in many industries. However, in food production and storage this is perhaps even more important.
Properly designed and installed air conditioning units for food factories can control airborne particulates and odours, minimising the risk of any contamination and keeping the products in the freshest form possible, all whilst abiding by legislation.
There are many factors which affect the air; volume of the space, capacity, number of workers, adjoining work areas, humidity and odour control, pressure and air quality requires, what type of food you are storing and much more.
So why is factory cooling so important for food production industries?
Dust Control
Dust control is vital within factories and, in particular, food factory cooling control. It serves five main purposes:
- To protect the workers and operators from inhaling particles of dust
- To prevent any dust spreading to process areas and/or causing cross contamination
- To prevent a gathering of dust which may aid in the growth of micro-organisms
- To prevent environmental pollution
- To prevent explosion or chemical reaction
With the correct air control, you can maintain the control of dust through filters. A mere particle of dust can easily spread airborne contamination, so this should not be overlooked. When choosing your factory cooling units, you should discuss filtering and dust control with the supplier.
Dehumidification and Temperature
All air which encounters food should be controlled, especially when it comes to factors of humidity.
The relative humidity of an area is the percentage of pressure of water vapour present to the saturation pressure at the air temperature. This is expressed as a ratio and is measured by many ways.
Humidity is a big issue in food production industries and food factories. The issues are generally caused by too much water in the air rather than too little. Failure to control the excess humidity in the air can result in water condensing around unwanted areas and can also interrupt the quality and temperature of your products.
Other issues caused can stem from condensation, which may give rise to microbial growth, corrosion, and other moisture issues. Dry goods can also be affected if they absorb moisture – it’s not just fresh produce.
Control Odours and Environmental Impact
When dealing with fresh food, including dairy, meat and even fresh fruit and vegetables, odours will occur, especially if you aren’t controlling the air properly. When it comes to meat and fish, you can’t avoid these odours, but you can decrease and control them, with a little help from factory cooling.
These strong odours can create a nuisance for people living or working in the area, with many of the complaints to food factories being related to these issues. Your cooling and air control system should:
- Prevent the emission of fumes or gases
- Prevent the emission of dust or odours
- Prevent the creation of noise or air pollution.
If you control the air accurately and store your produce correctly, you will have already decreased the production of odours before the food produce comes in to your premises.
Temperatures Vs Contamination
When it comes to storing and handling food, it can’t be stressed enough that contamination and spreading of possible diseases and such is much easier.
The air quality must be as clean as possible and at the perfect temperature for the appropriate products – especially when it comes to handling animal-based produce.
It is always important to guarantee freshness and stability, and above all, to prevent any contamination or spreading of diseases which can be detrimental to your product and staff.
There are a variety of different factory cooling solutions which can make life much easier within a food factory or food related industry. Its not just crucial to a smooth and healthy running of your business, but to keep your employees comfortable and safe too.
You may not know your which factory cooling unit would suit your needs best. If that is the case then doesn’t worry, as the Heritage Heating and Cooling team can help.
Get in touch and we would be more than happy to talk you through your options and the best practices.