British scholar Thomas Robert Malthus once predicted that the world’s population would outgrow the rate of food production. While things have changed in the two centuries since, population projections indicate that we remain set for a global food crisis. But technology could offset the crisis. Thomas Malthus’ theory, which has since come to be known…
Smart condition monitoring aims to end downtime
Predictive maintenance is the best answer to minimizing the risks of equipment failure, however, monitoring practices in the past have been expensive, problematic or simply unreliable. The Smart Condition Monitoring promises to provide plant-wide 24-7 monitoring. With the Smart Condition Monitoring (SCM) system, operators can gain access to the status of rotating equipment. The system…
Corrosion resistant connector housings
Enhancements to the EPIC ULTRA rectangular connector housings include new covers and models aimed at the food and beverage industry or any other application that requires electrical connectors with high levels of corrosion resistance. The connectors include EPIC ULTRA H-A ¾ and EPIC ULTRA H-B Cover. The corrosion-resistant HA ¾ family of housing is UL-50…
Bushing makes cleaning pumps easy
This impeller lobe assembly will help food and beverage users speed through cleaning tasks. The ETP-CONNECT shaft connection is for pump drives with solid shafts. It simplifies the cleaning and maintenance of pumps, so it suits applications in pharmaceutical, chemical, and food and beverage processing systems where cleaning and maintenance must be done quickly and…
Dorner acquires Mexico-Based Sautem
Dorner Holding Company, the parent company of Dorner Mfg. Corp., announced the acquisition of Sautem, a leading designer and supplier of process automation equipment in Mexico. Dorner Mfg. Corp. is an industry leader in the design, application, manufacturing and integration of precision industrial and sanitary conveyor systems. The addition of Sautem is the latest step…
More conveying options for medical applications
The SmartFlex flexible chain conveyor platform, available in an additional 85 mm width standard option, gives designers more options for applications in medical as well as packaging, food, assembly and other industries. With this addition, SmartFlex Conveyors are now available in 4 standard widths: 65 mm (2.6 in.), 85 mm (3.3 in.), 105 mm (4.1…
Neglecting function safety can cost in food processing
Jorgen Saxeryd, safety products and functional safety advisor to ABB’s food and beverage offers some tips on ensuring safety. In 2014 in the UK, a large food manufacturer had to pay a £800,000 fine after a serious industrial accident. An engineer was trapped by the machinery while examining a conveyor belt and suffered major injury…
Change seals on pumps fast
Connecting a rotating piston lobe to a hollow shaft has been improved with the ETP-EXPAND, a patented bushing device that is fast and easy to install and adjust. The ETP-EXPAND was developed to simplify exchanging seals in pumps when fluid viscosity is changed. This bushing connects to a hollow shaft, locking the impeller/lobe wheel of…
Dorner Announces Partnership with EQT Mid Market
Dorner Holding Company, the parent company of Dorner Mfg. Corp., FlexMove, and Geppert-Band has announced a new partnership with the EQT Mid Market US fund (“EQT Mid Market”). Dorner Mfg. Corp. was founded by the Dorner brothers in 1966. What started as a small tool and die shop has evolved to become an industry leader…
AutomationDirect adds water fittings and tubing
AutomationDirect has launched a new line of push-to-connect fittings and tubing designed for potable water and beverage systems, including applications such as brewing, coffee/drink dispensing, soup and liquid food production, and municipal/residential water treatment. HydroMode push-to-connect fittings are perfect for use with polyethylene and other flexible tubing; all fittings are made of NSF-approved materials with…
New Portfolio of Materials Formulated to Meet all the Major Regulations for Food and Beverage
Quadion LLC, Minnesota Rubber and Plastics (MRP) introduces a new portfolio of materials specifically formulated to meet all of the major regulations for food and beverage contact. These materials are now available with certified compliance to the European Commission framework regulation EC 1935/2004, US FDA Title 21 CFR and NSF Standard 61 and 51. These…
A safe approach to food and beverage lubrication
Jim Girard, VP/CMO, LUBRIPLATE Lubricants Co. Technological advances in H-1/food grade lubricants mean that food, beverage and pharmaceutical processors should not hesitate to convert to a 100% H-1/food grade lubrication program. Converting to such a program helps consolidate lubricant choices, reduces lubricant misapplication, and helps to ensure a safe product for the consumer. Food grade…
AutomationDirect adds Schmersal Control and Signaling Devices
AutomationDirect has added Schmersal IP69K-rated pushbuttons, selector switches and indicator lights. These control and signaling devices have special design features that make the devices suitable for food processing, pharmaceutical, and medical applications. With an ingress protection rating of IP69K, this Schmersal 22mm series is also suitable for marine applications, traffic systems, commercial vehicles, and for…
Valveless Pheromone Dispensing for Agricultural Insect Control Products
A major agricultural concern is the control of a broad range of pests that can attack crops and have a devastating impact on the quality and overall yield. For agricultural food products, supplying the consumer with a product that is not only of high quality, but is safe for consumption, is of the highest priority…
Innova Engineering announces establishment of new research and development facility
Innova Engineering recently opened a new Research and Development facility in Santa Ana, California. The new facility allows for an expansion of capabilities and services offered by the engineering firm. With over 22 years of experience in the product development industry, Innova Engineering supports manufacturers in the medical, aerospace, automotive and consumer product industries, utilizing computer simulation…
Keep an eye on moving product
Vision can play a key role in food and beverage applications. The SBSI series low cost vision sensors, for example, read 1D and 2D codes, and handle quality inspection tasks. These code readers can identify, track and trace products for production flow, logistics, and serialization. The SBSI-B can also read Direct Part Marking (DPM) codes,…
NKK Switches unveil new M Series toggle switch
When the application requires a highly reliable, double layer, waterproof toggle switch with an IP-rating, engineers now have a new option to choose from with the unveiling of the Dual Seal Waterproof M Series Toggle Switch by NKK Switches. The new Dual Seal Waterproof M Series toggle switch is the first complete all-in-one waterproof and…
Global brands rely on PolyOne for luxury plastic packaging
Brand owners who collaborate with PolyOne have access to Gravi-Tech density-modified formulations, metallic-effect GLS thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) and InVisiOSM color and design services. The resulting caps and closures not only elevate packaging quality, but they also contribute to sensory branding experiences involving sight, touch and sound. For example, Gravi-Tech formulations impart weight, sound and a metallic…
Take the work out of integration
Responding to industry demand for integrated machine and plant control, the iQ-R series incorporates sequence, motion, safety, process and C language control into one platform. The control platform is for applications requiring integrated motion and safety control, tight synchronization between various processes and high production throughput. Applications include automotive, food and beverage, material handling, life…
First low-temperature FKM available for food and beverage industry
Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies will showcase a trio of globally-certified sealing materials, including a new low temperature FKM that is being readied for use in the European food and beverage industry, at the 2016 International Beverage Dispensing Equipment Association (IBDEA) conference. The new material, 70 FKM 425727, will be the first low-temperature FKM that complies with…
Minimizing production losses in the food and beverage industry
Jean-Pierre Berlan • Director of Processing • Tetra Pak U.S. and Canada Food and beverage companies have the power to make a difference in reducing waste, which occurs throughout the entire supply chain. Doing so not only affects a company’s bottom line (reduced waste equals lower costs), but benefits the planet through the conservation of…
Breakthrough torque limiter offering released by Rexnord, Introduces high-torque remote-reset feature
A new, breakthrough torque limiter option is now available from Rexnord for applications that are susceptible to torque overload. The is a first-of-its-kind option, allowing users to reset the device from a distance, eliminating traditional, hands-on labor requirements. This innovation can reduce downtime by anywhere from minutes to hours for manufacturers in heavy-duty industries, such…
Minnesota Rubber & Plastics Introduces-QmonixTM 558EC. New European Food Contact Regulatory Compliant EPDM
Quadion LLC, Minnesota Rubber and Plastics (MRP) introduces a new EPDM material, Qmonix 558EC, specifically formulated to meet the demanding food contact requirements of European Commission framework regulation EC1935/2004. This regulation applies to rubber and plastic materials that are intended to come in prolonged contact with food products such as beverages, milk, yogurt, ice cream…
Trelleborg Sealing Solutions expands its Americas R&D Center
Trelleborg Sealing Solutions announces it has increased the size of its Product Testing Laboratory located at the HA Traub Technical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This expansion comprises…
BisonCares celebrates 10th anniversary of giving back
Bison Gear & Engineering Corporation’s heartbeat—caring employees—and fellow participants in the BisonCares charity activities reflect a strong spirit of shared social responsibility. Their ongoing efforts benefit a broad range of programs serving children and adults, animal welfare and other worthy causes. “BisonCares was founded in 2005 by Bison Gear & Engineering Corporation after our employees…