In the food processing industry, clean, oil-free air is essential to producing the highest quality end-product. At a Seattle-based sea salt supplier and processor, compressed air is used for both sorting and pneumatic controls of equipment.
Sea salt receives little or no processing, which keeps the minerals present in seawater intact. In order to remove ocean debris, including sand and sea shell particles, the company uses a state-of-the-art optical sorting machine with high definition cameras. With targets set to remove particles based on size or color, a very precise puff of air removes the debris from the salt. Because the air comes into direct contact with the salt in this application, it must be pure and free of any contamination.
It is also important to use oil-free air to power pneumatic controls in food processing environments. Oil in the air will eventually build up on equipment, leading to jamming and production stoppage. In addition, instruments and equipment continuously vent out the air, so if the air is oily, it will contaminate the end product.
Have you considered oil-free air for your food processing application? Contact us today to learn more about oil-free air options or share your experience in the comments below.
