PET Food Processing - September 2019 - 55

lane filling process using a servo-controlled flow divider
to deliver reliably accurate fill weights for pasty, chunky
or very soft fillings, McGady says.
McGady also notes Handtmann's series of VF 800
vacuum fillers are optimized for food safety, hygiene
and portioning accuracy. The equipment relies solely on
curved external surfaces, rather than hard angles, to ensure complete drainage and provide process monitoring
for temperature and pressure.
"The hygiene and safety features of the VF 800 are
forward-thinking in every respect and include an advanced sanitation design that includes the latest proven
food-grade materials and innovative automatic washing
and sanitation systems," McGady says.
Troiano notes other auxiliary parts such as pocket fillers or multi-head weighers, retort vendors, retort tray
handling and end-of-the-line packaging features can be
useful to enhance filling and depositing systems.
For pouch applications, Johnson says a vital solution
that some processors may not consider is a compressor
to blow air into the pouches to open them before the
product is deposited, ensuring a proper fill. "Most important to filling will be considering the type of product to be filled, including the consistency and viscosity
of the product, run speed necessary to fill and seal the
product and the overall texture of the product," she says.

Optimizing OEE

Automation can address questions of consistency, accuracy and product management for filling systems, but
it comes at an investment to the processor. "Equipment
that is simpler to operate in the plant requires a more
complex combination of mechanical, electrical and
computerized systems that can be optimized, but must
be maintained for consistent OEE," McGady says.
Some tips for optimizing OEE from Troiano include
minimizing downtimes by running multiple filling systems, utilizing one for production while cleaning the
other, as well as using cup buffer systems to permit longer run times and allow the operator to complete other
tasks while the machine is running. "Ergonomic design
should minimize operator/material handler fatigue,"
Troiano adds.
Easy changeovers and flexibility across a wide range
of products at different particle sizes are important
to maximize the cost effectiveness of the equipment,
McGady says. "Good controls with enough memory to
maintain many recipes that can be called up with [one]
touch are helpful," he adds.
Johnson says filling systems can be easily adapted to
run multiple formulas. "For instance, the filling machine can be emptied and rinsed with hot water for 10
to 15 minutes, allowing all flush material to exit the filler

HYGIENE GOALS
These food safety equipment features help
improve plant hygiene and safe pet food
processing. Provided by Patrick McGady,
national sales manager, Handtmann, Inc.
1. Dirt traps are eliminated for thorough
cleaning
2. Only angled or curved external surfaces
for faster drainage
3. Small gap widths, few edges
4. Anti-drip moldings
5. Automatic pre- and interim- feed system
cleaning
6. Real time monitoring for safer production
of microbiologically sensitive products
7. Non-metallic parts in food contact areas
designed to be detectable
8. Open and well-lit vacuum channel and
water separator
9. UVC exhaust module to de-germinate
the air
quickly, and then closing the valve to once again fill the
tub and start the next batch," she explains.
To truly achieve OEE, Troiano says a filling system
must offer consistent fill weights and clean, precise cuts
to mitigate contamination issues. "Without these critical
elements, the waste factor and potential for food safety
is jeopardized and the OEE rating of the equipment will
drop significantly," he says.
"Delivering exact weight to manage giveaway becomes more important as ingredients become more
costly and competition increases while the ROI on
various levels of automation keeps becoming more and
more attractive for processors of all sizes," McGady says.
As wet pet foods and treats with visual inclusions
become more popular among pet owners, he adds, it's
important that a filler handles these inclusions gently to
prevent smearing and preserve the premium appearance
of the product.
Johnson concluded that OEE can be dependent upon
the pet food formula itself, which makes it crucial for
processors to work closely with their equipment supplier
to determine the best fit for their process.
PFP

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PET Food Processing - September 2019

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