Pneumatic System Applications in the Food & Beverage Industry

Pneumatic systems are essential in the food and beverage (F&B) industry. They facilitate various operations, such as cutting, filling, sorting, conveyor control, and packaging.

The speed and efficiency of pneumatic system automation make them the preferred choice for F&B manufacturers. These solutions not only boost productivity but also ensure consistent quality across production lines, providing a reassuring return on investment.

It’s essential to acknowledge that a key advantage of pneumatic technology and its components is their remarkable durability in tough conditions, as well as their ability to uphold the highest hygiene standards.

In this article, the team at Bawalaksana Central Industrial will delve into the functions and advantages of pneumatic systems in the food and beverage sector.

As noted by MAC Hydraulics, pneumatic systems offer reliable solutions for various tasks—from streamlining supply chain operations on the factory floor to executing packaging processes with remarkable precision.

It’s evident why pneumatic systems have become a preferred choice for automation in the food and beverage industry. Below are several examples illustrating the effective use of pneumatic systems within this sector:

Optimizing the Production Line

Pneumatic systems, especially those that utilize pneumatic cylinders, are essential for optimizing various tasks along the production line. Their key functions include:

• Automatically opening and closing oven doors
• Accurately positioning packaging before filling
• Redirecting specific products to designated production lanes
• Carrying out cleaning and sanitization tasks
• Forming blister packs for pharmaceutical applications

In the food and beverage industry, pneumatic systems are designed to interact directly and indirectly with products. They are generally vital for production control and enhancing process efficiency.

The video below showcases a practical example of how a pneumatic system operates in harmony with an Epson robot on a food and beverage production line:  

Lifting and Transferring Products

As shown in the video above, industrial robots can integrate seamlessly with vacuum or clamping mechanisms that utilize Pneumatic Cylinders and Pneumatic Tubing. These advanced systems can lift and transfer specific products or materials across different stages of the production line, resulting in a more streamlined and automated workflow.

Manufacturers can significantly speed up their production processes by harnessing the power of pneumatic technology.

The food and beverage industry presents immense opportunities for innovation by applying pneumatic systems. When paired with cutting-edge technologies like PLCs and IoT, these systems can elevate efficiency and productivity to new heights.

Filling and Sealing Products

Pneumatic systems are essential in the filling and sealing processes within the food and beverage industry. Depending on the production setup, filling and sealing products can be fully automated or semi-automated.

The machinery used for filling is typically called a Pneumatic Filling Machine or an Automatic Liquid Filling Plant. When paired with modern technology, pneumatic systems facilitate fast, hygienic, and efficient filling of various products, ranging from food and beverages to pharmaceutical liquids.

Cutting and Slicing

Cutting and slicing tasks can be efficiently carried out using a combination of pneumatic cylinders, air hoses, and precision blades. Once the product is positioned correctly, the pneumatic system automatically performs clean and consistent cuts. These pneumatic cutting systems are well-suited for handling various food items, including vegetables, meats, fruits, cheese, and more.

In more advanced food and beverage manufacturing settings, pneumatic systems are often integrated with conveyor systems. This further speeds up processing, mixing, and packaging—leading to a highly streamlined and productive operation.

Pneumatic Hoses for the Food & Beverage Industry

When selecting pneumatic hoses for the food and beverage (F&B) industry, it’s crucial to prioritize high-quality products. This necessity arises from the industry’s tightly regulated environment and the intricate nature of its production processes.

The F&B sector is governed by strict standards and safety protocols, mainly focusing on:

• Workplace Safety: Pneumatic hoses must be durable to prevent premature wear, system failures, and potential safety hazards.
• Contamination Control & Product Integrity: Hoses must be non-reactive and free of substances that could compromise food safety or pose health risks.

Because of these factors, choosing the right pneumatic hose for F&B applications goes beyond ensuring it is food-grade or FDA-approved. Additional considerations include the hose’s capacity to endure frequent sterilization cycles, withstand high temperatures, and tackle demanding production conditions.

Using low-durability hoses vulnerable to cracking or wear can lead to significant air leaks, ultimately increasing production costs and reducing system efficiency.

To mitigate these issues, making informed, careful choices when sourcing pneumatic hoses for food and beverage manufacturing is essential.

Based on our experience at Bawalaksana Central Industrial, we recommend some of the top food-grade pneumatic hoses celebrated for their durability and compliance:

• PU Fabuthane® 54 Hose (FDA Approved)
• Low-Density Linear Polyethylene (LLDPE) Hose (FDA Approved)
• PFA Hose (FDA Approved)
• Reinforced PVC (Food Grade)
• PVC Cristal (Food Grade)
• Peroxide Silicone Hose (Food Grade)
• Flexible Polyamide 12 PHL Hose (Food Grade)

For a more in-depth exploration, we invite you to check out our full article, Food-Grade Pneumatic Hoses for the F&B Industry.

Enhancing Production Efficiency with Pneumatic Technology

Pneumatic systems, with their solid safety record, represent a cost-effective and reliable solution for industrial automation. In the F&B sector, where safety is paramount, these systems offer ease of operation and low maintenance, providing security.

However, the F&B industry adheres to some of the most stringent standards across all manufacturing sectors, extending beyond hygiene protocols to rigorous safety regulations and sustainability requirements.

Utilizing pneumatic components that conform to industry norms, ethical standards, and regulatory compliance is not just a technical necessity. It’s a moral imperative for modern manufacturers in the F&B sector to instill confidence in their operations in the era of Industry 4.0.

Pneumatic technology is ideal for F&B manufacturing environments, effectively meeting these high expectations. This is further supported by ongoing innovation in pneumatic components and systems specially designed for food-grade applications.

As mentioned previously, the F&B industry imposes far greater demands than most sectors, prompting top-tier manufacturers to push boundaries to provide solutions that meet and often exceed those demands.

Industry leaders like Metal Work Pneumatic, a pioneer in advanced pneumatic components and automation technologies, and Mebra Plastik Italia, known for their durable, hygienic industrial-grade tubing, continue to set new standards.

Certified Pneumatic Components for the Food & Beverage Industry

In the food and beverage (F&B) sector, certified, high-quality pneumatic components are essential to comply with stringent safety, hygiene, and performance standards.

Below are some key components commonly used in F&B manufacturing, all of which have undergone rigorous testing to meet international certifications:

• Stainless Steel Pneumatic Cylinders: Compliant with ISO 6432, ISO 15552, and others)
• Solenoid Valves for Splash Areas: Including EB80 Island Valves (available with 4 to 12 solenoid modules)
• Pneumatic Fittings: Made from unleaded brass or AISI 316 stainless steel, ensuring food safety compliance
• Flow Regulators: Crafted from AISI 316 stainless steel for enhanced durability and resistance to corrosion
• FDA-Approved & CE Reg. 10/2011-Compliant Pneumatic Tubing: Options include polyurethane, polyethylene, PTFE, and more
• A variety of additional automation components tailored for the industry

For a thorough guide on recommended pneumatic components specifically designed for the F&B sector, we encourage you to visit our vendor page, Pneumatic Automation Components for Integrity in the F&B Sector.

Understanding pneumatic system applications can transform your operations in the world of food and beverage manufacturing. This overview has shed light on these systems’ critical role in enhancing efficiency and sustainability.

We aim to spark a conversation among industry stakeholders about the importance of investing in high-performance, certified automation solutions.

Want to dive deeper into how pneumatic systems can elevate your manufacturing process? Check out our exciting article, How to Improve Pneumatic System Efficiency for Sustainable Manufacturing.

Don’t miss out on these valuable insights!

PT. Bawalaksana Central Industrial proudly serves as the official distributor of Metal Work Pneumatic, offering high-efficiency solutions designed specifically for pneumatic components and systems in industrial automation.

Suppose you want to implement a pneumatic system for your food and beverage manufacturing operations. Our expert team is here to provide comprehensive support and guidance from start to finish.

We are also the authorized distributor for Mebra Plastik Italia, renowned for its top-quality industrial tubing. We are a system integrator for Phoenix Contact, a global leader in automation and electrical components.

Additionally, we proudly represent Instrument To Industri (ITI), one of the most trusted and long-standing suppliers of pressure gauges and instrumentation for industrial applications.

We focus on supplying high-quality industrial spare parts for automation systems. With strong partnerships across Asia and Europe, we offer complete technical solutions for maintenance, system upgrades, and repair services.

With over 7 years of experience and a skilled team of engineers, we’re well-equipped to help you design, optimize, and implement pneumatic systems that can significantly boost your operational efficiency.

Ready to move forward?

Click the consultation button below to contact our professional team today and receive personalized recommendations tailored to your manufacturing needs.

Romanta Pinrih Linuwih

Pneumatic Automation Systems Expert

This article was written in collaboration with Romanta Pinrih Linuwih, an expert in Pneumatic Automation Systems, to ensure accuracy and high quality insights.

REFERENSI

Hydraulics and Pneumatics for the Food and Beverage Industry. (2020, July 6). MAC Hydraulics. Retrieved March 14, 2024, from https://mac-hyd.com/blog/hydraulics-and-pneumatics-for-food-and-beverage/