The importance of seals in the food industry

In food production, producers must observe numerous guidelines in order to comply with hygiene regulations. (Source: AdobeStock / shaista)

The effects of the ongoing energy crisis, the currently weakening economy and the numerous global military conflicts are being felt in all areas of industry. Manufacturers and processors of food and animal feed are also facing considerable challenges. Securing the food supply has established itself as a central concern in society. A decisive factor for the availability and safety of food is ensuring process continuity during production.

In the food industry, seals play a crucial role in the safety, quality and efficiency of production processes. Seals are used to seal the contact between different components and thus prevent the ingress of contaminants. Below we explain the importance of seals in the food industry and examine their various applications and requirements.

Function and application areas of seals

Seals are used in a variety of applications in the food industry. For example, they are used in pumps, valves, pipelines, containers and other components to ensure that no undesirable substances enter the food and, conversely, that no products or ingredients can escape.

The main function of seals is to ensure a reliable seal between different materials. This is particularly important to prevent contamination and to comply with the hygiene and safety standards that apply in the food industry. Seals must also be able to withstand the high pressures, temperatures and chemical effects that can occur in many production processes.

Requirements for seals in the food industry

The requirements for seals in the food industry are particularly strict. Not only must they be food-safe, they must also comply with the guidelines and regulations of food and hygiene legislation. These include, for example, the regulations of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the USA or Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 in the European Union.

In addition, seals must be resistant to a variety of media, including water, steam, cleaning agents and various food products. They must not emit any harmful substances and must be able to adapt to the specific requirements of the respective application, whether at high or low temperatures, under pressure or vacuum.

New trends are constantly emerging, particularly in beverage production, which producers have to adapt to. (Source: AdobeStock / 06photo)

Materials and technologies

Seals in the food industry are made from a variety of materials, including elastomers such as EPDM, silicone and nitrile rubber, but also PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) and other plastics. The choice of the right material depends on the specific requirements of the application, including chemical resistance, temperature resistance and mechanical properties.

In addition, various technologies are used to manufacture seals, including compression moulding, extrusion, injection moulding and CNC machining. Each of these technologies offers specific advantages in terms of accuracy, efficiency and cost.

A market with a wide variety of products

New foods and drinks are becoming established. Milk alternatives, for example, have conquered part of the market. However, products such as soya, oat or almond milk place different demands on the processing systems. They contain different fats, for example, and abrasive substances such as almond shells or oat bran increase wear. In general, solids increase the mechanical demands on a seal and require greater material rigidity in order to reduce abrasion. The tear propagation resistance must also be high to prevent solids from damaging the sealing material and causing breakouts. The geometry also plays a role. It must be selected in such a way that the sealing function is not impaired by solid particles lying on it.

A look at the beverage industry with two examples: Flavoured mineral waters are becoming increasingly popular, and breweries are not only producing traditional beers. This diversity also places demands on the seals. Their material and design must be closely matched to the other processed substances or cover a wider spectrum. In addition, they must not favour flavour transfer if different products are produced with one machine or system. If contract filling companies are involved, all quality requirements naturally also apply there.

The EPDM high-performance compound from seals manufacturer C. Otto Gehrckens is especially suitable for food technology. (Source: COG)

Steigerung der Produktionsleistung

Only perfectly functioning machines and systems can run at full capacity and deliver the desired yield. Innovative seals are designed for this: Their service life and full functionality generally correspond to at least the maintenance cycles. They also offer significantly reduced friction. These and other factors also require expertise in material selection and design. The latest calculation and testing methods predict the service life.

Smart seals are a recent development for digitalised systems and complex applications. In addition to their actual sealing task, they provide information during operation, for example about their wear. This allows maintenance cycles to be planned in good time.

Summary

Seals play a crucial role in the food industry by ensuring a reliable seal between different components, guaranteeing the quality, safety and efficiency of production processes. By choosing the right materials and technologies, manufacturers can ensure that their seals meet the stringent requirements of the food industry and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.