Grupo Bimbo’s sustainably baked Supán & OroWeat 100% Whole Grain Organic Bread, Dawn Foods’ Women’s Leadership Development Programme and Apex Motion Control’s Baker-Bot are among the raft of recipients to receive the coveted Best in Baking Awards at IBIE Bakery Showcase 2022. HaF Equipment is honored to be among these leaders in the baking industry and to be recognized for sanitation design with our Moovinator Horizontal Load Filter Receiver!
Visit us at our booth at the International Baking Industry Exposition, in Las Vegas from September 18 through 21, 2022. where we will showcase our innovations in bulk material handling design, including the Moovinator.
Every day people use salt, and most people associate salt with baking or cooking at home. Perhaps they associate it with deicing roads during an icy winter if they live in colder climates. However, in manufacturing, we associate salt with bulk processing and its importance to industries ranging from food manufacturing, animal feeding, pharmaceuticals, chlorine production, textiles, and oil.
Salt is a common ingredient in many industrial and manufacturing processes but can be corrosive to machinery. When salt comes into contact with metal, it causes the metal to oxidize, leading to rust and other damage. Moisture accelerates this process and is particularly damaging to machinery used in wet or humid environments. Over time, salt corrosion causes parts to break down and fail, leading to costly repairs, replacements, and downtime! To prevent salt damage, regularly cleaning and lubricating machinery is necessary to remove salt from work areas as soon as possible to extend the life of the manufacturing equipment and avoid loss of revenue.
Use of Salt in Manufacturing
Salt handling in manufacturing is not uncommon, and interestingly, the decision to use salt is made based on how its chemical structure will interact with the materials used. For example, salt interacts with water to lower its freezing point. When used on roads, it results in safer roads. Salt is also used to prepare textiles before dying, in oil drilling as a lubricant and cooling agent for the drilling head. Of course, everyone knows that salt is a common ingredient in baking and cooking to add flavor to our favorite foods and desserts! However, there are material handling challenges when it comes to manufacturing with salt. When used extensively, salt breaks down the oxide film of metals resulting in pitting. Its abrasive nature also wears away at materials and tends to clump up in humid environments presenting a material handling challenge.
Material Handing Challenges in Production When Using Salt
Salt is formed from the reaction of an acid and a base to create an ionic salt and water. In its solid-state, salt forms crystals in the face-centered cubic close packing atomic crystal packing structure. This arrangement allows the salt to be a good conductor of electrical current. When salt is dissolved in water, the positively and negatively charged ions dissociate to create a brine. When the brine is in contact with iron-rich metals it not only puts oxygen atoms in close contact with the metal but also provides an ideal environment for free electrons in the iron structure to bind with the oxygen resulting in the formation of rust and eventual corrosion.
What Manufacturers Should Know When Handling Salt
From a material handling equipment manufacturer’s point of view, we know the destructive nature of salt on equipment; poorly made and maintained equipment allows that destruction to escalate. Salt can quickly wear manufacturing equipment down and ruin products when mismanaged—understanding the frustrations and challenges of the manufacturing industry drives HaF Equipment to design solutions to material handling systems that can handle related material handling problems when using salt in manufacturing. At HaF Equipment, we address salt’s corrosive and abrasive nature in our designs by:
using the best choice of stainless steel for all equipment.
designing to minimize nooks, crannies, and crevices where corrosive materials can lodge.
keeping the system dry
In a process where ambient humidity will ruin the product, HaF can integrate a dehumidifier and design all welds in either food grade or USDA grade standards when necessary. HaF also incorporates a series of pistons as flow enhancement tools to blow cool, dry air over the salt to reduce ambient humidity and uses pneumatic thumpers to break up clumps so that they will not form due to settling.
HaF has the expertise and experience to accommodate a wide range of needs when it comes to the material handling of strong chlorides such as salt. We’re Ready to Connect with you and offer a customized salt handling solution and discuss your specific project needs.
Program recognizes leading exhibitors and suppliers driving progress in the baking industry.
The International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE), commonly known as the Baking Expo, in partnership with Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery, announced the 2022 BEST in Baking Program top honors and qualifiers who will be recognized and celebrated during the triennial trade show Sept. 18–21, 2022 in Las Vegas.
HaF Equipment is honored to be among these leaders in the baking industry and to be recognized for sanitation design with our Moovinator Horizontal Load Filter Receiver!
Visit us at our booth at the International Baking Industry Exposition, in Las Vegas from September 18 through 21, 2022. where we will showcase our innovations in bulk material handling design, including the Moovinator.
Industry leader in bulk material handling will showcase the latest technology for manufacturing and production in the baking industry.
HaF Equipment will display a variety of products to demonstrate capabilities that support industry bakery manufacturers with raw ingredient handling systems using proven processes and engineered equipment for bulk material handling at the 2022 International Baking Industry Expo (IBIE).
MAPLEWOOD, MN, August 2, 2022. HaF Equipment is excited to announce its attendance at the 2022 International Baking Industry Expo (IBIE) and invites participants to visit its display in the exhibit hall. IBIE Show Las Vegastakes place from September 17 to 21, 2022, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. HaF Equipment will be located at booth 7305 in the exhibit hall.
HaF Equipment plans to display a variety of products to demonstrate its capabilities to support industry manufacturers with proven processes and engineered equipment for bulk material handling. Some HaF Equipment products that attendees can expect to see at IBIE include:
Low-height bulk bag unloader, which fits 12-foot ceiling heights and features a tool-free quick take apart for convenienceÂ
Horizontal load filter receiver, which features an operator-centric design and convenience and sanitation features such as a pulse jet cleaning system
HaF Equipment’s new wet skid, which offers automated dosing and supports heating and cooling options
“We’re excited to demonstrate how our equipment can save manufacturers time and money,” said a HaF Equipment spokesperson. “We work to stay ahead of the markets and provide solutions that support efficient operation and mitigate issues like equipment fatigue.”
International Baking Industry Expo (IBIE) is a large convention, and HaF Equipment expects a lot of interest in its booth and displays. It encourages individuals interested in its products to schedule a meeting at IBIE with a HaF representative ahead of time. Industry professionals that want to take advantage of that opportunity can schedule a time via HaF’s form at http://pny.9d6.myftpupload.com/ibie-baking-show/. A name, email address, phone number, preferred date and time is required, and a brief statement of the topic is encouraged to ensure HaF Equipment can connect people with the right representatives atIBIE Bakery Show Las in Vegas.
The Las Vegas Convention Center is located at 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV, 89109. Through September 21, 2022, interested individuals can get a 20% discount on exhibit hall passes by using HaF Equipment’s marketing code, which is EXH305. The Expo Hall at the International Baking Industry Exposition is open from September 18 through 21, 2022.
HaF Equipment will have representatives in the Expo Hall who can speak to its products and how modern bulk processing solutions plus old-fashioned customer service can help manufacturers create bigger bottom lines and meet other business goals. Individuals who are interested in hearing more about HaF Equipment’s solutions but can’t attend the IBIE Las Vegas 2022can reach out to learn more via phone at (651) 653-5098 or email at sales@hafequipment.com.
Meet Us At The Baking ExpoÂ
Enjoy a 20% discount on exhibit hall passes on us! CLICK HERE
This discount code is valid from 3/9/22-9/21/22. Marketing Code: EXH7305.
Flour is an important ingredient in baked goods, pasta, and many other foods, and wheat flour is one of the most universal ingredients used in food production worldwide. In 2018, of the approximately 765 million tons of wheat crop,53% (or 402 million tons) were used to make wheat flour. More wheat flour was produced than sugar (166 million tons), salt (290 million tons), and soybeans (349 million tons).
The flour-making process is fairly simple; however, the flour production processon a large scale is complex and labor-intensive, and proper material handling of flour is a critical part of successfully processing flour for commercial use. An efficientflour handling system will help to reduce production costs and improve product quality. Flour production best practices include:
Easy to clean equipment: The use of material handling equipment that is designed with minimal crevices and grooves and can easily be cleaned
Automation: The use of material handling equipment with sensors and automation to control the flow of material
Implementing strict cleanliness protocols
Safety: Design systems that are safe and train employees in safe lifting and moving techniques
EASY-TO-CLEAN EQUIPMENT IS CRITICAL!
What do you mean flour is raw?!
This might surprise some of you, but all that flour is a raw ingredient. Flour isn’t “raw†because it is a product component the way sand is the “raw†ingredient of glass. Flour is “raw†in the same way that uncooked meat and poultry are “raw.†Flour is minimally processed during its creation, meaning there is still lots of bacteria in the flour, even in the bags you buy at a grocery store. None of that matters once the flour is used, as many applications of flour heat the flour to the point where most, if not all, of the bacteria are killed. But this means that the flour is highly susceptible to spoiling if not properly stored.
To make sure that flour successfully goes from field to food, there are a variety of important requirements that must be met so that the flour is moved and stored in a safe and sanitary manner.
Flour handling systems equipment needs to be cleaned regularly. The HaF Moovinator is a horizontal load filter receiver that is designed in a pneumatic conveying system to be easy to clean. Below is an image of the HaF Moovinator. When the filter bag access door is opened, there is easy access and a good “line of sight†for the operator to clean out the equipment.
HaF Moovinator filter receiver
Safety and Sanitary Measures When Handling Flour
Considering humidity levels is one of the most important factors when storing or moving flour. Bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli can quickly propagate in flour when exposed to even mildly humid air. That’s why dehumidifiers and airtight storage are necessary when storing flour for commercial food processing, especially in tropical climates near the equator. Humidity can also cause the flour to clump, leading to difficulty transporting it through pneumatic systems and improper mixing when producing products where flour is used.
When designing a flour handling system, several things must be considered.
The construction materials and the equipment’s sanitary design level. Stainless steel and food-grade construction are critically important.
Theflour equipment build must be checked to ensure no pits, crevices, or holes where material can stagnate, spoil, and infect the rest of the flour. This includes checking for airtightness on flour storage equipment. Imperfections will allow humid air to enter the system, raising the chance of bacteria growth in the flour.
In a facility that handles bulk production of flour, there are many elements present for a dust explosion or fire to occur: fuel, confinement, dispersion, oxygen, and a spark. An effective and properly operating industrial dust collector and dust collection systemminimizes the risk of fire or explosion and must be considered when designing a flour handling system.
Summary: Proper flour material handling is a critical part of a successful flour production process for commercial use, and an efficient material handling system will help to reduce production costs and improve product quality. Commercial manufacturers can help protect the consumer, their output levels, and ultimately their bottom line by investing in high-quality flour processing equipment.
HaF Equipment specializes in the design and supply of flour processing systems, focusing on the details of sanitary design. We call it “tool-free-quick-take-apart†equipment. Our flour handling systems can also incorporate explosion mitigation equipment.
An industrial dust collector is a device that helps to control industrial dust. It works by capturing dust particles from the air and then either storing them or disposing of them. There are many different types of industrial dust collectors available, and the best type for a particular application will depend on the nature of the dust and the industrial process. For example, cyclonic separators are often used for heavy-duty applications such as sawdust removal, while baghouses are better suited for capturing fine particles. Proper industrial dust handling and collection is essential for maintaining a safe and productive workplace.
HaF Equipment manufactures some of the most reliable and affordable industrial dust collectors on the market. Our factory dust collectors are designed to meet the specific needs of your workplace, and our team is always available to help you choose the right model for your needs. HaF Equipment has the perfect solution for you whether you need a small, portable unit or a larger machine for your particular industrial dust collection needs.
Typical material handling equipment that require dust collection control:
Bulk Bag Filler
A Bulk Bag Filler is a standard piece of equipment in manufacturing. It is used to package a wide range of dry powders and granulated and flaked materials into bulk bags (also known as totes, super sacks, or big bags). They are engineered for bulk material processing and packaging applications requiring high-performance operation, where reliable and repeatable duty cycles, rates, accuracy, and equipment effectiveness are crucial. They can be designed to operate as either manual or automated systems.
Using HaF Bulk Bag Fillers, the operator loads a bag into the filler station and inflates the inflatable boot, creating a seal to hold the bag in place for filling. The filler head is equipped with a vacuum port connected to a dust collection system (such as the systems that HaF supplies!) and is used to pull out the dust created while filling. Inside the filler head, an internal baffle goes below the vacuum port, causing the product to fall into the bag while forcing the air to make a 180 turn. This pulls the air out of the bag without pulling any product.
Portable Dust Collector – HaF Equipment
Truck Unload Systems
Unloading a semi-trailer of raw ingredients into a storage silo is another process that requires dust collection. The semi-trailer often comes equipped with an onboard positive displacement blower package that pressure-conveys product into the silo. Because both product and air are being blown into the silo, a lot of dust is created and needs to be pulled out of the system.
HaF has designed an operator-friendly bin vent that is used on top of the silo to create an effective filtration point where powder stays in the system and clean air exits the bin vent. The bin vent is a dust collection apparatus because it is used to cleanly release the air from within the silo back into the atmosphere. This is achieved by using filters that stop the product from leaving as the air escapes. The bin vents are sometimes equipped with a fan mount. This allows a fan to be added later for applications where air needs to escape faster. This system keeps the dust from escaping out of the top of the silo. Once an unload cycle is complete, the filter bags are back pulsed with compressed air to keep them clean and clear of dust. System Integration Unloading and Silo Systems.
Bulk Bag Unloaders
Bulk Bag Unloaders are used to unload product from super sacks (also known as big bags or totes) into the system. Untying a bulk bag can be a dusty process for operators, and like the bulk bag filler, it is important to contain the dust so that it does not enter the plant or the atmosphere. The bulk bag unloader has either a receptor tube or a discharge spout with a glovebox for operator access. Which type depends on the application and customer preference. Again, like the bulk bag filler, this is equipped with a vacuum port connected to a central dust collection system that HaF can design and supply. The HaF Dust Collection System is used to pull out the dust created when the operator has the door open. There needs to be a slight draft so that powder does not fly into the face of the operator. HaF has included a custom-designed baffle to prevent the product and the bag from being pulled in. The dust collection system is activated when the operator opens the door and disengages the safety sensor on the discharge spout. It turns off when the door is closed so that product can resume flowing. In this way, HaF has automated the dust collection process to ensure a clean environment for operators.
Bag Break Stations
To add 50-lb bags of material into the system, operators use Bag Break Stations. Bag Break Stations require effective dust collection when the operator is opening bags. HaF has designed the bag break stations to work with dust collection systems so that a slight vacuum is pulled to prevent dusting while operators empty bags into the hopper. Once the operator closes the door, the dust collection system stops, and the filter bags are pulsed to remain clean and clear of dust.
Summary:
Dust collection is a critical step in the manufacturing process. By collecting dust before it has a chance to enter the atmosphere, factory dust collection systems help to keep the air clean and safe to breathe. In addition, dust collection systems help prevent the spread of dust particles throughout the factory, which can lead to equipment malfunctions, production delays, and, worse, plant explosions. By investing in high-quality dust collection systems, manufacturers can help protect their workers and their bottom line
Turnkey manufacturing is a process where one company oversees all aspects of a project’s production from beginning to end. A turnkey manufacturing project takes the inconvenience and stress away from the customer by using a sole entity to coordinate, manage, and facilitate a project from detailed engineering to system installation and start-up. The responsibility of finding installation contractors, defining installation scope, managing installation, and coordinating various trades is taken off the customer.
FINDING AN EXPERIENCED TURNKEY VENDOR
One of the biggest advantages of utilizing a turnkey manufacturing service is that the customer is able to purchase a system and sit back and wait for the finished project. When the full scope of the project is complete, the customer can turn the keys and start up that system. It is important to choose vendors with experience in these types of turnkey industrial solutions so that a successful finished project and a smooth transition can be achieved.
Choosing an experienced turnkey partnergives customers the ability to go into a project with a high level of confidence. The risks of system responsibility are mitigated as experienced partners know what to expect and how to effectively deliver a complete system.
TURNKEY PROJECT ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
It is important for the customer to consider all the turnkey project advantages and disadvantages of collaborating with a vendor. The greatest advantage is that there is one single point of accountability. The customer only needs to communicate with one vendor; therefore, there is no need to coordinate with multiple vendors across various service lines. Should the project need additional work to be included, your vendor will bid and facilitate the needed contractors. The benefit of the vendor handling the additional resources is that the risk is on them. The customer does not need to take the time to research additional help, nor do they have to worry about the credibility of additional vendors. When a turnkey vendor is handling the project, the timeline runs more smoothly. The vendor will align schedules and keep the project moving.
The advantages outweigh the disadvantages of turnkey; however, it is important to be aware of the cons that are involved. The main concern with turnkey projects is establishing communication. It is vital to the success of the project that both the customer and the vendor are clear on expectations. Customers can feel removed and uninformed of the status of the project if the vendor is not staying in contact with them. There can also be hesitations from the customer that there will be additional charges if the turnkey vendor experiences unexpected work that needs to be added to the project.
Summary
HaF Equipment offers turnkey manufacturing services and solutions for projects big and small. Our team understands the concerns of our customers and takes the time to listen. We develop a plan and communicate along the way. If you need someone you can trust and want to eliminate the stress of managing all the details of your next project, HaF is Ready To Connect.
CONTACT US today to discuss your next project and how our team can help from beginning to end.
Industrial dust collection system in manufacturing is vital to workplace safety. In 2021, there were 51 dust-related fires worldwide, resulting in five injuries. Twenty-five (25) of these fires were in food production facilities. Much like the severity of fires, explosion mitigation is a top concern. In 2021, there were twenty-eight (28) dust-related explosions worldwide, resulting in 39 injuries and 8 fatalities, 10 of which were food product-related. In a facility, there are many elements present for a dust explosion or fire to occur: fuel, confinement, dispersion, oxygen, and a spark. An effective and properly operating industrial dust collector and dust collection systemminimizes the risk of fire or explosion.
In addition to fire and explosion prevention, there are several other reasons to incorporate industrial dust collection and the right industrial dust collector into manufacturing systems. In the United States, OSHA requires dust control in indoor workplaces to comply with legal limits for each ingredient and material. Additionally, effective dust collection and control assists with eliminating cross-contamination of food or other materials; control of health hazards, including bacteria, allergens, and, yes, insect parts. It can also assist with efficiency and recycling or reuse of food scraps, food-grade material, or pet food. Having an industrial dust collection system creates an overall cleaner work environment by keeping dust and particles from getting into the air and keeping it away from the operator.
Depending on the industry and application, the dust properties will affect which industrial dust collection equipment is best. Some of these properties include:
Particle size (small or large)
Bulk density (loose or compact)
Composition (acidic or basic)
Temperature (room temperature or elevated)
Moisture level (low or high)
Selecting the correct industrial dust control equipment to handle the dust is critical and will depend on the product and its handling in the system.
Dust Collection Methodologies
HaF Equipment offers custom design dust collection systems in any of our three general methodologies:
Dry Dust Collection
Wet Dust Collection
Portable Dust Collection
Dry Dust Collection
HaF utilizes envelope-style filter bags to provide maximum filter area in a small space, This accommodates the custom-sized airflow for the application, and the dry dust collector captures dust particles on the filter bags.
With HaF’s reverse jet pulse cleaning system, the filter bags drop dust into a hopper that can be manually or automatically removed.
Wet Dust Collection
Our wet dust collector utilizes a turbulent zone of water to capture dust particles. This method is a great way to eliminate explosion mitigation equipment, and it is easily cleaned with an optional Clean In Place (CIP) design. The dusty water discharges with either a manual process or automated valving. Wet dust collection also removes the requirement of filter bags altogether.
Portable Dust Collection
A portable dust collector allows the operator flexibility to move the dry dust collector to the point of use. Our portable dust collector comes with many customizable features including dust removal systems.
Pick-up points can be designed for each method including custom hood designs. We then size the ductwork and corresponding exhaust fan for an exact fit.
Dust Hoods are used in applications where a customer might want to squish the air out of a bag before entering the bag sealing process. There is an overhanging open duct in this application where a vacuum is being pulled. Dust hoods can also be used over conveyors to prevent dust from being spread throughout the plant.
Summary: Dust collection is a critical step in the manufacturing process. By collecting dust before it has a chance to enter the atmosphere, dust collection systems help to keep the air clean and safe to breathe. In addition, dust collection systems help to prevent the spread of dust particles throughout the factory, which can lead to equipment malfunctions, production delays, and worse, plant explosions. By investing in high-quality dust collection systems, manufacturers can help to protect both their workers and their bottom line.
HaF Equipment is here to assist you with which dust collection application and equipment would benefit your business.
In 1970, the Clean Air Act was enacted to combat a variety of air emission pollution problems and to tackle emerging and future pollution threats.
By reducing the amount of harmful chemicals released into our atmosphere, we preserve the environment for the future. But in order to do this, acid gas emissions and the release of other harmful chemicals into the atmosphere must be reduced. As a business specializing in custom-engineered material handling equipment, HaF Equipment provides air pollution control solutions, technologies, and equipment that benefit our clientele and the environment.
The Role of Technology to Combat Air Pollution
When most people think about air pollution, they envision smog-filled cities or factories belching out black smoke. While these are certainly significant sources of pollution, there are actually many sources of air pollution, both natural and man-made. Air pollution was primarily seen as an unavoidable by-product of human activity in the past. However, as our understanding of the effects has grown, so has our ability to combat air pollution. HaF Equipment is dedicated to utilizing sound technology to continue the fight against air pollution with specially designed equipment and design solutions like those identified below.
Dry Sorbent Injection (DSI) systems remove acid gases like SO2, HCI and SO3 from an exhaust stream that is found in fuel combustion processes. DSI systems are ideal for air emissions regulatory compliance requirements for a variety of reasons:
DSI is the lowest capital cost solution
DSI has the smallest footprint, and
DSI has the most flexible installation needs.
Commonalities in DSI systems are pressure conveying system, rotary feeders, splitters, and lances.
Baghouses accommodate a large range of particulate sizes and outlet emission targets. Because of our extensive design capabilities, we can also design baghouses for a variety of temperatures. And our designs are proven to limit stressful burdens on bags, which reduces the risk of broken bag incidences.
Baghouses can also be used in conjunction with our DSI systems. This improves acid gas removal efficiency by taking advantage of a filter cake built up on the baghouse filter media.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Technology (CFD modeling) is an analytical tool that can be used to predict airflow and particulate behavior in a flue gas duct. CFD modeling can be used to identify high-impact areas of optimization in the process of combating air pollution.
Pneumatic conveying. HaF Equipment has solutions for ash handling: vacuum conveying, pressure conveying and mechanical conveying. Each conveying method can be achieved using a variety of products that we can customize to a specific need; even those that are dependent on conveying distance, ash loading, and temperature profiles.
Summary: HaF Equipment is here to assist you with air pollution control technologies and equipment solutions that will help you with your manufacturing while lessening the burden on the environment. Contact a HaF account manager today to see what air pollution strategies we can provide you.
CONTACT US today to discuss your material handling equipment needs.
HaF Equipment chemical engineer Mitch Lund was named as an inaugural BEMA Ascend scholarship winner. The winners were selected during the association’s April membership value and engagement committee meeting.
In order to qualify for the Ascend engineering scholarship, the individuals must be a first-time attendee to the BEMA convention, represent a member company employer in good standing with BEMA, demonstrate leadership qualities, and exhibit a desire to gain industry knowledge and education.
Mitch along with 3 other awardees attended the BEMA Convention 2022 in San Diego, CA.
“These scholarship winners are aspiring leaders in our midst,†said Kerwin Brown, chief executive officer of BEMA. “Convention 2022 will offer these individuals a broader look into the industry while simultaneously allowing each of them the opportunity to share their unique subject matter expertise with our industry’s colleagues and customers.â€
HaF is very proud of Mitch. His dedication to his field and the excellent work he does at HaF is greatly appreciated and this recognition is well deserved.
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