A Better Bridge to EHEDG
In a world where international trade is routine, American dairy processors are not allowed the same economic advantages as similar plants in Europe. Factories producing identical products on two continents find that American dairy plants are required to operate with clean-in-place (CIP) devices that consume twice the amount of water to operate and often take much longer to complete a CIP cycle. This creates a financial disadvantage for US dairy processors.
American dairy processors adhere to the standards published by 3-A while the European manufacturers are operating under guidelines set up by the European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group (EHEDG). Currently there are efforts underway for both organizations to work together. 3-A’s adoption of the Third Party Review for approvals does bring it closer to the EHEDG procedures. However, 3-A operates under detailed standards that by definition rule out the use of most gear-driven tank cleaning devices. This means that dairy processors and some food plants in the United States are barred from using such devices. In Europe, EHEDG requires lab testing of the devices to analyze potential for contamination with the equipment itself. In this evaluation they have found many gear-driven devices to be sanitary and compliant for use in dairy and other food and beverage applications.
There should be a better way to bridge the principles of one with the practices of the other, resulting in a safe, common operating ground for dairy and food manufacturers both in Europe and the United States. This will allow US dairy processors to take advantage of the economic benefits of modern cleaning devices, while also reaching their sustainability goals of reducing water usage at the plant level.
Expert Bio
Richard Honeycutt, Tank Cleaning Sales Specialist for Alfa Laval Tank Equipment
Richard Honeycutt is the Tank Cleaning Sales Specialist for Alfa Laval Tank Equipment. He has over ten years experience in clean-in-place (CIP) spray nozzles. Richard has extensive experience in reviewing CIP installations in the plant. He also uses tank drawings for review and suggestions for CIP spray nozzles. Previously Richard has served on work groups for 3-A.
ABOUT CSI
Central States Industrial Equipment (CSI) is a leader in distribution of hygienic pipe, valves, fittings, pumps, heat exchangers, and MRO supplies for hygienic industrial processors, with four distribution facilities across the U.S. CSI also provides detail design and execution for hygienic process systems in the food, dairy, beverage, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and personal care industries. Specializing in process piping, system start-ups, and cleaning systems, CSI leverages technology, intellectual property, and industry expertise to deliver solutions to processing problems. More information can be found at www.csidesigns.com.