In food processing, where maintaining high hygiene standards, reliability, and product quality is very important, the significance of each component within your equipment cannot be overstated. Food processing equipment manufacturers and maintenance teams at food processing plants recognize the significance of inflatable seals in maintaining airtight and hygienic conditions. In this article, we will explore the importance of seal material colors in the food processing industry.
Importance of Seal Material Color in Food Processing
Seals have a significant role in ensuring the integrity of the process, preventing contamination, minimizing product loss, and reducing equipment downtime. The selection of material and color for seals can significantly impact the overall performance and reliability of the food processing equipment.
Non-reinforced seals are typically composed of a singular, homogeneous material, such as rubber, silicone, or other elastomers, lacking any supplementary layers of fabric or reinforcement. In contrast, fabric-reinforced inflatable seals are made resistant to air or water by inserting a flexible fabric material between elastomeric layers, such as rubber or polymer, and inflated with air or an alternative fluid to induce expansion and establish a secure seal.
The choice of seal color is a crucial consideration for both fabric-reinforced inflatable seals and non-reinforced seals, as it impacts various factors, including:
1. Material Compatibility
The pigments that color the seals can affect their compatibility with various foods and cleaning agents. Certain pigments, for example, may degrade when exposed to acidic foods. One of the classic examples of an issue with seal color in food processing is with mashed potatoes. Because of the chemical makeup of potatoes, they react poorly to black silicone, turning them gray or black during processing. Therefore it is critical to ensure that the coloring agent does not undermine the integrity of the seal or penetrate into the food product.
2. Traceability and Compliance
In the food industry, seal materials are frequently color-coded to ensure that the correct materials are used in specific areas of processing equipment. This aids in complying with FDA regulations regarding food safety.
Different colors can signify distinct material varieties or grades. For example, blue seals may be FDA-approved silicone, whereas red seals may signify EPDM rubber. This simplifies compliance monitoring and auditing.
3. Preventing Cross-Contamination
Food processing facilities frequently have distinct areas for handling different types of products, contaminants, and organic versus non-organic items. Seals are color-coded to prevent cross-contamination.
Using seals of different colors for various zones or processes reduces the likelihood of allergenic substances, pathogens, or foreign contaminants spreading from one area to another.
4. Material Identification
Food processing equipment includes a variety of seals, gaskets, and O-rings manufactured from various materials such as silicone, EPDM, Nitrile, or Viton. The color of these seals can be utilized to determine their material composition quickly.
When performing routine maintenance or repairs, this assists technicians in identifying the correct replacement seal. Using the incorrect material may compromise the equipment's integrity and product safety.
5. Temperature Resistance
Certain seal materials have temperature-resistant qualities. Silicone, for example, can resist a wide temperature range, but EPDM is chosen for hot water applications.
Color-coding seals based on temperature resistance enable quick and precise selection when developing or repairing equipment.
6. Chemical Compatibility
During the cleaning and sanitization of food processing equipment, seals come into touch with various cleaning agents and chemicals. Chemical resistance varies between materials so color-coded seals can indicate compatibility with certain cleaning solutions, ensuring the appropriate seals are utilized during cleaning.
7. Preventing Material Mix-Ups
Mixing seals made of various materials might contaminate processed food, alter product quality, and pose health risks.
Color-coded seals serve as a visual reminder to ensure that the correct seals are installed in the correct locations, preventing costly mix-ups.
To summarize, the color of the seal material in food processing equipment is more than just an aesthetic decision; it is also an important factor in guaranteeing food safety, equipment reliability, and compliance with industry requirements.
Furthermore, the below table makes a comparison of Black and Orange Color Silicone in food processing:
| Factor | Orange Silicone (Food Processing) | Black Silicone (Food Processing) |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Highly visible for easy detection of contamination | Less visible; may not stand out as much |
| Identification | Useful for color-coding different equipment or areas in food processing | May not provide clear identification |
| UV Resistance | Excellent UV resistance can be beneficial for outdoor food processing areas. | UV resistance is not as critical in indoor food processing |
| Quality | The alternative color prevents the impact on food quality perception and maintains visual appeal | Black silicone makes an impact on food quality, such as turning mashed potatoes gray and affecting the visual appeal of processed food |
| Heat Absorption | It may not absorb as much heat, benefiting hot food processing. | Absorbs and retains heat, which may not be ideal for some applications |
| Common Applications | Gaskets for high-temperature food processing equipment, color-coded hygiene zones | Gaskets for ovens, grills, and high-heat cooking equipment |
Significance of FDA-Approved Silicone Seal Material
In the food processing industry, using materials designated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is not a suggestion but a requirement.
Here's a table comparing the properties of FDA-Approved Silicone with Non-Approved Silicone in food processing:
| Properties | FDA-Approved Silicone | Non-Approved Silicone |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature Resistance | -80°F to 450°F | Varies |
| Flexibility | Excellent flexibility, elongation, and low compression set | Moderate |
| Chemical Resistance | Resistant to strong chemicals such as acetic acid, ammonia gas, fish oil, corn oil, tartaric acid, sodium sulfate, and vinegar | UV resistance is not as critical in indoor food processing |
| Safety with Food Products | Petroleum-free, no fillers, BPS, and BPA – safe for food contact | May contain fillers |
| Water Repellency | Water-Repellent | Varies |
| Resistance to Environmental Elements | Resistant to ozonation, aging, weathering, ultraviolet rays, and harsh working conditions | Moderate |
It is critical to collaborate with an expert seal manufacturer such as Seal Master that provides custom engineering capabilities such as design expertise, material selection, prototyping, finite element analysis (FEA), tooling and manufacturing, testing and quality control, and more.
Conclusion
The selection of seals can make or break your operation in the food processing industry. Inflatable seals with fabric reinforcement improve durability and flexibility, ensuring constant performance and longevity. When paired with FDA-approved silicone in orange, you exceed regulatory requirements and keep your items visually appealing. Furthermore, collaborating with a seal manufacturer that offers unique engineering capabilities helps you to customize solutions to your specific needs.
Choose fabric-reinforced inflated seals with FDA-approved silicone and take advantage of enhanced functionality and dependability benefits.
Contact us today for more information or to explore an FDA-approved seal solution for your application.