Tougher safety regulations, such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles, are forcing processors in all areas of the food industry to implement thorough wash-down procedures in operations, and self-cleaning machines are one of the easiest and cheapest ways complying with the regulations.
Switzerland-based Interroll's new drum motor is equipped with around 20 specially positioned nozzles, meaning that the machine is capable to clean itself, the company said.
Self-applied water and cleaning agent is pumped through the nozzles by a 135mm motor, and is sprayed at such a pressure that the mixture removes all stains, "even congealed blood and grime."
"The upper surface, which is not directly accessible to the motor drum nozzles, can be cleaned by an additional system of nozzles fitted to the equipment - to create a fully self-contained cleaning system that is capable of reaching every area of the conveyor," the company added.
Interoll also claim that the new drum will also save processors money, as the need for human cleaning is removed.
"If a mere €15 can be saved each day, the self-cleaning drum motor pays for itself after just over a quarter of a year."
Interroll's new self-cleaning drum was unveiled at this year's IFFA trade fair in Germany, and full-scale production will start at the end of 2007.
HACCP is a systematic preventative approach to food safety aiming to spot physical, chemical and biological hazards at the during the manufacturing process, rather than at final product inspection.
