Heraeus Noblelight is showing examples of its extensive range of infrared and ultraviolet systems on Booth E121 in Hall 6 at the Foodex Manufacturing Solutions, which takes place in Birmingham from 24th to 26th April. Both technologies are used extensively throughout the food manufacture and packaging sector, in applications ranging from disinfection of product to increasing the efficiency of packaging lines.
Infrared (IR) systems are used to transfer heat without contact. They can employ medium wave or short wave emitters, which are often arranged in zones to ensure maximum efficiency. If required, precise temperature control can be effected by a pyrometer/thyristor arrangement and fast response emitters switch on and off quickly, to save energy and to prevent product damage in the event of unexpected conveyor line stoppage. Typical product applications are in the grilling of vegetables, as opposed to flame grilling, browning of potato and pasta products and heating of molds to prevent chocolate detempering during filling.
Infrared technology is also widely used in the packaging of foodstuffs. IR has been used to heat bottles and jars before they are filled with hot liquids, to prevent thermal shock and consequent cracking. It has also solved a problem of condensation on beer bottles, which was preventing the guaranteed adhesion of labels.
Ultraviolet (UV) technology is used primarily to disinfect product and packaging areas. UVC disinfection is a cold process and functions without the addition of chemicals within seconds. UVC light has an intensive germicidal effect. The wavelength of 253.7 nm is absorbed by up to 85% in the cell nucleus of the micro-organisms and this halts the metabolism of the cells and their propagation. In this way, viruses, bacteria, yeasts and mildew and other organisms are neutralized or destroyed. The important parameters are the radiation strength of the equipment and the UV dosage required for destroying the micro-organisms. Currently, Heraeus Noblelight is developing a new system for UV flash disinfection to improve the process and achieve faster line speeds.
Heraeus Noblelight is one of the technology- and market-leaders in the production of specialty light sources and systems. It operates extensively throughout the food sector and offers customers the facilities of Application Centers in the UK and Germany, where IR and UV systems can be trialled to determines optimum solutions to relevant food manufacturing and packaging problems.
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