The quality of compressed air in the food & beverage industry

Compressed air is one of the safest and most reliable technologies used by many companies across various industrial sectors.

Despite being readily available, its use requires specific treatments before being distributed and used in industrial processes.

In the Food & Beverage industry, compressed air must be of the highest quality and free of impurities and contaminants before coming into contact with food.

Compressed air technologies in the food & beverage sector

The F&B market is one of the most important in Italy, also recognized abroad for the quality of its products. The excellences of Made In Italy, in fact, enjoy an optimal positioning and signal potential growth opportunities every year.

Technological innovation has involved most industrial sectors regarding process management and energy efficiency increase. There is a continuous change in eating habits, and consequently, new solutions must be adapted to market demands. Pre-packaged, pre-cooked foods, and single-portion meals are the companies' response to consumers' demands for quality products.

A safe and reliable solution widely used by production facilities is the use of compressed air plants and systems. This technology powers machinery for processing and packaging final products intended for consumption. It is generally used both for automating a process and during phases of contact with the product.

In the Food market, compressed air must effectively meet safety, traceability, and quality requirements for all processing operations.

Why contaminated compressed air is risky

The use of compressed air offers numerous advantages, including the possibility of being self-produced on-site, in the industrial plant. Moreover, it is considered fast, reliable, and economical. It does not need any supplier, the supply of compressed air is totally rapid and immediate.

In industrial production processes, it is essential to treat air and make it free of moisture, contaminants, and impurities. If not treated, the air contains some hazardous substances responsible for product contamination. A compressed air plant can contaminate the air if it has rust, scale, worn compressors, air tanks, and damaged piping.

Bacteria in humid environments, such as the compressor's air intake, also pose a danger, making sterile spaces unsafe.

In a production facility, plant management officials should pay more attention to potential risk factors.

The correct approach involves a phase of "processing" the air, which includes filtering and dehumidification. By treating compressed air, the risks of contamination are reduced, and a safe and intact product is guaranteed to the final consumer.

Currently, there is no single standard to define the level of air purity, especially for the F&B industry. It is the manufacturer's responsibility to protect the consumer by preventing contamination of the production and/or packaging plants.

At Priver, we believe that adopting certifications regarding the optimization and management of production processes is indispensable. Regardless of the final type of air use, following regulations and guidelines is a conscious choice.

Characteristics of quality compressed Air

Compressed air in the Food & Beverage sector is different from that used in other sectors and requires high levels of quality. Specific knowledge of the sector and processes allows for the production of a quality product.

From the early years, at Priver, we have always worked in a loyal and transparent manner towards the customer. We have been using solutions for the proper management of production processes for years to ensure the required safety and quality standards.

We deal with products for the treatment of compressed air and gas generation, fundamental to reduce contamination risks.

We have included on-site nitrogen gas generators among the applications to reduce oxidation and inerting of the final product.

A continuously available supply that adapts to filtration, purification, separation but also bottling and vacuum packing facilities.

We guarantee efficiency and reliability in work activities, thanks to the quality of the products used in handling and control systems.