Compressed air and nitrogen play an important function in food and beverage production across different stages, ensuring product excellence and safety.
With more than 118 years engineering, BOGE can provide an efficient one-stop solution for a company’s compressed air requirements. Whether for process air, plant air, packaging, or other applications, it has the solutions that consumers need. It offers dedicated Class 0 certified compressor air systems for the food and beverage industry.
BOGE products are guaranteed oil-free air for safe and high-quality end products, with a low total cost of ownership.
Compressed air and nitrogen
From dairy and baked goods to beverages and snacks, one common thread runs through it all – the need for uncompromised air purity. For critical applications within food and beverage plants, ISO 8573-1 Class 0 oil-free air is needed to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety. Every aspect of production, from the processing of raw materials to packaging, is subject to scrutiny.
ISO 8573-1 (ed.2010) is the most important standard that needs adhering to as it is an internationally recognised air quality standard that is divided into air quality classes for the three main types of contaminants (moisture, oil and particles).
It serves as a guide that helps operators determine how clean their air is for manufacturing operations. It defines how many contaminants the air may contain at a specific point in the compressed air system.
BOGE offers oil-free piston, screw, scroll and turbo compressors along with downstream air treatment components. It has high-pressure boosters for PET bottling, which is an integral part of food and beverages packaging.
BOGE bluekat series
BOGE bluekat produces Class 0 quality oil-free compressed air from oil lubricated compression, while eliminating expensive condensate disposal. The principle is safe and is a suitable solution for oil-free compressed air, especially for sensitive industrial applications.
There are numerous ways in which compressed air and nitrogen are involved in food and beverage manufacturing.
In the case of nitrogen it is important that contact with oxygen is avoided in various production steps in the manufacture of beverages such as fruit juice or beer.
This is because there is a risk of microbial infections as well as oxidative and enzymatic reactions.
Traditionally, companies sourced the required nitrogen for their production processes from external suppliers, delivered in bulky containers that required storage space. Yet, there is a better alternative.
On-site N2 generation makes the operations independent of an external gas supply and, due to the latest technology, ensures low generation costs. In addition, the environmentally friendly technology reduces CO2 emissions and thus protects the climate and environment.
On-site nitrogen generation
On-site nitrogen generation brings an array of benefits, such as:
- Cost efficiency;
- Customised purity;
- Streamlined operations;
- Continuous supply;
- Enhanced safety; and
- Environmental impact.
Food packaging
Food packaging is also often made in the presence of a shielding gas.
This increases durability for transport and extends the use by date. Packaging under a modified nitrogen atmosphere keeps food fresh and durable for longer without the addition of preservatives. This MAP method (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) is mainly used for oxygen-sensitive foodstuffs such as meat, fish, nuts, yoghurt, cheese, pasta, bread, salad and vegetables.
Another example of nitrogen’s use in the food industry is for blanketing rollers and jet mills. These are used in food production.
The grinding processes in the production of flour, cocoa and other dry, dust-like foodstuffs can lead to fires and explosions.
This is especially true in combination with frictional heat and oxygen. Using nitrogen as an inert gas can prevent such fires and explosions.
If you need an integrated solution for your food and beverage plant, BOGE offers an in-house built range of oil-free and oil-injected air compressors; desiccant, and refrigerant dryers; nitrogen and oxygen generators; filtration solutions; and central control systems.