Hygienic Design and Hygienic USIT® - a differentiation

Hygienic_USIT

In the context of hygiene-sensitive production processes, the use of standard and control components according to Hygienic Design is paramount. But what factors lie behind this term, and what is meant by stainless steel components for Hygienic USIT® developed by NovoNox KG in cooperation with Freudenberg Sealing Technologies?

Whether in beverage and food manufacturing or in the medical, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries: companies with hygiene-sensitive manufacturing processes have no choice. They all face the challenge of designing machine production processes in such a way that hazards such as product contamination or germ proliferation are reliably excluded. The focus is therefore on machine components designed so that dirt, germs, and residues from cleaning agents cannot adhere. To meet these requirements, the use of machine parts according to Hygienic Design is necessary.

Hygienic Design - standardized design guidelines

The term "Hygienic Design" initially reflects the fundamental design guidelines for the respective machine components. Standard and control parts according to Hygienic Design must, for example, have smooth surfaces so that product residues and dirt can be easily removed or cannot adhere in the first place. Hygienically flawless production processes serve not only to protect the producing companies themselves in the hygiene sector, to avoid hazards, costly production downtimes, and ultimately damage to reputation. According to GPSG (Equipment and Product Safety Act) in accordance with the European Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC), affected companies are also legally obliged to comply with the requirements regulated here.

The law is precisely formulated and explicitly addresses the requirements to be met under "Hygienic Design." Annex 1.2.1 of the Machinery Directive, for example, regulates factors related to cleaning as well as the design of surfaces and connection parts. Additionally, considerations regarding the drainage of liquids and contamination risks must be taken into account, and certain operating materials are discussed. Examples of specific risks in hygiene-sensitive manufacturing areas are also listed.

Hygienic USIT® - protected and patented

While the term Hygienic Design declares standards in the respective design of certain machine parts as binding, components for Hygienic USIT® are trademarked, patented Inox Components. The basis of the components developed by NovoNox in cooperation with Freudenberg Sealing Technologies is also the guidelines of Hygienic Design. However, innovative sealing and washer systems Hygienic USIT® from Freudenberg, combined with specially coordinated screw systems from NovoNox, lead to a revolutionary and unique sealing and connection technology made in one piece. As a result, they are optimal safety units with even smoother, high-gloss polished surfaces and dead-space-free curves and angles, where nothing can stick or harbor germs.

With the screw and sealing system Hygienic USIT®, Freudenberg and NovoNox have taken a step toward new hygiene standards and have introduced a patented safety system at a high level. These safety systems are available exclusively through NovoNox and Freudenberg Sealing Technologies as well as authorized dealers. Customers also benefit from extensive expert knowledge with competent advice tailored to the individual hygiene requirements of their company on-site. By balancing an ideal solution with actual requirements and assessing technical feasibility, an individual safety concept is offered that ensures optimal results in hygiene-sensitive, machine-based manufacturing processes.

(Photo: NovoNox KG)