Protection against product contamination

During the filling of cream milk and dairy products, contamination repeatedly occurred at a Spanish manufacturer in the cleanroom areas. The reason: a poorly coordinated air quality concept. Freudenberg Filtration Technologies developed an engineering solution for sterile filling with a variety of components that ensure hygienic air quality.

The technical investigation of the production facility quickly revealed where action was needed: the airflow around the filling unit had to be improved, potential contamination risks eliminated, and a slight positive pressure created in the cleanroom area. A new overall concept was required to permanently meet the strict hygiene requirements of the beverage and food industry.

Cleanroom solution, rethought

From planning, manufacturing, construction, and installation of new elements to the integration of a control and regulation system for efficiency monitoring, the project was managed holistically. After the retrofit, larger laminar airflow and new fan units protect the filling machines and the associated conveyor belts of the high-risk zone. The systems, equipped with H14 HEPA filters as a second stage, ensure hygienically pure air and the necessary positive pressure. They prevent bottles from being contaminated by germs or particles during filling or transport. The filter stages of the existing air handling units were also replaced with an energy-efficient two-stage filtration solution.

Hygiene meets energy efficiency

The retrofits have proven effective: the cleanroom air quality was significantly improved, and the contamination risk minimized. The air exchange rate was also noticeably increased. To prevent problems caused by incoming moisture, the first filter stage of the air handling units effectively traps droplets. The efficient cassette filters also reduce energy consumption. As a result, a hygienic and cost-effective filtration solution was put into operation for the filling station, ensuring the highest food safety standards.