Tips For Cleaning And Sanitizing Pneumatic Conveying Lines

To remove surface buildup and contamination from conveying lines, consider the piping system and cleaning methodologies.

Pneumatic conveying is an effective form of moving dry materials in the pet food industry and other food markets. However, the long lengths of conveying pipe present a challenge when it comes to addressing cleanliness and sanitation. 

While the closed nature of pneumatic conveying systems protects material from outside contamination, like debris, insects, etc., it is difficult to identify and protect against internal forms of contamination, such as build-up, microbial growth, etc.  A plant HACCP or sanitation plan that does not address thousands of feet of pipe and dozens of elbows is incomplete and at risk for a recall.

At-risk materials
Deciding if a particular pneumatic conveying line should be cleaned at regular intervals involves identifying what materials pass through the pipeline, the inherent risk of contamination and where the conveying line is in the process. The analysis focuses on extrusion processes.

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