Food and beverage manufacturing environments present a range of cleaning challenges, from removing fine ingredient powders and production residues to managing combustible dust and maintaining high standards of hygiene. Choosing the right industrial vacuum cleaner can help businesses maintain cleaner production areas, support workplace safety and improve cleaning efficiency.
However, not every industrial vacuum is suitable for every application. The material being collected, the operating environment and the level of risk all need to be considered before selecting equipment.
In this guide, Kerstar explains the key factors to consider when choosing an industrial vacuum for food production.
1. Understand the Material You Need to Collect
The first step is to identify exactly what needs to be vacuumed. Food and beverage production can generate a wide variety of materials, including flour, sugar, starch, powdered ingredients, granules and general production residues.
Different materials have different collection requirements. Fine powders may require carefully selected filtration, while larger quantities of waste may call for a higher-capacity collection system. The characteristics of the material will influence the vacuum's power, filtration requirements and collection method.
It is also important to consider how frequently cleaning takes place and how much material needs to be collected. Understanding the application helps ensure the vacuum is suited to the demands of the production environment.
2. Determine Whether an ATEX-Certified Vacuum Is Required
Combustible dust is an important consideration in many food production facilities. Ingredients such as flour, sugar and starch can create combustible dust hazards when dispersed in the air under the right conditions.
Where a hazardous area has been classified under applicable ATEX requirements, equipment used in that area must be suitable for the relevant classification and hazard. An ATEX-certified industrial vacuum may therefore be necessary for collecting combustible dust in these environments.
However, not every food production area is ATEX-zoned. The correct equipment should be selected following an appropriate risk assessment and hazardous-area classification, taking account of the material being collected and the conditions in which the vacuum will operate.
Kerstar offers ATEX-certified industrial vacuum cleaners for suitable hazardous-area applications, helping businesses identify equipment appropriate to their dust and gas zone requirements.
If you are unsure whether your application requires an ATEX vacuum, it is important to seek advice before selecting equipment.
3. Choose Suitable Filtration
Filtration is another important consideration when selecting an industrial vacuum for food production, particularly when collecting fine powders or hazardous dust.
The appropriate filtration system will depend on the material, the risks associated with it and the requirements of the application. For example, certain hazardous-dust applications may require Type H filtration, which is designed for high-risk dust collection.
Some Kerstar industrial vacuum cleaners feature H14 HEPA filtration, with a stated filtration efficiency of 99.995% under the applicable test conditions. The correct specification will depend on the model and application.
It is important to remember that filtration and ATEX certification address different requirements. A particular filtration classification does not automatically make a vacuum suitable for use in a potentially explosive atmosphere. Both aspects must be considered when selecting equipment for hazardous-dust applications.
4. Consider Cleaning Frequency and Operating Requirements
How often will the vacuum be used? Will it be needed for occasional housekeeping, regular cleaning around production machinery or sustained operation over extended periods?
These questions can help determine the most suitable type of industrial vacuum.
For routine cleaning tasks, a vacuum selected for the material and expected workload may be sufficient. Applications involving frequent use or extended operating periods may require equipment specifically designed for continuous-duty operation.
Collection capacity is also important. A suitably sized collection system can help reduce interruptions for emptying, while an appropriate filtration and filter-cleaning system can support consistent performance when handling dusty materials.
Considering these requirements before purchasing can help businesses select equipment that fits their production processes and cleaning schedules.
5. Assess Hygiene and the Production Environment
Food production facilities must consider hygiene alongside cleaning performance. The vacuum should be appropriate for the materials being collected and the conditions in which it will be used.
Depending on the application, factors such as the collection container, ease of emptying, material compatibility and cleaning procedures may all influence the choice of equipment.
Businesses should also consider how vacuuming fits into their wider hygiene management procedures. An industrial vacuum is one part of an effective cleaning process, and equipment selection should reflect the site's specific hygiene and contamination-control requirements.
Where there are strict cleaning protocols, it is worth confirming whether particular materials, accessories or collection methods are needed for the application.
6. Match the Vacuum to the Application
There is no single industrial vacuum that is right for every food production environment. Selecting the right model means balancing safety, filtration, collection capacity, operating requirements and the material being collected.
Before making a decision, consider:
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Material: What type of dust, powder, residue or waste needs to be collected?
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Hazard classification: Is the area ATEX-zoned, and what equipment classification is required?
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Filtration: What filtration level is appropriate for the material and application?
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Operating requirements: How frequently and for how long will the vacuum be used?
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Collection capacity: How much material needs to be collected, and how often will the container need emptying?
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Hygiene requirements: What cleaning procedures and material compatibility considerations apply?
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Maintenance: What filter servicing, emptying and routine maintenance will be required?
Taking these factors into account can help businesses make a more informed decision and identify equipment that meets the needs of their production environment.
Find the Right Industrial Vacuum for Your Food Production Application
From fine ingredient powders to hazardous dust, food and beverage manufacturing requires careful consideration when selecting industrial cleaning equipment. The right vacuum should be suited to the material being collected, the operating environment and the relevant safety requirements.
Kerstar supplies a range of industrial vacuum cleaners, including ATEX-certified models for suitable hazardous-area applications and non-ATEX industrial vacuums for other industrial cleaning requirements.
If you need help choosing an industrial vacuum for your food production facility, contact Kerstar to discuss your application and get expert advice on the right vacuum for your requirements.