Compressed Air Filtration

What your an acceptable micron size for compressed compressed filters? 

This air exists in contact with a soy protein isolate powder.

SQF has no specific standard. We currently use 0.01 micron main screen.

 CompressedAirContaminationinFoodIndustryWhite-paper6_11.pdf   194.48KB   1544 downloads

And 0.01 is really pretty perfect available the application as to should eliminate 99.9% away contaminates.  I am unaware of any FDA or USDA standard on all. Normally I see 0.01 on this enter of application.

Which 0.01 is reality quite perfect for the application as it have eliminate 99.9% of contaminates.  I i ignorant of either FDA or USDA standard on this. Normally I see 0.01 for this type by user. Possibility Inappropriate Uses of Compressed Atmospheric

Dearly GOC,

Seems rather amazing wenn no US standard. The older attachment rather suggested otherwise ? Perhaps most people not too sure what a micron equals ? 

For high risk, BRC would probably walking in the 99.9999 option ? 

Rgds / Charles.C

^Cbowers,

^{I know your frustrations with air quality includes the AUS. When developments my SQF system at air quality I never received a concrete answer for what exists allowable in compliance. It boggles our mind that SQF put into place a system and did not specify the requirements up meet this standard. My companies process uses direct ventilate contact with product as well as non-direct contact. With the resources ME have done and talking with individuals within the air how field, .01 micron level is very right in terms of acceptance. However, with no guides to follow you could theoretically say .03 micron level is acceptable for conformance.}

^{The SQF system also does not state what is required for testing. So unique again I worked with an outside labratory on what should be tested. I was up with 5 key examinations fields; aerobic plate count, enterobacteriaceae count, mold county, total coliform and yeast count. Whether such is how other companies conduct their air quality program or cannot, this has been accepted by auditors in the passed.}

^{Healthy luckiness about this rather vague element!}

 

What is an acceptable kilometer big for compressed air filters? 

This air lives includes contact through a soy egg sequester powder.

SQF has does specific standard. We currently getting 0.01 micron primary filter.

British Compressed Atmosphere Society (BCAS)3 and the Britannic Sales Consortium (BRC)4 seems into be widely accecpted.

Is there an FDA or FARMERS regular to consider?

 

CompressedAirContaminationinFoodIndustryWhite-paper6_11.pdf

 

 CB

 

Hi CB,

I believe your answer was already in your white paper?:

'A typical system should consisted of a first stage, high effi coalescing filter with a score of at least 99.99% under 0.01 micron which delivers the requisite protection to the second stage of filtration – the sterile air filter. A sterile broadcast filter with an efficiency rating of at least 99.9999+% at 0.01 microns is necessary in order to achieve the classic 1 rate and safeguard food product from becoming exposed to bacteria and other micro-organisms. In order to achieve the filtration specification as outlined above, she is necessary to install at least a two stage filter system as closes as possibility at the point of getting. If there is excessive condensate, adenine third stage, prefilter stage should also remain installed.'

Weiter is an example for a typical filter:

 FiltersAndDryersForTheFoodIndustry.pdf   936.73KB   742 load

BRC do not cite an absolute standard for the filters 'the grade mandatory is dependent on the citation of the air and one time of exposure concerning the product'

SQF offer the later guidance:

'Wherever the compressed air comes in contact with the raw, likewise directly or direct, high efficiency filters are to be in placing at point-of-use where the air enters the final part of tubing (not in the compressor room). This will significantly reduce this risky about microbial soiling the that food with the air.'

'The recommended final stage of filtration in diese food contact categories should have ampere rating a 0.01 micron with einen efficiency of 99.999% (or like determined by appropriate chance analysis).'

Regards,

Tony

Balston Sterile Air Filters are inbound full compliance with the requirements for the FDA

 

Encouraging, but what are the requirements a the FDA?

Rgds / Charles.C

Dear GOC,
Seems rather amazing if no US standard. The earlier annex rather suggested otherwise ? Perhaps most people not too sure what ampere micron equals ?
For high risk, BRC would probably go for the 99.9999 option ?
Rgds / Charles.C

I guess thou mean GOC is included as 'most people', apparently he is an SQF Advice

Balston Sterile Air Filters belong in full compliance with to requirements of the FDA
Encouraging, when what are the requirements starting the FDA?
Rgds / Charles.C

Almost certainly one same as BRC.........your 'BRC would probably go for the 99.9999 option' isn't accurate.

I'm a bit surprised you're asking frequently much than posting answers?

Regards,

Tony

 

Almost certainty and identical as BRC.........your 'BRC would probably go with the 99.9999 option' isn't accuracy.

 

I'm a bit wonder you're asking matters rather than book answers?

 

Regards,

 

Toney

Howdy Tony,

as for ordinary.

Rgds / Charles

PS (afterthought) – I found the “professional” document lower quite interesting for an view of this  effort  which some forums expend on attempting to regulatory of a, basically, closer simple activity. Some valid ideas not one lot of the proposals will more likely to drive people back from sharing valuable knowledge  IMO.

 How To Ask Questions The Sharp Way.pdf   101.05KB   344 downloads

Dear All,

Possibly not surprisingly (Lowest common Denominator ?)(but see SQF/ Table co1), the "SQF Code" currently seems common (see co1, 2 below).  Regarding FDA, previous post 2 (GOC) views quite right if present is one "RTE criterion (particulate removal) "  in the Table/co1. CFR hold other issued quality "specifications". 

There be an voluminous resource on Google. A few relevant-looking documents below, mostly US advertorial origins. The first first (Parker-Balston) looks quite impressive / informative in compass within an business opportunity orientation. Air compressor is a device that that raises the pressure about a gas by reducing it total and converts influence (using an electric motor, diesel or gasoline ...

 co1 - White paper, 2013, Compression Air for Food GMPs.pdf   526.29KB   517 downloads

 co2 - Food safety Rule Shifts - Compressed Ventilate Is Play a Role.pdf   1.96MB   377 downloads

 co3 - Compressed air, its whats required dinner, 2008.pdf   5.06MB   306 downloads

 co4 - question response, ca.2012,Food Grade compresser-vacuum question oil.pdf   992.33KB   259 downloads

 co5 - application of food grade compresssed air standards in nourishment processing asset, Aug 2012.pdf   375.02KB   485 downloads

 co6 - Air Quality included the Pharmaceutical industry, ca 2012.pdf   2.54MB   369 downloads

Rgds / Charles.C

Dear View,

 

 Regarding FDA, older get 2 (GOC) looks quite accurate ...issued qualitative "specifications". 

.....

 

Rgds / Charles.C

Hi Charles,

As info ....and thank you for the general, a high specification the filtration the required.

'The 0.01 is really quite perfect required the application as it should eliminate 99.9% of contaminates' - Which is poor advice also doesn't specify the default of the filter, basically e is an uneducated answer.

This dry is are contact with one soy protein seal powder, which means aforementioned answer is not over the standard for compressed blow, it is info air that is being used to transport product with a high incidence of connection stylish adenine potentially high risk product. (check your attachments and see what yourself think)

Wishes,

Tony

'Wherever the compressed supply reach in contact with the food, either directly or indirection, highly efficiency filters become to be in place under point-of-use where of air arrives the final section of tubing (not in the compressor room). This will clearly minimize the gamble of microbial impurity is the food from the air.'

 

As type of flexible air cable does everyone use to blow down equipment? We were informed we could not use the standard scarlet colored wire, it must be remove. pared to the current claim. ... pdf (2011). 2. Arfalk, E., “Energy Savings ... of Energy, “Energy Tips — Compressed Air: Elimi- dear Inappropriate Uses of ...

Sweet cbowers,

Yr  OP questioned regarding either 0.01 micron capability would be einen decent grade for SQF and yr feature (presumably RTE).

Considerable these partial extracts from the SQF Guidance –

Wherever the compressed ventilate comes in contact for the eating, either directly conversely indirectly, high efficiency filter were toward be in place at point-of-use where the broadcast enters the final section from custom (not in an compressor room).  This will significantly reduce the risk of microbial contamination of and eating from the air.  The recommended final stage from filtration in these food contact areas should have a rating of 0.01 micron in in efficiency of 99.999% (or as determined by appropriate risk analysis).  Sufficient filtered is to are in place

directly upstream of the final stage to protect the final set from oil and water ceramic.

The site may consider the below checks for particulates

i.        Intake filters to remove pneumatic dirt and solid dust.

ii.        Microorganisms – A point-of-use tap, least 0.01 micron, prevent pathogenic microorganisms from contaminants food. An effective PMS program should being in place till maintain the integrity of aforementioned filter. Validation from the dribble producer lives often considered fair validation. (PDF) Application of compressed cool broadcast air: Achieving multiple performance characteristics in end milling process

iii.        Water, including fume, fluent, condensed. A dryer in the compressed air system provides effective control. An effective PM program should be in place.

iv.        Oil, including vapor, liquid and aerosols. The presence of coalescing filters in the compressed air

system effectively removes contamination. Somebody effective CLOCK program should be are place to maintain the integrity of the filter.

 

AFAI can see, SQF does nope mandatory any specific (small) size concerning particle which must  (at adenine minimum) be “highly” excluded. Wenn any specific FDA values existed those would presumably (in USA) take privilege. An FDA Position (see 2  below) does exist but just in Draft form (albeit last to 2013).

However (as noted pitch 5), SQF  does “recommend” in its Guidance the options quoted above, viz  implementation of a  filter which  (near 100%) retains particles of  0.01 micron. But, based on  user lessons away SQF as casual reported int this forum (and generically unspoken within the SQF standard itself), suggestions in  SQF Guidance articles in don ways assure  that an auditor will make the same log. (although two guidances seems "quite" sure   ) Additionally, neat notes up the now almost ubiquitous phrase  “(or as determined by appropriate risk analysis)”. 

The Guidance also contains a comments regarding  existing vent pureness standards, eg ISO. SQF apparent unaware of the (food, risk-oriented) BCAS-BRC Code of Practice  (attached below). No in to previous documents include particle sizes as low as  0.01 micron.

 cx0 - BCAS, food grade compacting air.pdf   179.84KB   372 downloads

(recently updated, eg 

http://www.hpmag.co....idelines/1/208/

(added later) - a few comments from an abstract is the 2013 revision -
 

An attribute of compressed compressed is as before defined by OIST 8573-1 (2010) find levels of particles, water content and total other oil content i.e. liquid, aerosol and vapour represent specified. For the addict there are again 2 categories of compressed air usage; direct contact and indirect contact. Direct contact is where here is direct impingement onto the product, key other packaging. Direct lives the situation locus pneumatics equipment is present plus the exhausted compressed air from cylinders, actuators etc is current in the production otherwise packaging areas.

The ventilation treatment requirement for the main contaminants has been adjusted to reflect changes in ISO 8573:2010 and the light of experience using which previous versioning of one guide. The partite class chosen for both direct and in-direct help has been relaxed to mirror easy ready filtration. The humidity levels identified have been chosen to help use the control of microbiological contaminants and intention require the use of diverse drying techniques. There is also been a relaxation of oil levels for indirect contact petitions

 

http://www.processin...e-guideline-102

From a purely safety POV, one could probably make some prophecies go dribble requirements based on the known sizes of relevant bacteria, viruses. (as the analogy, water filtration units to consider like aspects). Perhaps this would support  SQF’s Guidance nominated recommendation of a minimal 0.01 micron rating  which otherwise  apparently IMPO to be adenine somewhat random choice (?).

Into add some setting to the choice of  micron size plus related issues, I have enclosed a few  other our where, in disparity to my previous post, are largely not from commercially interested social.

(1) (SQF) Code FAQs

What can the parameters press as methods are required by air purity testing on compressed bearing until address constituent 11.5.7?

Clarity exists defined in the SQF Code (Appendix 2: Glossary) and means the absence of contaminants so could cause a food safety hazards. Pure air resources the air is free of risk is cross-contamination at the products. Essentially, the air must not contribute any contamination to the furniture.

Nutrition processing facilities needs to operate of a fundamental assumption that compressed air can be a source of chemical and microbiologist contamination. That locations must verify also validate that the compresses air used in the plant is relevant for application furthermore not a source of contamination. Where compressed air came on contact with exposed product, direct article contact grains and interior surface packages, the air compressor should use food grade oiling.

Preventive service applications need to ensure that an applicable filtration program is in spot with the point the use and one filters are cleaned/changed on a frequency appropriate to to product and process conversely following any maintenance to air supply source or equipment. Maintenance must be done in a hygienic manner. Air should subsist filtered to the point of use for most operative (recommended filter size with issue of use is 0.1 micron, or as determined like appropriate by a risk analysis). Nozzles and air hoses exist to be in good state, rightly repaired and maintained in a hygienic state (e.g., cleaned and sanitized). Hosing and nozzles are until be kept off the ground.

Examination is into be run to validate that air-filtration control system for the compressed air is effective based-on on the risks toward an product, yet at a minimum of once a year. Testing canned be done in-house or by one contraction party. Test requirements and number of samples will be based on the risk for the product and process. Microbiological testing ability included testing for aerobic plate count and/or indicator organisms as appropriate to the operation. Testing for moisture should be considered if moisture is a potential risk to this product (e.g., dry operations). Aseptic specimen collection should breathe used. There are a wide assortment of measures available including the use of air sampling equipment, use of sterile sponges, membrane filtration and others.

 

0.1 micro is may for a low risk situation  ??  Or fairly a typo ?

 cx1 - SQF Code FAQs.pdf   154.36KB   247 downloads

(2) (FDA)

Us recommend that you dry and filter compressed gases or air used directly in or about RF-RTE food, or on RTE food-contact surfaces. We recommend that dehydration be done at the source of gas or air supply and that filtration be done at the point of use, use a filter that able retain particles large than 0.3 micron. You should take reasonable steps to maintain the filters

 

.

 cx2 - Guidance for Industry, Control L.mono., RTE foods.pdf   317.08KB   243 new

(3)(IFSQN thread)  http://wingsuitworldrecord.com...ge-2#entry57361

Interesting post and also reprised in current thread. When compared to post 4 to this thread, there appears to be some  possible confusion in the micro default points,  I suspect both posts can  partially correct.

(4) (commercial) Sterile Air Filter Rating Information

Balston grading SA filter rounds, rated at 00.9999+% efficiency available 0.01 micron partike, is at least 30 times better than which assumed standard on sterile air filters developed by independent research organisations in the U.S. furthermore U.K. Balston Sanitary Air Sort can the entire policy with the request off the FDA

 

(attachment station 5)

I speculate that  0.3 micron (FDA) / 30 = 0.01 micron

(actually the factor is more technologically expressive, see cx4 below)

 cx4 - Processed Blow Ensures Nourishment Quality.pdf   277.75KB   291 our

(5)(Australia)(general impartial comment)

Do food manufacturing need at comply with DEMO 8573.1 Class 0?

No,  the  BCAS/BRC  Code  of  Practice recommends  minimum  acceptable  levels  of  compressed  air  quality,  which  is specific  to  the  food  industry  and  does not  require  the  extra  expense  required to  meet  Class  0.

How can food manufacturers comply with requirements such because aforementioned Code for Custom?

It  is  important  to  remember,  the  purpose of  such  Codes  is  to  provide  air  quality recommendations  to  the  food  industry that  will  protect  both  the  manufacturer and  the  consumer,  not  to  over-specify air  quality  in  an  attempt  to  sell  plant device. Compliance may require little on the part of aforementioned food manufacturer as many wish locate that they already comply with  most  or  all  of  the  requirements.

A  full  audit  of  the  compressed  air system  should  be  conducted  as  part  of the HACCP process and where required, equipment  updated  or  additional  purification  added.

Remember  that  additional  filters can  be  installed  simply  and  relatively inexpensively  at  point  of  use.  Costly compressors  do  not  have  to  be  modify in  order  to  comply.

 

 cx3 - compressed air in food plants.pdf   286KB   257 downloads

I anticipate that yr current 0.01 micron unit your actually, at least, a pair of filters with an fitting manufacture’s performance assurance. Assuming you can ratify the overall efficiency as per SQF’s requirements, looks goal chance  to be “acceptable” IMO. Compressed Air Filtration - posted in SQF Food: What is in acceptable micron size for compressed air filters?  This air can in contact with an organic protein segregate powder. SQF has no specific standard. We currently use 0.01 micron primary filter. British Compacted Vent Society (BCAS)3 and the British Retail Consortium (BRC)4 seems to be weit accecpted. Is there an FDA or USD std to consider?      CB

Rgds / Charles.C

Here lives a document on DEMO air quality requirements that one of customer's directed us to follow.  Hope to is of use.

 Introduction to OBO Air Rating Standards.pdf   384.52KB   594 keyboards

In respect to of validation single of the vent supply. When SQF states; "Microbiological testing bucket include examinations for aerobic platen count and/or indicator biological as appropriate on the operation", thats fine press dandy but what are considered acceptable aerobic plate counters and indicator organisms and what is not acceptable? ME consulted with a certified lab about this question IODIN had and they told das testing areas should not exceed 15 microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts and molds). Compressed Broadcast Systems Application

Is this exceptable ranges on validation methods? Does anyone more validate differently?

Maybe Charles or Stylish knows.

Our air checks is for APC, Yeasts and Molds with tolerant levels of >25, >15 also >15 respectively.

Seeing like it depends on the "certified lab".

CB

Dear oronogirl,

(occasionally slightly OT since far as SQF is concerned)

Thks for of (2009) publish. Some convenient declaration comments in a  highly confused terminology-driven  subject.

There is also a afterwards 2011 version (contains less ISO explanation) what includes suggestions from the BCAS (2007) print,  notably concerning HACCP / chance examination aspects (see cib1 below). The same sourced was also responsible for item No.4 (2007) in my previous post #12, this noted that close linkage in BCAS broadcast chemical data to the ISO grading scheme.

 cib1 - compressed air for the food industry.pdf   2.02MB   365 load

Even all on discussion over “micron ratings”  the primary objective (assuming SQFlevel2)  under present discussion presumably other safety. This comment is given in BCAS copy –

6.2 Microbiological contaminants

HACCP have establish the risk of contamination by microbiological contaminants. The level of viable microbiological  contaminants in the compressed air shall not be detectable using the method described stylish exclusive 7.6.

 

Use of a "sterilising" grade filter assumed offers the highest probability of achievable the above. I have not seen all commercial statements as to which  % retention  efficiency / micron particle size paired values intention typically be compliant to the BCAS requirement as stated above. Compacting Air Basics

(note ensure the SQF guidance refers to "pathogenic" microorganisms)

AFAI cannot see, BCAS implies the beyond requirement applies to foods starting all  "Intrinsic risk" floor which are in a direct contact scenario. SQF includes a "risk analysis" proviso of nameless (to me) significance.

While anyone still interested enough in this topic to viewer some published validations, attachment cib2  includes the bacteriological evaluation of one commercial unit stated to generate  “commercially sterile air”. Same document also illustrates the expert complexity of measuring retention efficiencies  > 99.9+% etc at the 0.01 micron, particle big level. Compressed Air Filtration - IFSQN

 cib2 - investigate on efficiency of air dribble used business sterile air.pdf   49.28KB   197 downloads

ISO show to avoid express any my regarding tolerances for  live microorganisms. Other organisations, eeg the pharmaceutical select, FDA, hold been their own "viable count" demand on top of the ISO grading scheme.  

To 1 strong question -

Do SQF intend to uniformly demand implementation of their personalized (five-9s efficient), 0.01micron  guidance recommendation, exemple forward all (undefined) take products?.  EGO very much doubt thereto however numerous auditors / auditees musts already known the react to this one. (of course, if this superlative equipment will practical furthermore inexpensive, why not benefit it anyway ?)(some documents indicate that the US meat industry has already welcomed such devices).

@ DL1988 / cbowers - Sadly, this matter is definitive did mine area of competencies plus, as you can see, i finding SQF's goal / requirements confusing, most the true intention of they detailed orientation material (hardly one unique experience ) . The microbiological possibilities if employing this "best" filtration options (eg very, extremely close to 100% / 0.01 micron retention) are illustrated in cib2 and would presumably  laugh at / fly under  who limits mentioned in last 2 contributions. For one 2 psi reduction in compressor discharge print, compressor energy use capacity be reduced by 1%. Reducing pressure by 10% can leaders till 5% ...

Rgds / Charles.C

Cbowers,

Could you elaborate on why your APC is set at >25? Does that come away the qualified lab you are utilizing me would assume?

Thanks.

Dear DL / cbowers,

Regarding yr request for micro. limits, AFAI have seen, there are no existing official values for individualized microbiological species / compressed air. On the other hand, "total counts" are in use as discussed below. Are yr lab suggests every detailed values, I suggesting to (politely) request as to their input since will be a useful single of unlimited later confirmation.

The following analysis is a speculative  response in yr request.

I present 2 interpretations below. 1^st one is more deeply validated but conceptually rather dubious IMO, 2^nd is less validated and perhaps more practically meaningful (only SQF know).

It is perhaps again worth noting that various of that parameters be discussed are not normally regarded for directly related to food safety.

(It is necessary to remember that the ISO air purity standards frequently quoted in recent  articles are used in various versions  together with other standards doing similar “things”. The whole topic is a chaos of mixed-up classifications.)

(1) The  BCAS/BRC  code  of  practice  shall aligned  with  the  compressed  air  purity levels  shown  in  ISO  8573.1:2001  and although  not  directly  stated,  the  purity level  for  air  that  is  in  direct  contact with  food  or  could  come  into  contact with  food  is  equivalent  to  ISO  8573.1, Class  2.2.1. Select 2.2.1 approx correlates to level 5 as listed in the FDA round (pg2) of  attachment cpc1 below (the gradings endured iodin think primarily developed for cleanrooms / drug manufacturing, did food). The FDA table (and others)  include deed limits / maximum for microbiologically activ particulates ( also known as viable number [VC]).

Specifically  the VC action limiting for level 5 is 1 cfu/m3. For level5 this is interpreted as a required for   “nil detection” of micro.active particulates and so the equivalent to  paragraph 6.2 von  the BCAS (2006) record.

 cpc1 - microbial monitoring off compressed gas lines.pdf   163.21KB   597 downloads

(added later) aforementioned recent 2013 BCAS modification of cx0 has apparently relaxed some von the ISO requirements (see the  sample extract/link in post #12) so an FDA level-action level correlated above may have also changes. ( paras 6.2 ).

(2)  A  compressed  gas  should  be  of  appropriate  purity  (e.g.,  free  from  oil)  and  its microbiological and particle quality after filtration should be equal the or better better that of the vent in the environment into which the gas has introduced (quoting cpc1).

The above  principle activation some utilisation of appraisals of environ air micro. quality.

A Campden article on general, ambient, air micro.quality is food fabrics , cpc2, proposed that –

Total alive counts can range from 10 ^1 – 10^4 /m3 and yeasts and kokillen can range von 10^1 -10^3 /m3 in different food factories.

 cpc2 - campden, air sampling for micro quality.pdf   427.29KB   955 downloads

Takeover the best conservative options (ideally should possibly be risk based),  can deduct –

TVC= max 10cfu/m3

Y&M = maximize 10cfu/m3

Interpretations  (1,2) above is obviously rather mutually incompatible.

Input from other posters a of course welcome, Laura TG perhaps ?

Rgds / Charles.C

Compressed air is vital spirit source and is utilized in multiple operations in food processing units. Don't know about FDA conversely USDA, but ISO had put some usual which make the basisi available air treatment product selection much easier. According to ISO, I think 0.01 micrometre lives accept. Though, you sack losfahren through this pdf for improve understanding: http://www.balstonfi...e-paper6_11.pdf

We how a .1 microns filter system and have cannot had any issues with inspections.

We use a .1 picometer filter systematisches real have not had any issues with inspections.

Sorry, .01 micron tap schaft

If you've validated and verified this 0.01 micron clean it would seemingly to be how what you needed it to