Equipment washer lifts process cleaning

Douglas Machines claims its VBW-1000 is designed to conserve water, energy and labour as the operations are automated. Processors are now required to perform rigorous washdowns of machinery and equipment to comply with stringent food safety laws. Cleaning equipment and changeovers result in lost production time, and so processors are looking for faster and automated ways of performing washdowns, the manufacturer claims. Vats weighing up to 272kg (600 pound) can be loaded on to support brackets mounted on the door, which is lifted by two air operated cylinders into the closed position, claims the company. The first cycle is a recirculating non-detergent pre-wash, designed to remove loose debris. The second phase performs a recirculating wash with detergent, which is then followed by a sanitising rinse. Water is delivered from a closed coupled stainless steel centrifugal pump, which is rated at 80 psi and 871 litres (230 gallons) per minute, claims Douglas. The final rinse delivers 19 litres (5 gallons) per 30 second cycle at 20 psi, the company claims. The water, heated to 180C, can be supplied from the plant directly, or from an optional 75 litre (20 gallon) tank heated by gas or steam coil. The upper housing of the machine is made of stainless steel, ensuring the sanitizing machine itself, can withstand harsh washdowns. The system can be manually opened and closed using a switch, when required. Filter screens located above the water line can be accessed through removable panels either side of the machine. US-based Douglas Machines manufacturers batch and continuous cleaning systems for Bakery, Food Processing, Food Service and Distribution industries, among others.