Sanitation of Food Processing Plants. Exploitation Report: Contract No. AGRF CT-90-0035. FLAIR Proposal No. 89082

This report describes the work resulting from the FLAIR project "Sanitation of Food Processing Plants". There are two general results of the project: 3 sensors which can detect deposits on internal surfaces of processing equipment, primarily tubes and plate heat exchangers, in processing plants; 1 ultrasonic cleaning transducer for pipes and tube heat exchangers. The aim has been to create possibilities of better hygienic status, and, by this, ensuring the shelf-life and quality of products from food processing plants, but also non-food industries producing fluid products can benefit from the project results. Methods investigated have been: ultrasonics (both for sensor application and cleaning), optical analysis and vibration analysis. Regarding the innovative aspects of the four devices all are developed using known basic technologies, but the technologies have been improved and the applications are all new and represent a major step in the ability to detect and clean fouling