The Benefits of an Automated Valve Matrix

Written By: Rakesh Patel, P.E. Production and packaging processes in food and beverage manufacturing industries are highly complex hence optimizing flow patterns without compromising food safety, product quality and operational flexibility is essential for an efficient operation. An automated valve matrix is a great option to replace manual processes involving flow panels or individual valves through optimized and automated flow management thereby decreasing product cross contamination risks, improving CIP, reducing fluid transfer time, and minimizing changeover/production down times. A mixproof valve enables simultaneous flow of two different fluids through the same valve without allowing them to ever mix. These types…

WHY SUSTAINABILITY IS GOOD FOR YOUR BUSINESS.

Setting sustainability goals is becoming increasingly popular among many industries. One reason is companies are looking for ways to reduce emissions and reuse energy, water, and waste to grow their bottom lines. Another driving factor is the favorable borrowing terms on sustainability-linked loans (SLL). Billions of dollars are being deployed towards making sustainability a reality. Companies that lower the carbon footprint will attract new investors. The increase in capital comes from strong investor support to back companies with measurable sustainability goals. Our Research As we see more and more companies mapping out sustainability goals, we thought it would be valuable to present our research on some companies in our industry. We’ve compiled a list of sustainability targets set by businesses across several industries. Only a small percentage of S&P…

Production of Organic Oils and its Challenges

Over the last several years, organic products have gone from fringe to mainstream, quickly becoming sought-after by consumers. Demand for organic oils and oilseeds co-products has kept pace with this trend. While products with labels like “non-GMO” are still prized, most consumers are interested in certified organic items and are often willing to pay more for them.  What is “Organic”? For a product to be classified as organic, it can’t just rely on the say-so of a company. Organics must be USDA (or EU) certified. Products that are certified must be non-GMO and sourced naturally—no pesticides, chemicals, or preservatives. In addition, the…

Water Sustainability at OilSeed Plants

Every oilseed plant has to deal with wastewater. Once the water has been used to degum and scrub, clean equipment, and wash off trucks where does it go? Before your wastewater can be released down the drain, you’re responsible for evaluating and monitoring the contents of the water. Failure to do so can result in extra costs or notices of violation. What is the process for analyzing and properly treating wastewater? This article explores the topic of water footprint sustainability in the wastewater process at Oilseed plants but also applies to other Food-processing plants dealing with Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG). Typical Oilseed Plant…

Hot or cold? Recycle or discharge?—How to Approach Your Process Water Challenge

If your plant generates a substantial amount of liquid waste, or if you use a significant amount of fresh water in your processing facility, you very likely have to deal with wastewater. Wastewater treatment (or pre-treatment) and management can be a major operating cost for manufacturing facilities. An effective approach that combines overall water balance, wastewater treatment, and its discharge temperatures can reduce costs and enhance your sustainability footprint. This article focuses on the how’s and whys of process water and wastewater reduction, showing the ways your company can benefit from an improved system. Why does wastewater reduction matter?…

DHA—Dust Hazard Analysis

Safety regulations can seem like a confusing maze of requirements, with paperwork and standards that can be difficult for businesses to navigate. However, each safety rule has a reason, and failure to comply results not only in unsafe conditions, but possible citations and loss of revenue. One such regulation is NFPA 652, which requires companies to conduct a Dust Hazard Analysis. What is a DHA, why should your company have one, and how can ADF help you? In this article, we’ll examine the ins and outs of the DHA requirement, and what it all means for your business. What is…

ADF Food Safety

The changes brought on by the Food Safety Modernization Act are designed with an eye toward prevention rather than reaction. The food safety plan provides the backbone to compliance for facilities to assess the operation, identify hazards and implement preventive controls. Preventive controls requirements increase and manifest as administrative type measures when good engineering practice is omitted or ignored. Engineering solutions are a far more effective way of eliminating and controlling hazards. Download ADF Food Safety White Paper

Tubular Conveyor Gallery

CLIENT: Bulk Material Storage and Transload Facility PROJECT: Tubular Conveyor Gallery consisting of thin wall steel shell BACKGROUND: The client approached ADF Engineering to design a bulk material storage and transloading facility in the Chicago Area. As part of the project, our Structural engineers were tasked to design a conveyor bridge to transfer the product from the receiving tower to the dome type storage silo. The conveyor support bridge had several challenges. CHALLENGES: Had to be free spanning (134’) because intermediate supports would have interfered with emergency vehicle traffic. Despite being in Chicago area, it needed to be completely sealed…

Q&A: Alex Fishman answers your top questions about shop drawings

Shop drawings are a critical part of any project, but are often surrounded by confusion and misunderstanding that leads to disputes and unique legal challenges. In terms of risk management, it’s essential that these drawings provide a strict flow of information between the contractor’s means and methods, and the construction documents prepared by the engineer. In this Q&A session, ADF Engineering President Alex Fishman answers some of your top questions about shop drawings. 1. Your design team creates drawings as part of your contract for the project design. So, what is the difference between IFC (issue for construction) drawings…

Performing Risk Assessments: Dust and Process Safety

Background of Safety Risk Assessments In 1992, OSHA launched Process Safety Management (PSM) to address industries that handle highly hazardous chemicals, under OSHA Standard 29CFR 1910.119. This standard seems straightforward but was revolutionary in its impact on process safety improvements across multiple industries where flammable, combustible and toxic chemicals are used in sufficient quantities to pose a hazard to personnel or public safety. One of the fourteen elements of PSM that has been an indispensable tool in managing chemical hazards is the Process Hazard Analysis (PHA). A PHA is a systematic way to identify the hazards and quantify the risks…