Page 18 - May-Jun 19

FEATURE

can cause damage with long-term use. areas. ABB T&B Liquidtight Systems™ condensation, accidental spills, machine
High-pressure hose-down cleaning, stainless steel flexible metal conduit oils and lubricants, also can shorten the
for example, operates at pressures up and fittings are designed to shed liquids life of the plant’s electrical system. Liquid
to 3,500 pounds per square inch (psi) and protect electrical connections ingress can deteriorate or short out an
and temperatures up to 160 degrees from corrosive conditions. They feature electrical system abruptly or over time.
Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius). Other pumpkin-shaped exteriors that repel Solutions to these problems include
corrosive agents in food and beverage moisture and prevent pooling and electrical system components with round
processing include acidic food products, heat-resistant thermoplastic seals. surfaces that shed contaminants, rather
moisture and harsh cleaning chemicals. than surfaces on which contaminants
ABB T&B Liquidtight Systems is an can collect, and processing equipment
Assuming that the consumption and example of a line of electrical cable mounted on stand-off wall brackets
cost of stainless steel in the food industry protection products that is designed for that enable cleaning of all surfaces,
is entirely attributable to corrosion, the the kinds of environments encountered in including the back and bottom sides.
total annual direct cost of corrosion food and beverage processing facilities.
was $2.1 billion, according to a 1999 These flexible metal conduit and fittings The demand for hygiene in food and
report from the National Association are chemical and corrosion resistant, beverage processing necessitates high-
of Corrosion Engineers. Corrosion can are tolerant of extreme temperatures pressure, caustic cleaning methods that
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cause equipment failure and shortened and protect against liquid ingress. can jeopardize the plant’s electrical
life, increased resistance in connections system. ABB T&B Liquidtight Systems
that affect electrical system reliability, Another ABB line, T&B® Rigid Fittings, flexible metal conduit and fittings include
prolonged maintenance and repairs, safety features stainless steel drain adapters a line designed specifically for food and
hazards, and product contamination. that drain accumulated moisture in beverage processing applications with
Extending the life and ensuring the stainless steel enclosures with non- galvanized steel or 316L stainless steel
reliability of a plant’s electrical system threaded connections without welding cores. Some products are available clad in
depend upon the use of corrosion-resistant or caulking. The design enables drainage NSF-certified, FDA-approved compounds.
materials. These include stainless steel, in locations that are difficult to reach.
aluminum, specialty alloys, high-tech Equipment in food and beverage
non-metallics and coated materials, processing plants must also operate in
which protect equipment from exposure Other challenging conditions extreme temperatures to meet processing
to harsh and corrosive conditions. in the food and beverage requirements. For example, thermal
cycling occurs when ovens are directly
Stainless steel, for example, is often used processing plant in line with flash freezers, causing
for highly corrosive environments in rapid temperature swings that stress
food and beverage processing facilities, Liquid exposure from high-pressure electrical systems. Additionally, high
especially in chemical washdown temperatures can cause components
hose-down cleaning, as well as from
near ovens to soften and fail, as well as
melt and destroy nearby equipment or
contaminate food products. Components
can also become brittle and fail at low
temperatures, particularly with frozen
food processing. Finally, as equipment
sizes are reduced and plant floor
usage increases, ambient temperatures
While facing increasing costs and increase around the electrical system.
regulation, new technology, and harsh, ABB T&B Liquidtight Systems offer
corrosive environments with extreme cable protection products that resist
extreme temperatures with a range
temperatures, food and beverage of minus 76-302 degrees Fahrenheit
(minus 60-150 degrees Celsius). This
processing plants must ensure enables the conduit and fittings to remain
the safety of their workers and the flexible and sealed to protect electrical
connections from extreme heat and cold.
goods they produce, while protecting
and enhancing brand equity.

16 Insights Magazine | May/June 2019 | www.ieci.org