Compressed Air filtration
In the SQF 8.1 Guidance document, it is recommended that compressed air that comes into contact with food or food-contact surfaces be filter at 0.01 micron. Since this is only a recommendation, and the actual requirement of 8.1 Module 11.5.5 doesn't specify a filter size, I'm wondering how others handle compressed air. Our company is using compressed air as part of processing step, so it comes into contact with the product and equipment. The compressed air goes through a dryer and is passed through a 0.2 micron filter at the point of use. I'm trying to determine if this is sufficient as long as we justify our decision and perform routine testing of the compressed air?
First of all, welcome R. Bub!
The 0.2 is fine and then you just need routine compressed air testing done.
In the SQF 8.1 Guidance document, it is recommended that compressed air that comes into contact with food or food-contact surfaces be filter at 0.01 micron. Since this is only a recommendation, and the actual requirement of 8.1 Module 11.5.5 doesn't specify a filter size, I'm wondering how others handle compressed air. Our company is using compressed air as part of processing step, so it comes into contact with the product and equipment. The compressed air goes through a dryer and is passed through a 0.2 micron filter at the point of use. I'm trying to determine if this is sufficient as long as we justify our decision and perform routine testing of the compressed air?
Hi r.bub,
It appears that experiences regarding auditory interpretation over compressed air reqirements have varied somewhat.
Can see these threads -
Thank you for the input!
How does one test the compressed air?
How does one test the compressed air?
For ???
Maybe have a look at the links in Post 3
For ???
Maybe have a look at the links in Post 3
The compressed air where I am would be in direct contact with dry pulses. Low risk manufacturing plant. I came from a plant of the same magnitude but we were BRC there and it was never a question that came up. Being new to SQF I wasnt sure if this was a requirement. I will check the two links, thank you.
The compressed air where I am would be in direct contact with dry pulses. Low risk manufacturing plant. I came from a plant of the same magnitude but we were BRC there and it was never a question that came up. Being new to SQF I wasnt sure if this was a requirement. I will check the two links, thank you.
Hi ehintze,
One solution which, although maybe overkill for some situations, probably assures SQF compliance is to install a sterile filter system in the compressed air output line. Illustrative details are in the file sh5 in this post -