9 replies to this topic

[itayuri]

Hi all,

 

Does anyone have any experience with fabric air ducts in a food production facility?

We are looking at it as an option but not sure what are the pros and cons (cost is obviously a pro).

We are mostly concerned about placing such a duct in o of the areas in the facility that needs to be very clean.

I'd love to hear any good / bad experiences you may have had.

 

Thanks,

 

Itay

[Scampi]

Wil they be exposed to production?

[itayuri]

Yes,
they will be in the production area.

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[Scotty_SQF]

Not Food, but had them in a place where we did packaging once.  We had to take them down once a year and wash them, as they seemed to have slight mold growth on them.  Especially true in the summer when cold air was running through them creating condensation and with the fabric gave the opportunity for mold to grow.  Luckily, they were not in an area where any converting was happening.  It was just in a hallway and storage areas for printing plates that were covered.  I did not care for them much as the SQF Practitioner. 

[Scampi]

You're required to have the area made of material that is designed to withstand repeated cleaning--fabric does not fall into that category

 

On top of which, you will have put a harborage point inside your production area

 

Dust and debris will build up on the fabric and fall onto/into your products

 

I wouldn't use them, no money saved in the long run

[Setanta]

Based on what you've said, I agree with Scampi. Should be impervious .

[jfrey123]

Agree with above, ducts should be impervious and cleanable.  Fabric ducting would allow dust to accumulate and be difficult to remove, and creates a drop hazard for production below.

[itayuri]

Thanks everyone for your input.
You confirmed my thoughts on the subject.

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[Forticsec]

A mate of mine had fabric ducts in a facility, and over time, dust and debris built up, plus there was an issue with condensation in the summer. That led to mold inside the ducts, and it was a nightmare to clean.

[Forticsec]

A mate of mine had fabric ducts in a facility, and over time, dust and debris built up, plus there was an issue with condensation in the summer. That led to mold inside the ducts, and it was a nightmare to clean.

They also had to keep taking them down to wash, which wasn’t ideal for keeping things running smoothly. If you’re going this route, just be ready to stay on top of it, and maybe have emergency plumbing Essex handy in case anything like condensation or drainage starts causing problems.