11 replies to this topic

[fndevilliers@gmail.com]

We use cleaning brushes and wet cloths to clean conveyor belts that carry sugary and powdery candy. But we find that they aren't very effective. Using a large volume of water isn't a good idea as the powder gets all sticky and hardens in a short amount of time. Using compressed air is a no go as there is potential for dust explosions. Any ideas on how we can improve effectiveness of our cleaning? 

Edited by fndevilliers@gmail.com, 21 May 2025 - 04:06 PM.

[TimG]

Hot hot water is the best thing to get sugar, most syrups, honey...If it's your dry side and you don't want to bring in water (water will up your risk with the bagging side of sugars, I'd stay away from it for routine cleaning if possible) then you will want dust collectors for your combustible dust and soft bristle brushes for your line/conveyers. Make sure they are correctly controlled (for example not food contact color coded and not floor color coded..) and kept to whatever standards you have for cleaning utensils.

If you CAN'T or don't want to go dust collectors, you will need to add deep cleaning of the entire room to whatever level keeps your dust buildup below combustible dust standard for sugar (it's been like 12 years, but I want to say around 1/3 inch? LOOK IT UP THOUGH).

 

Edit: Why are the brushes you use now not effective? Is the room especially humid?

Edited by TimG, 21 May 2025 - 04:34 PM.

[fndevilliers@gmail.com]

Thanks, TimG. The problem we have is that the amount of sugar and dust that accumulates over a week (cleaning is done at the end of the week) is significant, and the brushes we have work only so well in getting them off considering that so much of it is sticky dust.

When production ends, the air conditioning system is turned off and the room does gets very muggy. 

Edited by fndevilliers@gmail.com, 21 May 2025 - 05:19 PM.

[Scampi]

What type of conveyor are you using?  Is changing those out a possibility?

[SQFconsultant]

Steam?

[TimG]

Thanks, TimG. The problem we have is that the amount of sugar and dust that accumulates over a week (cleaning is done at the end of the week) is significant, and the brushes we have work only so well in getting them off considering that so much of it is sticky dust.

When production ends, the air conditioning system is turned off and the room does gets very muggy. 

Easiest solutions based on this would be either brushing just the conveyers down at the end of each shift, or keeping the room climate controlled in between end of week cleanings. It sounds like your muggy nights are melting your crystal buildup, which is causing your issue.

In my bagging plant we ran that air all week and the powder stayed dry enough that daily brush downs were sufficient to keep buildup down on the bagging line. We had short lines from the hopper through the metal detector to palletizing, so it was fairly easy in our case to brush down several times a shift.

[fndevilliers@gmail.com]

What type of conveyor are you using?  Is changing those out a possibility?

These are plastic Intralox belts.

[fndevilliers@gmail.com]

Easiest solutions based on this would be either brushing just the conveyers down at the end of each shift, or keeping the room climate controlled in between end of week cleanings. It sounds like your muggy nights are melting your crystal buildup, which is causing your issue.

In my bagging plant we ran that air all week and the powder stayed dry enough that daily brush downs were sufficient to keep buildup down on the bagging line. We had short lines from the hopper through the metal detector to palletizing, so it was fairly easy in our case to brush down several times a shift.

Got it. Do you think it is worth exploring the possibility of using detergents?

[Scampi]

These are plastic Intralox belts.

 Is it worth switching out? that belt style is best for full wet washdown

https://www.dornerco...g-confectionary

[MDaleDDF]

Similar situation.   Disassemble and power wash the belts with super hot water.   That's what we do.   I believe it's on the monthly but I'd have to double check, it may be weekly.   I forget....     We have a list of things from production that we do this to.   Let um dry and reassemble.

[srose]

Have you considered contacting a detergent supplier such as EcoLab for a dry cleaning detergent such as DrySan or another option that may be suitable for your application ? Some of my chocolate manufacturing clients use this product - it is water-free and works as both a cleaner and sanitizer.

[GMO]

If you have difficult to clean belts, I'd suggest changing them if possible to quick release cleanable (I know, expensive).  If you can't and best practice anyway will be a certain level of clean as you go day to day then using warm water with detergent and scrubbing.  Use your chemical contractor for advice and support.  You shouldn't need to be using vast amounts of water.  Sugar is very soluble in warm water.