Today’s food manufacturing processes require precision and efficiency, in particular for specialty food products such as gluten-free, allergen-free or other highly regulated foods. Among the important equipment capable of adding value to these operations are turn head distributors. These devices are critical in material distribution within processing plants and can be designed to meet the requirements of specialised production.
In this article, we will see how the turn head distributor, along with double turn head distributor and dust-tight versions, can be adapted to meet the needs of this sector. The equipment can be easily adapted to meet the growing demand for high-quality products, with a minimum risk of contamination that meets stringent food safety regulations.
Understanding turn head distributors
These distributors are an essential piece of equipment in many manufacturing processes because they function to dispense bulk materials, like grains, powders and liquids, from one central location to multiple outlets in a processing line. Manufacturers maintain accurate control over the flow of ingredients and decrease waste by turning the head toward the various outlets.
While standard models are sufficient for general applications, it is typically necessary to have an increased degree of customisation in manufacturing specialty foods. These could include gluten-free, nut-free and other types of allergen-free products requiring strict segregation to prevent cross-contamination. It is here that the flexibility within the designs of turn head distributors are key.
Specialty product customisation
Specialty food production faces challenges of cross-contamination. Minuscule portions of the allergens are capable of creating serious health reactions among consumers, so it is necessary to customise the distributors to meet key regulations.
- Material selection
Most of the time, stainless steel pipe bends are used because they are non-reactive, easy to clean, and resistant to corrosion. The distributor is designed to be allergen-free and can withstand frequent washdowns in tightly controlled environments.
- Segregation of materials
Turn head distributors provide additional segregation features for installations where both allergen-containing and allergen-free products are manufactured side by side. Individual seals on each outlet can be installed to provide strict separation of product streams. This is very useful in multi-allergen production situations, like those of milk, nuts, or soya.
- Precision and flow control
Specialty products have specific needs in terms of how materials should be handled. For example, gluten-free flours are often not as consistent in their flow rate when compared to wheat flour. Customization in flow control mechanisms enables manufacturers to achieve the appropriate handling amount to prevent product degradation and maintain consistency.
Double turn head distributors for increased flexibility
Double turn head distributors are recommended for operations with sophisticated handling and a wider variety of specialty products. These boast two independent rotating heads that distribute material streams to multiple points simultaneously. A configuration like this works well for manufacturers who create both allergen-containing and allergen-free products, allowing them to parallel-process both ingredient types without threat of cross-contamination.
This offers manufacturers increased flexibility and efficiency. On one side, gluten-containing products can run, while on the other, gluten-free products operate in parallel, yet isolated, streams. The production line serves both gluten and gluten-free foods, reducing time and line changes while minimizing cross-contamination risk and damage.
Dust-tight turn head distributors: a solution for allergen safety
The consideration of airborne contamination is important, especially when dealing with powders such as flour. This problem finds a solution in dust-tight turn head distributors. Seals and gaskets are used in every location of the product to prevent any material leaks during distribution. This has wide usage in allergen-controlled environments where airborne product traces can be a major hazard. This design enhances plant hygiene by reducing dust accumulation in difficult-to-clean areas.
Top quality seals are required to avoid the carryover of allergens into new batches of products. Improved gaskets and seals can be installed on the turn head distributors, which allow for positive, airtight connections between sections. This prevents any residual allergens from remaining in the system after cleaning.
Specialty food production requires a great deal of precision. Turn head distributors, when tailored to the job, enable manufacturers to meet the high demands of allergen-free and other niche product lines. Employing double turn head distributors for flexibility, dust-tight versions to reduce contamination, or using custom seals and metal detectable products enable food manufacturers to guarantee the safety and quality of their products. Investing in customized turn head distributors enhances company efficiency and boosts consumer trust in products that pass rigorous safety tests.
