Safe signalling in the food industry

Innovotech supplies specialised machines and complete lines as well as high-quality components and parts to manufacturers and processors operating in the specific field of food processing. Innovotech recently had the task of developing and designing a machine that peels grey shrimp fully automatically.

Among the requirements, the machine had to ensure compliance with and fulfilment of all standards and regulations applicable in the food processing sector. And it had to ensure reliable and safe indication of all faults and stoppages with the aid of a signalling device that meets the hygiene standards in this sensitive industry.

Previous signalling devices could not meet the requirements, with failures occurring due to intensive cleaning with high pressure and aggressive chemicals.

Innovotech became aware of the CleanSIGN LED blinking light from WERMA on the Internet. This was specially designed and developed for use in cleanrooms and the hygiene and food sectors.

CleanSIGN LED is a unique signal tower fulfils the high protection class IP69k. Compact in design, it has no uneven surfaces, grooves or seams where dirt can accumulate. Contamination is prevented and the risk of contamination is significantly reduced: a 30 degree slope of the upper part of the housing and angle ensures that liquids drain away quickly, cleaning is fast and visibility is good. In construction, the polyamide housing of the CleanSIGN is approved by the FDA and is therefore food-safe and resistant to cleaning agents and disinfectants.

Rick van Berg, Managing Director Innovotech, says: "By using CleanSIGN, machine downtimes or malfunctions are recognised in good time and a lot of money and time is saved because you can react immediately."

After successfully passing the first practical tests, Innovotech ordered more LED blinking lights. Almost 90 of them now clearly signal the current status of the production line in the traffic light colours of red, yellow and green.

Fulfilling all the necessary requirements and standards, CleanSIGN ensures machine downtimes and malfunctions are recognised in good time, enabling an immediate response. This has driven enormous savings in time and money, as well as a reduction in cleaning effort thanks to the design of the signal tower for easy cleaning.