Dairy processing is an industry where precision and reliability are paramount. Keeping paddle mixers and other industrial mixing equipment free from leaks and contamination is crucial for product quality and safety.
In this demanding environment, CinchSeal rotary shaft seals have risen as a dependable solution, garnering recognition from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for their effectiveness in addressing these potential safety issues.
Contamination control is especially critical in dairy processing, where it can spell the difference between profit and loss for processors, and even between consumer health and illness.
The dairy processing sector is subject to stringent regulations, and for good reason. As Thomas M. Sauer highlights in Food Safety Magazine, “Milk is an excellent growth medium for a variety of both pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms.” This underscores the necessity for rotary shaft seals that effectively prevent cross-contamination.
So, why the increasing preference for CinchSeal rotary shaft seals among dairy processors? While contamination prevention is the primary reason, certifications, innovative design, and cost-effective performance also contribute significantly.
How do Rotary Shaft Seals Prevents Cross-Contamination?
CinchSeal’s collaboration with the USDA extends beyond mere recognition. This partnership has led to the development of high-performing rotary seals that thwart leakage and contamination proactively.
Rotary shaft seals boast several features that excel in preventing cross-contamination, including:
- A U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved silicone elastomer, molded slightly smaller than the shaft to prevent material leakage while ensuring internal seal parts rotate seamlessly with the shaft.
- Elastomer that avoid damaging the shaft, unlike stationary mechanical packing and lip seals.
- Rotor cups compressed with optimum load against stationary faces to seal leak paths.
- Purging with air or nitrogen to halt leakage into and out of the mixer or screw conveyor, creating a pressure differential to maintain an air barrier that safeguards the seal from product intrusion.
In contrast, alternative sealing options like lip seals come with inherent drawbacks, including limited surface area contact with the rotating shaft, susceptibility to high pressure, shorter service life, and lack of government certification for dairy processing. O-rings, braided packing, mechanical face seals and other alternatives share the drawbacks found in lip seals.
What about cost?
Rotary shaft seals by CinchSeal are highly cost-effective. Their innovative design offers cost saving benefits including:
- Material loss prevention, cutting maintenance costs and preventing issues like bearing failure and shaft damage.
- Simplified repair and maintenance, saving time and effort.
- Enhanced workplace safety and reduced area contamination, minimizing the risk of accidents associated with leaks and equipment malfunctions.
CinchSeal seals are engineered to withstand the harshest operating conditions, ensuring durability and longevity. Holding the USDA’s “accepted” designation and proven to significantly reduce downtime for repairs, rotary shaft seals offer the lowest total cost of ownership for industrial mixers seals.
Since 1994, CinchSeal has been a major manufacturer of rotary shaft seals for screw conveyors, ribbon blenders and all kinds of bulk handling equipment. CinchSeal products serve as replacements and major upgrades that make the need for machine replacement less likely.
More information is available by contacting CinchSeal. Quotes and drawings are guaranteed to be ready in 24 hours. Custom engineering usually takes 10 days.
