Stainless steel and the food industry

Stainless steel is a versatile material that is used in many industries and for many products, largely because it has a low rust and corrosion occurrence and is an ideal material of exterior applications. Stainless steel is all around us and although we may not pay much attention, stainless steel is almost everywhere in our daily lives. One of the obvious places is in the home in the form of cutlery and sometimes architectural products such as stainless steel handrails and balustrades.

Different stainless steel grades are used depending on the use of the stainless steel and for the food processing industry grades 304 and 316 are the most commonly used. There are other grades of stainless steel used for the food industry depending on the environment it will be in.

A large industry where stainless steel is used is the food processing industry and the grades of stainless steel used are really important in order to the stop the occurrence of rust and corrosion.

Stainless steel is a very easy material to clean and maintain and this is a very important aspect in the food industry, any material used has to be able to withstand any cleaning carried out that is required by law.

Temperature is also an important aspect in the food industry and there will be many different areas of the food industry where temperatures will change. The grade and type of stainless steel will change depending on the requirements of its environment.

The correct grade of stainless steel has to be able to stand up to certain temperatures and the rigorous cleaning methods that will be required in a particular area of the food industry.

The design of stainless steel equipment in the food industry is strict and has to follow certain guidelines and ensures that the stainless steel products are non contaminating and cleanable.

The surface finish of stainless steel is another important factor and in general the rougher the surface of stainless steel, the easier those food particles will become stuck to the material. This will play a part in cross contamination. This will then have an impact on the cleaning process and make the stainless steel harder and longer to clean.

A smoother stainless steel surface will reduce the amount of matter that sticks to the material, be easier to clean and thus be safer.

There are over a hundred different grades of stainless steel and all are used in different environments and for different uses. 

 

 

 

About the Author

Heathbrook supply Architectural products, Aluminium and stainless steel products. http://www.heathbrook.co.uk

Stainless steel fabrication in a pool environment

Stainless steel is used in many environments and for many different purposes because of its non corrosive ability and there are many industries where the use of stainless steel is paramount.

Swimming pools are an area where the use of stainless steel is paramount and there are many different uses such as railings, balconies, fountains and slides of various designs and styles.  Stainless steel in this environment has to stand up to and withstand harsh chemicals used in the water, harsh chemicals are necessary in order to combat and retain the water quality.

Many of the chemicals used are chlorine based which are harsh chemicals which will react to the environment and the people using the pools.  The chemical reactions coupled with the high temperatures of the water all play a part in the corrosion of the stainless steel.

Indoor pools are very popular and are used by a high volume of people every day; this means that more chemicals are used in order to control the water quality to make the pool safe for human inhabitation.

Evaporation of water will occur and droplets of water will inevitably fall and penetrate into the stainless steel which can cause the stainless steel to crack and become unsafe. The most important aspect of stainless steel in this type of environment is the grade of stainless steel used which will determine the effect of certain chemicals on stainless steel. The design and manufacture of stainless steel will also play a part in the longevity of stainless steel in a pool environment.

Any stainless steel installed in a pool area will be designed accordingly; the grade of stainless steel will be ideal for the environment and be inspected regularly. The stainless steel will also be cleaned regularly in order to reduce the effect of the chemicals.  Stress corrosion cracking is used to describe what can happen to stainless steel in pool environments when the chemicals penetrate the stainless steel and induce cracking, this can then make the stainless steel unsafe.

Stress corrosion cracking can be avoided if the correct grade of stainless steel is used, regular inspection takes place and stainless steel is cleaned regularly.

Stainless steel is an easily manipulated and fabricated product that is all around us in exterior and interior environments. Stainless steel is used in a multitude of industries and makes certain tasks possible.

We never give it much thought how useful and vital stainless steel is in our daily lives and the vital role it plays.

 

 

About the Author

Heathbrook supply Architectural products, Stainless steel and Aluminium products. http://www.heathbrook.co.uk

Stainless steel pipework information

Stainless steel is used for many products including water processing plants, the food industry and the brewery industry. Stainless steel is also used in Architectural products such as ornamental staircase and stainless steel sculptures.

Stainless steel is also used for pipework in water process installations because it has a much higher strength than normal steel and cast iron.  Stainless steel also doesn't corrode making it an ideal solution for exterior applications.

Stainless steel is also easily manipulated and welded into desired shapes and used in various locations for various uses including pipework.

Corrosion levels are also low for stainless steel which makes it an ideal material for pipework reducing the amount of leakages and ruptures which can occur with other metals. If stainless steel is welded properly , it will stand up to the pressure of water surges well lowering the risk of ruptured pipework.

There are lots of factors to consider when manufacturing stainless steel pipework, if the pipework is installed underground, it is important to select the correct type of stainless steel in order to avoid corrosion from various elements in the soil such as gases and water and piepwork installed underground has its own specifications in order to remain strong.

Stainless steel pip work is available in different specifications and it depends on the function of the pipework and where it is being installed, which will determine the type you will need.

Stainless steel pipes are also manufactured to withstand extreme temperature variations and will be used in heat transfer process equipments such as boilers and heaters.

Stainless steel pipework is also used for the transportation of gas and oil; the stainless steel pipework will be treated in order to maintain a corrosion proof barrier.

There are so many different types and specifications of stainless steel pipework and it really depends what environment they are installed in. The different factors will determine the grade and type of stainless steel used. Stainless steel is used to resist corrosion and oxidation including high and fluctuating temperatures.

Type 304 is generally the most common type of stainless steel used because in general  it is corrosive resistant. Type 304 is used widely in chemical plants and food processing installations

Type 318 stainless steel is incredibly effective in environments where acids or seawater are present. There are many more types of stainless steel and there are many more industries that use stainless steel.

About the Author

Heathbrook supply Stainless steel products, Aluminium products and Architectural products. http://www.heathbrook.co.uk