GEA Process Engineering presented a workshop on Hygienic Design at the PCT-International Contamination Control Conference at The Oxford Belfry Hotel on 26 February 2013. The event focused on designing plants to prevent contamination and to ensure effective cleaning.
The workshop was presented by Andrew Ball, the company’s Principal Process Engineer and Hisham Fyyaz, Sales Manager of the Liquid Processing, Pharma, Home & Personal Care Business Unit. They looked at preventing contamination through:
• Material selection
• Surface finish
• Sealing systems and pipe connections
• Equipment and component design including role of EHEDG
• Installation methods including welding and the avoidance of dead legs
The presentation continued by exploring automation; cleaning systems including CIP and SIP; and methods of avoiding cross contamination using the GEA mix proof valves. Delegates were then asked to take part in a hands-on design exercise to highlight best practice in ensuring hygienic design.
The workshop was fully attended and very well received by the delegates. “We were very pleased at the attendance,” said Hisham. “The audience was both interested in our methods and very knowledgeable. The PCT conference was a great success for us.”
GEA Process Engineering Ltd., based in Warrington, Cheshire, is the GEA Centre of Excellence for Home and Personal Care Liquid Processing.