INDEi uses the latest advanced technologies to carry out non-destructive testing of Spray Dryers, Cyclones, Bag Filter Housings and Fluid Beds in the Food and Dairy processing industries.
What is Spray Drying and Spray Dryer Testing?
Spray drying is the most widely used industrial process involving particle formation and drying. It is used for the continuous production of dry solids in either powder, granulate or agglomerate form from liquid feedstocks (ie cows).
The spray drying process involves the atomisation of a liquid into a spray of droplets and contacting the droplets with hot air in a drying chamber. Evaporation of moisture from the droplets and formation of dry particles proceed under controlled temperature and airflow conditions. The powder is discharged continuously from the drying chamber.
Spray dryer inspection and testing using our unique gantry to check for leaks and cracks utilising the eddy current and/or fluorescent liquid penetrant testing methods
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), HACCP programmes and pathogen monitoring are essential for effective food safety programmes. Routine integrity inspection and testing of the spray drying chamber that complies with the latest guidelines, directives and legislation is required as defects and cracks will occur over time due to working conditions, temperature and age of the spray dryer. These defects such as cracks, crazes and corrosion can develop into microbial nests in which micro-organisms can freely thrive on organic material that remains in the cracks.
Our methods of testing will also reveal mechanical defects in your CIP system leading to insufficient cleaning.
DUE DILIGENCE – Do you comply?
The processor should provide a built-in program for test procedures or a protocol shall be provided so that all applicable tests can be performed by the Regulatory Agency for each instrument.
What was once good working practice is now a legal requirement.
Independent Integrity Inspection Limited (INDEi) offer a comprehensive inspection service for the periodic examination of testing spray dryers. Using our purpose-built and uniquely designed access platform INDEi engineers carry out a critical examination of the internal surfaces of driers up to twelve-metre diameter without the need to erect expensive temporary scaffolding. Our personnel working strictly within the “Working at Height” legislation can complete a detailed and thorough examination using eddy current, penetrant and visual inspection methods of all seam welds, plate surfaces and suspect areas such as hammer marks.
Our access platform and working practise reduce the examination time to less than three days, although emergency inspection and repairs can be carried out in a single day.
The access platform has many advantages over traditional scaffolding methods, such as:
- No risk of damage to the internal surfaces of the spray dryer from scaffold poles;
- No risk of wood contamination;
- No blind spots below or adjacent pole supports;
- Significant cost savings;
- Meeting British and European Standards for suspended access equipment by BS-EN 1808.
INDEi personnel are trained and qualified to by PCN, SNT and CSWIP overseen by The British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing and The Welding Institute, assuring our clients have total confidence in a professional service combined with their experiences and extensive knowledge of Spray Dryer design and Construction gives us the leading edge when providing spray dryer testing and inspection services.
We can offer our clients Maintenance Support Contracts are available with 24/7 cover and 365 days per year.
Health and Safety.
Full documentation for your quality management.
Highest levels of product purity and quality are of primary importance, particularly in such industries as the beverage, dairy, food and pharmaceutical industry. Independent Integrity Inspection Limited supports you in implementing your quality management routine by providing comprehensive test reports which are produced for every inspection of your spray dryers and associated equipment carried out by our engineers.
