Stainless steel in the Food & Beverage industry
The Food & Beverage industry necessitates a material that is highly durable, corrosion and temperature resistant, and above all hygienic, ensuring safe, sanitary and efficient manufacturing and processing of goods set for human consumption.
Luckily for the industry, we have Stainless steel!
With its unparalleled durability, corrosion resistance, non-reactive nature, Stainless steel lasts extended periods when adequately maintained, not leaching into food or beverages, ensuring an uncontaminated taste. Hygiene-wise, its smooth surface is extremely easy to clean, preventing the growth of bacteria. This makes it an excellent choice to sustain a sanitary environment.
Keep reading for a summary on the benefits of Stainless steel in the Food & Beverage industry, the products used and our stock at Stirlings!
The benefits of Stainless steel in Food & Beverage manufacturing
Corrosion resistance and durability
Thanks to its self-healing passive film, wear and tear and continuous contact with water and other liquids does not cause Stainless to corrode as the surface chromium is able to self-heal in the presence of oxygen. This prevents the underlying iron from reacting with oxygen, caustic cleaners and other materials causing rusting or pitting (which would create places for bacteria to harbor and grow). If processing products with higher levels of acids or chloride, like vinegar or soy sauce, Stainless with increased corrosion resistance like Grade 316 or further alloyed grades are required.
This corrosion resistance ensures the excellent durability of Stainless steel, proving it to be one of the most cost-effective option in life cycle cost comparisons.
Versatility across many temperatures
The chromium layer on Stainless steel also reduces distortion due to extreme heat - thanks to this, Stainless outperforms the likes of galvanised steel and aluminium in this regard. 300-series Stainless is also ideal for environments with extremely low temperatures, making it ideal for meat and seafood processing facilities where freezing is necessary.
Stainless steel is also an relatively good thermal conductor, allowing precise temperature control during processing and ensuring optimal cooking and pasteurisation.
Bacterial resistance
Stainless steel is a hygienic material due to the fact that it is extremely easy to clean and sanitise. Its smooth, non-porous surface means that the likes of dirt, grime, mould and bacteria struggle to establish themselves on its exterior; and if they do, they can very easily be removed, both chemically and mechanically. The ease of this cleaning and maintenance makes Stainless steel an excellent choice in environments where strong hygiene is vital. This is why it is not only employed in the Food & Beverage manufacturing and handling industries, but also in professional kitchens, hospitals and laboratories.
Products
The most commonly used Stainless steel Grades in the Food & Beverage industry are Grade 304 and Grade 316 Stainless steel in AS1528 product specification. They provide the desired qualities as stated above whilst also providing excellent value for manufacturers. Grade 316 Stainless steel provides increased corrosion resistance for food or beverages that may require it - our friendly team can advise on which Grade will best suit your needs.
Stirlings supplies the following specialist items for the industry:
A full range of nationally stocked AS1528 Specification Tube & Fittings
Tube-sized Flanges
Hygienic Fittings – BSM & Triclover Unions, Fittings & Clamps
Hygienic Valves
Pressfit Tubing and Fittings
Manways
Contact us to make your order!
Customer examples
Brewery
Gage Roads Brewing Co is a proudly West Australian and independent brewery with more than 14 million litres being sold nationwide every year. This iconic local brand opened its doors to its Fremantle brewpub in 2022, built inside the historical A Shed at Victoria Quay, welcoming locals and tourists in their thousands.
Located on the Walyalup Waterfront, the100-metre-long former cargo shed, originally built in 1926, now contains a 25-hectolitre, 16 tank brew-kit, crafting the full range of Gage Roads beers on site.
Stirlings supplied AS1528 Tube & Fittings, Welded Pipe & Fittings, Flat Bar, Angle Bar and SHS for this mighty project.
Olive Oil Manufacturer
Good olive oil needs top-quality Stainless steel to preserve its lovely flavour and high quality - and we have done exactly that with our supply of Grade 316 Tube and Fittings to a major olive oil manufacturer.
A rhyme for your time
If you’re looking to process some food or drink, it’s of Stainless steel you should always think!
Sources: