Tag Archives: 3A

Talking Shop

Caveat Emptor: “Let the buyer beware”. Often used in regards to the purchasing process, it’s a phrase describing any informational asymmetry present in a contractual deal. It implies that the goods sold are “as-is” – placing the onus on the buyer to complete due diligence as to the product’s pedigree prior to purchasing. With the increased presence of e-commerce in industrial distribution, it’s certainly a principle of growing importance that deserves careful consideration when making purchasing decisions.

As a wide-line supplier to the food processing industry, Nelson-Jameson carries thousands of verified, quality products across six major categories: Safety & Personnel, Production & Material Handling, Sanitation & Janitorial, Processing & Flow Control, Laboratory & QA/QC, and Packaging & Ingredients. One way in which we bring these items to market is through our website, nelsonjameson.com. Some of our products are proprietary and/or exclusive, but many are not. For example, there are over 2.5 million search engine results for hair net suppliers. Clearly an abundance of buying choices exists, but we are of the opinion that Nelson-Jameson should be your first choice of supplier – we offer competitive pricing, product support and expertise, reliable logistics, value-added services, trusted products and a “one-stop-shop” purchasing experience. However, we digress. This blog entry’s purpose isn’t to promote our strengths, it’s to highlight that sometimes consumer choice – especially through a medium like the internet – comes with caveats.

downloadThe importance of recognizing these caveats was highlighted in a recent article in 3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc.’s quarterly industry newsletter. 3-A is the industrial sanitary standard relating to the “cleanbility” of dairy and other food processing equipment. It was developed by processors, regulatory sanitarians and equipment fabricators in the 1920s; and, in the interest of public health, gained the support of the U.S. government in the 1940s. Currently, there are 71 3-A Sanitary Standards and 10 3-A Accepted Practices utilized in various capacities by more than 450 companies across the globe. Processors know and trust the 3-A Symbol, and often demand it for their food processing equipment. Nelson-Jameson sells sanitary equipment in our Processing & Flow Control department that meets 3-A Sanitary Standards, and also holds a 3-A certification for our hose assembliesContinue reading

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Pumps & Valves 101

1000709Pumps and valves are the hearts and lungs of a dairy processing plant. They control the flow of fluid milk, cheese curds, ice cream mix, and other dairy products through a facility. Pumps move ingredients from vats to fillers and valves direct liquids to a line and allow for cleaning. Choosing the right equipment for a given application is critical for a plant to lower waste and increase production.

downloadAny pump or valve considered for a processing system should bear a 3-A symbol. 3-A Sanitary Standards Inc. is an independent, non-profit corporation dedicated to advancing hygienic equipment design for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. The 3-A symbol assures that the equipment is configured and built to exacting sanitary standards.

A well designed pump or valve allows for complete and efficient CIP (Cleaning in Place). The pump or valve would have minimal dead zones, no sharp corners, or other places where product entrapment could occur. Product entrapment may result in cross contamination and loss of product.

Unique Mixproof changed

Along with an easy to clean design, it is important to use proper seal materials and elastomers. Seal materials should be compatible with all product ranges. Choose the seal material that stands up to the most demanding application. EPDM is often the standard elastomer for pumps and valves because the material is resistant to most fluids used in a dairy processing plant. However, high temperatures and product compatibility may require different types, such as Viton, Buna, Silicone, etc….

Proper design coupled with the correct seals and elastomers will allow for an efficient, clean, and productive pump or valve. Here at Nelson-Jameson are in the unique position of offering these products to our customers, and possessing baseline knowledge will help us provide the service they have come to expect. Pumps and valves are critical in the day to day operations of a dairy plant. For more information on pumps and valves, contact our Process Systems Department at 800-826-8302 or see our website.

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