What Hydraulic Fittings are Ideal for Food Processing Facilities?

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Hydraulic fittings play a critical role in the reliability and safety of food and beverage processing systems. In these environments, sanitary and aseptic standards are carefully maintained, and the machinery operates in harsh conditions such as exposure to corrosive chemicals, extreme temperatures, and submersion. 

Selecting the right food-grade hydraulic fittings is essential to prevent contamination, ensure durability, and maintain operational efficiency. So, what makes certain hydraulic fittings the best choice for food processing facilities?

Why Stainless Steel is the Ideal Material for Food-Grade Hydraulic Fittings

Stainless steel fittings are considered the gold standard for food and beverage processing applications due to their unmatched combination of durability, hygiene, and resistance to corrosion. Here’s why stainless steel stands out:

• Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel offers exceptional resistance to highly acidic and corrosive environments, making it ideal for areas exposed to harsh cleaning chemicals and frequent high-pressure washdowns.
• Temperature Resilience: It retains structural integrity across a wide temperature range—from cryogenic conditions to hundreds of degrees—making it versatile for diverse food processing applications.
• Hygienic Properties: Its smooth, non-porous surface prevents bacterial growth, ensuring sanitary conditions. Stainless steel components are also easily sterilized, meeting FDA and USDA standards.
• Environmental Sustainability: Stainless steel is recyclable, has a minimal environmental impact, and does not emit harmful smoke or carcinogens during its lifecycle.

At Air-Way Manufacturing, we produce 316 stainless steel food-grade hydraulic fittings, known for their superior corrosion resistance and durability in severe environments.                         

Comparing Stainless Steel to Other Materials 

While other materials like aluminum or zinc-coated steel are available, they fall short in demanding food processing environments:

• Aluminum: Susceptible to pitting and chemical degradation, making it less reliable in corrosive or high-moisture settings.
• Galvanized Steel: Difficult to repair and requires frequent replacement due to its vulnerability to rust and wear.
• Plastic Fittings: Suitable only for non-contact areas, as they lack the durability and hygiene necessary for food-grade applications.

For critical applications, stainless steel remains the industry standard, trusted across industries like food processing, agriculture, wastewater treatment, and marine industries.

Hydraulic Fittings in Food & Beverage Applications

Food and beverage processing requires fittings that not only perform under extreme conditions, but also maintain the highest levels of hygiene. Stainless steel hydraulic fittings are particularly suited for these environments because:

• They resist pitting and stress corrosion cracking caused by acidic wash-down chemicals.
• Their smooth surfaces ensure easy cleaning and prevent microbial contamination.
• They comply with FDA-mandated cleaning and sterilization protocols, including Clean-in-Place (CIP) processes.

Air-Way’s 316 stainless steel fittings are engineered to handle the challenges of food processing facilities, ensuring both performance and compliance.

The Importance of Proper Component Selection in Food Processing Systems

Selecting the correct hydraulic fittings is crucial to avoid system failures, contamination, and unplanned downtime. Factors to consider include:

• Material Compatibility: Ensure the fittings are compatible with hydraulic fluids, cleaning agents, and the operating environment.
• Pressure and Temperature Ratings: Match the fitting’s specifications to the system’s requirements to prevent leaks and failures.
• Cleanability and Hygiene: Choose materials like stainless steel with smooth, non-porous surfaces for easy sterilization.
• Industry Compliance: Verify compliance with standards such as FDA and USDA requirements.

At Air-Way, our comprehensive inventory of food-grade fittings and in-house manufacturing process ensures quick delivery and customization to meet your unique needs.

Why Choose Air-Way for Food-Grade Hydraulic Fittings?

With over 70 years of expertise in hydraulic systems, Air-Way Manufacturing offers unmatched reliability, quality, and service. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Comprehensive Inventory: We carry a wide range of 316 stainless steel hydraulic fittings designed to meet the specific needs of food processing facilities.
• Custom Solutions: Need a specialized fitting? Our team can design and manufacture fittings tailored to your exact specifications.
• Rapid Response: Owning the entire manufacturing process enables us to provide quick turnaround times and on-demand production.
• Industry Expertise: Air-Way ensures every fitting meets or exceeds SAE and ISO standards, delivering superior performance in critical applications.

Ready to optimize your food processing systems with the best hydraulic fittings on the market? Explore our extensive inventory of 316 stainless steel hydraulic fittings or contact us today for expert guidance and custom solutions. Let Air-Way Manufacturing be your partner in ensuring reliability, efficiency, and compliance in your operations.