The advantages of using a UV Tunnel System

The advantages of using a UV Tunnel System

Driven by the growing demand for high-quality standards and a reduced dependence on chemical processes, UV tunnels have been widely adopted as a crucial part of the production line in industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals and biotech. A UV tunnel conveyor system is built to kill off bacteria using UV light. UV treatment is a fast, cost-effective, chemical-free and environmentally friendly way to remove harmful bacteria, viruses, mould spores, algae and yeast from surfaces, making them safe and hygienic.

What is UVC?

UVC decontamination is Ultraviolet light in the C spectrum which is extremely energy-rich. This light can be used for a wide range of applications such as disinfecting water and eliminating harmful micro-organisms on surfaces, food products or in the air. Because UVC light can kill more than 99.9% of all pathogens without the need for toxic chemicals, UV tunnel systems are extremely effective and reliable in all settings. Due to the many benefits of this system, UV tunnels are especially popular within the food industry.

How is UV light used in the food industry?

UV lamps are used for a technique in food production called irradiation. This is used to kill bacteria such as salmonella and E. Coli. UV disinfection treatment is used on surfaces, to maintain the quality of product batches. It prevents cross-contamination of allergens and pathogenic microorganisms, via food, beverages or the packaging used to preserve and transport products. Viruses, bacteria, yeast, and fungi are instantly destroyed by ultraviolet light sterilisation, increasing shelf life and nutritional value.

Benefits of using UV Tunnel Systems in the food industry

Contaminated packaging is one of the main causes of infection of food with bacteria. This is why it is important to use an effective sterilization process before filling. UV tunnel systems use UV light to sterilize all surfaces that come into contact with food products such as containers, bottle tops, wrappers and conveyor belts.

UV Tunnels are ideal for disinfecting food packaging and food items during the food manufacturing process. They eliminate microorganisms resulting in higher product quality and help food manufacturers and food processors achieve extended shelf-life. Using a UV Tunnel for sterilization helps food products retain bulk, colour and freshness for longer by slowing down the maturation process. It reduces spoilage and waste by preventing potatoes, onions and garlic from sprouting. UV light reduces cross-contamination and can prevent insects from infesting dried foods.

ENE's UV Tunnel Conveyor

ENE Group's UV Tunnels are made with hygiene in mind, manufactured from 304-grade stainless steel in our UK and Ireland factories. Our UV Tunnel Systems are easy to install and maintain and are very flexible in application. They can be designed as a straight running, incline or decline conveyor. UV tunnels can be designed for any product within any industry.

As well as decontaminating, our UV tunnels can also transport products between other conveyors. Our UV Tunnel System allows a wide range of food manufacturers from industries such as bakeries to meat processors to attain high levels of disinfection and reduce cross-contamination. There are many applications for our system in a variety of food processing industries such as the dairy sector to sterilize packing materials for fresh milk products like yoghurt and also fresh fruit and vegetable processing, as well as baked goods.

If your business would like to improve your decontamination methods, an ENE UV Tunnel could help. We can help you choose the correct processing system for any application. Contact us to find out more.