In the food industry radial shaft seals prevent dirt, dust and other contaminants entering machines and plant. Four points decide whether a seal is suitable:
- Materials: The food industry uses food-grade elastomers — FDA-compliant qualities such as HNBR or FKM. They withstand the cleaning and disinfecting agents used in food processing plants.
- Hygienic design: The design follows the hygiene rules, makes cleaning easier and minimises the risk of contamination — through smooth surfaces, abrasion-resistant materials and profiles that are easy to clean and inspect.
- Approvals: Manufacturers should be able to demonstrate conformity to EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group) and FDA.
- Fields of application: Pumps, mixers, conveyors, filling lines and much more.
What distinguishes VR seals here
VR seals are particularly suited to sealing cavity-free, smooth shafts in food processing machinery. Because no bonding agents are used, they are safer in use than many competing products. The designs BOA, DOA, SOA, SAB and SAC are especially suitable thanks to their smooth surface.
- Smooth transition to the requirements of EHEDG and DIN EN 1672-2
- Free of cavities
- Without bonding agents
- Various elastomers with different approvals available
Further properties
- pressure-resistant thanks to the support body
- longer service life
- energy-efficient
- friction-optimised through minimised radial pressure
- reduces the heat input into the food being processed
Typical machines
- Bakery machinery
- Grain processing
- Poultry processing
- Slaughtering machinery
- Meat processing
- Dairy technology
- Coffee machines
- Mixing machines
More on the food-grade materials in the elastomer overview, more on the industry on the page Industries.