Nestlé, Germany

Nestlé selects a Sweet Ventilation Solution for the Smarties Factory

Purpose designed equipment was necessary in order to control the heat load generated by the various processes taking place within the Nestlé manufacturing facility. Maintaining a healthy flow of fresh air without allowing the distribution of airborne contaminants created by the equipment in the manufacturing processes, has improved the productivity of the workforce and is one vital element in providing a more comfortable working environment.

The CC range follows the highest requests for cleanability and maintenance

Fläkt Woods has won a contract to refurbish the ventilation system of the Nestlé Chocoladen fabrik factory in Hamburg, where Smarties and Kit Kat are manufactured.

Purpose designed equipment was necessary in order to control the heat load generated by the various processes taking place within the Nestlémanu-facturingfacility. Maintaining a healthy flow of fresh air without allowing the distribution of airborne contaminants created by the equipment in the manu-facturingprocesses, has improved the productivity of the workforce and is one vital element in providing a more comfortable working environment.

The food industry is a complex environ-ment, often combining strict hygiene levels with low temperatures. Fläkt Woods’extract ventilation system is constantly balanced by a controlled input system to maintain the correct pressures and air flows. The "Clean Concept" Air Handling Units from Fläkt Woods are certified to the Eurovent T2-TB2 standard for thermal bridging and will handle air flows up 75,000 m³/h (20.8 m³/s).

Nestléhas requested a totally welded monolithic floor for the units, to fit the Company’s demanding 2* requirement. This bespoke necessity has been specially developed for ease of cleaning and accessibility, including the use of disposable HVAC filters certified to meet the "food safe"F7/F9 standard. The contract also included the design, supply, installation and commissioning of a bespoke control unit to manage the integrated mechanical systems.

The installation also features textile ducting; these ducts have an inner gas-permeable layer and an outer gas-impervious layer, with additional layers in between. One major advan-tageof this is that noise is considerably reduced at the outlet diffuser, as well as a reduction of draughts and a more uniform air-distribution. By far the biggest advantage though, is the saving of weight, as textile ducts weigh 80% less than an equivalent aluminium duct, reducing structural loads on the building and allowing for the use of a far simpler suspension system.

Poorly designed ventilation systems, suffer with crevices and internal surfaces that can potentially build up layers of grease, dirt and bacteria. All this causes an environmental health hazard and a possible fire risk. The "Clean Concept"Air Handling Units are specifically designed with smooth, easy to clean inner surfaces, helping to reduce the build up of contaminants and making it easier to remove dirt and grease from the system. This greatly increases the operating effici-encyof the ventilation equipment, ensuring that the units continue to work reliably, avoiding the risk of fire and ensuring compliance with all relevant Health & Safety and insurance requirements.