Cable protection in demanding environments – hygienic Flexa-Food protective conduits
Traditional conduit protection systems, with their corrugated structure and hard-to-reach nooks and crannies, provide an ideal environment for the growth of microorganisms. Product residues, moisture and contaminants can accumulate in the crevices, becoming sources of contamination that are extremely difficult to eliminate during standard cleaning and disinfection processes. Furthermore, aggressive chemicals and high-pressure cleaning, which are necessary to maintain sanitary conditions, can lead to material degradation, damage to cable insulation and, consequently, costly downtime.
This issue affects all branches of the food industry – from dairy and meat processing, where hygiene is fundamental to safety, to baking and beverage filling lines, where the reliability and cleanliness of the machines directly translate into the quality of the final product. Regulatory requirements, such as HACCP standards, impose the need for system solutions that minimise all potential risks.
Integrated systems with hygienic design
The answer to these challenges is specialised cable protection systems, designed from scratch with the specific needs of the food industry in mind. FLEXA, drawing on many years of experience in the production of ‘Made in Germany’ cable systems, has developed a dedicated FLEXA-FOOD product line that redefines the concept of safety and hygiene in this area.
The concept is based on creating a complete, leak-proof and easy-to-clean system consisting of a protective hose and a matching connector. The key to success here is attention to design details that eliminate the weak points of traditional solutions..
Smooth, easy-to-clean surface
The main feature of FLEXA hygienic pipes is their smooth outer surface. Unlike standard corrugated pipes, this design prevents the accumulation of contaminants and the formation of biofilm. Products such as AIRflex®-GRS-FOOD, made of PVC, have a smooth coating both on the outside and inside, which further facilitates the insertion of cables. Its distinctive blue colour is a standard industry indicator of material intended for contact with food.
AIRflex®-GRS-FOOD characteristic features:
- made entirely of PVC with an internal spiral made of hard plastic
- high chemical resistance (to acids, oils) and microorganisms
- smooth inner and outer surface facilitates cable pulling and cleaning
- operating temperature range from -25°C to +50°C (+70°C for short periods)
- FDA and RoHS compliant, silicone and cadmium free
For applications requiring increased mechanical resistance, FLEXA offers the LIQUID-TIGHT-FOOD conduit. Its design is based on a galvanised steel core covered with a smooth coating of polyurethane (PU) approved for contact with food. This ensures both protection against damage and maintenance of the highest hygiene standards.
LIQUID-TIGHT-FOOD characteristic features:
- made of galvanised steel with a smooth, food-safe PU coating
- high chemical resistance (to acids, oils, petrol), UV and microorganisms
- operating temperature range from -40°C to +80°C (+110°C for short periods)
- FDA and RoHS compliant, halogen, silicone and cadmium free
- made of self-extinguishing material
Guaranteed tightness and resistance
The integrity of a system is only as strong as its weakest link. That is why connectors play a key role. The US-FOOD-M system product is a connector made of stainless steel, designed to ensure a perfectly tight and durable connection between the conduit and the machine. Its design minimises gaps and edges, and the precise sealing system guarantees a protection class of IP68 and IP69K.
IP68: Full protection against dust ingress and the effects of continuous immersion in water.
IP69K: Protection against high-pressure water jets (up to 100 bar) and high temperatures (up to 80°C).
Montage US-Food-System
Proven quality and compliance with standards
A professional approach to safety requires confirmation in the form of independent certificates. FLEXA-FOOD products meet the most stringent industry standards:
- FDA compliance: The materials used in production comply with the requirements of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA CFR 21).
- NSF/ANSI 51 certification: Confirmation that the materials are safe for use in food processing equipment.
- ECOLAB testing: Certificate confirming the chemical resistance of materials to cleaning and disinfecting agents commonly used in the food industry.
In addition, materials such as those used in AIRflex®-GRS-FOOD are resistant to microbial growth and do not contain plasticisers, which further increases safety.
Investing in safety
The implementation of specialised cable protection systems, such as FLEXA-FOOD solutions, is not only about meeting the requirements of auditors and industry standards. Above all, it is a strategic decision that translates into real operational benefits:
- Minimising the risk of product contamination, which protects the brand and consumers.
- Increased reliability and service life of machines through effective protection of sensitive electrical installations.
- Streamlining and accelerating cleaning and disinfection processes, which reduces operating costs.
- Confidence and peace of mind during internal and external audits.
In an era of growing consumer awareness and increasingly stringent regulations, attention to every detail of production infrastructure, no matter how small, is becoming the foundation for success. Hygienic cable protection systems are a perfect example of how innovative technical solutions directly support the highest standards of quality and safety in the food industry.
FLEXA Catalogues
FLEXA-FOOD
