In the food industry, hygienic standards are extremely high.
Guidelines such as those of EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group) and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) are decisive for the design of production lines. Every component must be designed to prevent contamination.
Electric motors and gearboxes are no exception. If they are not hygienically designed, they become a source of bacterial growth. The question is therefore not whether your motors must comply, but how you guarantee this. The solution lies in stainless steel motors that are specifically designed to comply with these strict guidelines.
What is an “EHEDG Motor”?
Although a complete motor is rarely entirely EHEDG certified, the term EHEDG motor is used for motors that are designed according to EHEDG principles and use EHEDG-compliant components.
The principles of hygienic design are clear:
- Smooth surfaces: No cooling fins or difficult crevices where dirt can accumulate.
- Corrosion resistant: Use of high-quality, food-safe materials such as stainless steel that are resistant to aggressive chemicals.
- Perfect sealing: Crucial to prevent the ingress of water and bacteria. No metal-to-metal contact, by means of the specially designed T-ring developed by Dertec, all metal parts are separated from each other.
The Crucial Role of Hygienic Seals and Stainless Steel
Even standard motors that appear waterproof often have a hidden weak point: the seals. In a standard design, microscopic particles and bacteria can accumulate around shafts and gaskets.
The design of our stainless steel motors is therefore fully aligned with the strict FDA and EHEDG guidelines. This is reflected in two essential characteristics:
Extra Hygienic Seals
Dertec equips all of its stainless steel motors as standard with advanced hygienic seals that comply with EHEDG guidelines. These seals connect seamlessly to the stainless steel housing and prevent water (even during intensive high-pressure cleaning) or bacteria from entering. This is the core of a reliable EHEDG motor.
Completely Smooth Stainless Steel Housing
Manufactured from high-quality SS304 or SS316 stainless steel and deliberately designed without cooling fins. This smooth, rounded washdown design ensures that water and cleaning agents run off immediately, preventing dirt from adhering to the surface.
The Difference Compared to Standard Motors
Standard motors represent a risk in the food industry.
- Coatings: Paint and coatings on standard motors peel off due to aggressive cleaning agents, leading to corrosion.
- Cooling fins: These are perfect breeding grounds for bacteria and are impossible to clean thoroughly.
- Failures: Standard seals fail under high-pressure cleaning, leading to moisture inside the motor, technical failures, and costly downtime.
Dertec’s Range of Hygienic Stainless Steel Motors
At Dertec, hygienic design is the standard for all stainless steel motors. This applies to our asynchronous IE3/IE4 motors (FP3SS series) and our energy-efficient synchronous IE5 motors (FPM3SS series).
All these stainless steel motors are designed for the most demanding washdown applications and are equipped with the correct hygienic seals to help you comply with the strictest requirements.
Conclusion: Food Safety Starts with the Right Motor
Contamination is a real risk, but it can be easily prevented with the right drive system. To comply with EHEDG and FDA guidelines, a standard motor is not sufficient. In environments where intensive cleaning and maximum hygiene are required, stainless steel motors are essential. By choosing Dertec stainless steel motors with hygienic seals, you are not only investing in a reliable motor, but also safeguarding the food safety and efficiency of your entire production process.