Robust cable solutions for food and beverage manufacturing

High-pressure water, hot water, steam, detergents, disinfectants, oils, acids, and other chemicals — food and beverage manufacturing and processing environments have demanding conditions.

For equipment operating through frequent cleaning cycles, selecting cables specifically designed for harsh environments can therefore play an important role in maintaining reliable production.

LAPP's ROBUST range has been developed for these applications, providing power, control, data, and industrial Ethernet cable solutions designed to withstand the demands of these environments.

“Choosing cabling that is designed for these harsh conditions from the outset can help manufacturers protect the reliability of their electrical and automation systems, while avoiding the disruption, downtime, and costs that can come with premature cable failure,” says LAPP Australia Managing Director, Simon Pullinger.

Designed for demanding cleaning environments

Food and beverage machinery may need to be cleaned frequently to meet stringent hygiene requirements, exposing cables and connections to water, cleaning chemicals, and elevated temperatures.

LAPP's ROBUST cable range is designed with resistance to these external influences in mind. Selected products in the range are tested for resistance to ECOLAB® cleaning and disinfecting agents and are certified as suitable for wet cleaning in food and beverage applications in accordance with ECOLAB, European, and North American standards, all widely accepted in Australia.

The range also provides resistance to ozone, UV, and weathering in accordance with EN 50396 and HD 605 S2, providing additional protection for equipment exposed to these environmental factors.

Selected ROBUST cables are also resistant to hot water and steam during frequent steam-jet cleaning. This is particularly relevant where cleaning regimes form an integral part of everyday production operations.

More than just power and control

One of the advantages of the ROBUST range is that it extends across different types of industrial connectivity, including:

• ÖLFLEX® ROBUST provides power and control cables, with options including screened and drag-chain designs. The cables offer chemical and weather resistance, along with a temperature range from -50°C to +80°C. Their resistance to detergents and hot water makes them suited to food and beverage applications where cleaning is an unavoidable part of the operating environment.

LAPP’s ÖLFLEX ROBUST range

• UNITRONIC® ROBUST provides data and signal cabling for harsh environments, with a resistant sheath designed to withstand a range of chemical media, as well as ozone, UV and weather exposure. The range includes stranded, shielded and twisted-pair options, with a temperature range from -50°C to +90°C.

LAPP’s UNITRONIC ROBUST range

• ETHERLINE® ROBUST extends the range into industrial Ethernet and PROFINET applications. Designed for harsh environments, these cables combine chemical resistance with ozone, UV and weather resistance, and are available in versions for PROFINET applications.

LAPP’s ETHERLINE ROBUST range

“For food and beverage manufacturers, LAPP can supply a comprehensive range of cabling and automation equipment from the one source, saving time, and optimising performance,” says Pullinger.

“Importantly, LAPP Australia holds local stock for fast despatch nationwide, and has the local engineering and support resources to assist with cable specification and ongoing problem-solving,” he adds.

Specifying for the application

One of the challenges for engineers is that the operating environment can vary considerably across a food and beverage facility. Cables may be installed on fixed machinery, automated equipment, moving systems, or production lines, with different electrical, mechanical, and environmental requirements.

“Food and beverage production is becoming increasingly automated, so the cabling infrastructure has to support more than simply delivering power,” says Pullinger. “When specifying a new installation, it makes sense to consider the complete range of requirements the cable will face, including its electrical function, environmental exposure, and whether it will be stationary or subject to movement.”

This application-focused approach can also help manufacturers avoid treating cabling as a one-size-fits-all component. By considering the environment and application together during the specification process, engineers can select cable solutions suited to the conditions in which they will operate.

A robust approach to food and beverage connectivity

Cables now form part of increasingly sophisticated production systems, connecting sensors, control equipment, industrial networks, robotics, and automated machinery. At the same time, those systems must continue to operate reliably in environments where rigorous cleaning is essential.

In food and beverage manufacturing, robust connectivity is about ensuring the infrastructure behind production is capable of standing up to the same demanding operating and cleaning conditions as the equipment it supports.

Considering those conditions at the specification stage can help manufacturers select cabling that is fit for purpose from the outset, supporting reliable performance throughout the life of the installation.

Learn more about LAPP’s ROBUST cable range: lappaustralia.com.au/en/lapp-robust-cable-solutions