What Is A Goods Air Shower?

The primary function is to clean items entering an aseptic production area or sensitive environment. Air filtration and directed forced airflow remove potentially harmful surface contaminants.

Key Design Elements

Goods air showers feature a tunnel shape, air filtration, specialized air knives or nozzles, and integration with the conveyor system.

Different From Personnel Air Showers

While utilizing similar airflow principles goods air showers are optimized for products rather than people. The design, airflow patterns and integration differ.

Goods air showers contain several key components tailored for decontaminating items effectively:

Filtration Systems

Multi-stage filtration removes incoming particulates. HEPA or ULPA filters ensure cleaner outgoing air.

Air Knives or Nozzles

Stainless steel air knives or nozzles direct focused, turbulent airflows downwards over the entire top surface of conveyed materials.

Conveyor System

Integration with the conveyor system allows smooth, automated throughput of items through the air shower.

Goods air showers have important applications across several industries including:

Food and Beverage

Blowing off debris and microbes upholds food quality and safety standards.

Pharmaceuticals

Cleanliness prevents drug cross-contamination and maintains sterile production environments.

Electronics

Surface particulates can damage sensitive electronics and components during manufacturing.

Automotive

Air showers remove potentially paint-contaminating dust from auto parts before coating.

Incorporating goods air showers provides multiple benefits:

Removing Surface Contaminants

Forces away dust, metal shards, plastics fragments, hair, lint and other debris on product surfaces.

Preventing Product Spoilage

Eliminating microbial contaminants helps prevent spoilage and maintain shelf life.

Improving Quality Control

Consistent surface cleanliness allows high quality standards to be met.

Determine several factors when choosing the right goods air shower:

Item Sizes and Throughput

The dimensions must accommodate your largest items and throughput volumes.

Level of Filtration Needed

The type of filter used impacts the cleaning level achieved.

Integration with Conveyors

Ensure proper sizing and interfacing for smooth conveying through the unit.

Operational Best Practices

Follow these practices when using goods air showers:

Appropriate Loading and Positioning

Load items in center of conveyor and evenly spaced.

Routine Maintenance

Change filters regularly. Keep nozzles and conveyors clear of debris buildup.

Monitoring Effectiveness

Use visual inspection or microbiological testing to verify cleanliness levels.

Goods air showers serve an important role in removing surface particulates from materials, products and items before entering sensitive environments. Their specialized design, filtration and targeted air knives optimize them for decontaminating goods effectively. Following best practices ensures goods air showers uphold cleanliness and quality standards across industries like food, pharmaceuticals, electronics and automotive manufacturing.

Q: How fast does the conveyor need to move through the air shower?

A: Optimal speed is around 10-20 feet per minute for proper exposure to the directed air jets.

Q: Can ultrasonics be used instead of air nozzles?

A: Ultrasonics can supplement air nozzles but are less effective as the primary purification method.

Q: How often should filters be changed?

A: Most manufacturers recommend changing HEPA/ULPA filters every 6 months under constant use. Pre-filters can be changed more frequently if they become overloaded with particulates.

Q: Can goods air showers fully sterilize surfaces?

A: No, they only remove dry contaminants. For true sterilization other methods like chemical sprays or vapor hydrogen peroxide systems should be used.

Q: Are goods air showers worth the investment?

A: In aseptic industries, the benefits of reduced rejects and higher quality generally provide a quick ROI making them very worthwhile.