Camfil helps food and beverage manufacturers protect workers, prevent cross-contamination, and manage combustible dust risks with extraction solutions.
In food and beverage manufacturing, dust is more than an unsightly nuisance. Flour, sugar, starches, dairy, coffee and grain – along with residues from packaging materials such as cardboard and plastics – create a complex environment of airborne particles. These dusts are not only allergenic and irritating to respiratory systems but can also pose combustible hazards. Left unchecked, they threaten worker safety, compromise product quality, and can lead to dust explosions.
For Heath Roberts, Air Pollution Control (APC) sales manager at Camfil, the first step in effective dust management is for operators and production managers to understand both the variety of dusts and how they behave. Airborne dust can settle on production surfaces or packaging lines, increasing the risk of cross-contamination. Allergenic particles, such as those from milk powder or nuts, can be particularly dangerous, while fine dust poses long-term respiratory risks to staff. Beyond employee health, dust can impact product consistency, trigger recalls and compromise brand reputation. These pressures have made proper dust extraction systems a core requirement for modern food manufacturing.
Unlike standard solutions, Camfil’s approach to dust management begins with a detailed understanding of each facility’s unique environment, as dust challenges vary from one site to the next.
“Our first step is understanding the dust and the process,” Roberts said. “We assess the layout, hygiene requirements, and extraction points before recommending a tailored system. Lab analysis then ensures the solution is safe and effective.”
Camfil designs and supplies a range of extraction solutions for food and beverage manufacturers, including the Gold Series X-Flo, Gold Series High Vacuum, and Handte Venturi systems. The X-Flo is a robust, modular system capable of handling airflows up to 10,000 m³/h per module. Vertical filter cartridges ensure uniform airflow and extended filter life, while compliance with ATEX and NFPA standards guarantees safety in combustible environments.
The High Vacuum system supports continuous operation through pulse-cleaned filters, hazardous dust containment via Bag-In/Bag-Out procedures, and explosion protection features. Configurable for stand-alone or bin vent applications, it is designed to meet the rigorous demands of high-volume food production. Meanwhile, the Handte Venturi unit uses water injection to separate ultrafine, sticky or oily dusts efficiently, providing high separation efficiency and easy maintenance.
Safety and compliance at the forefront
Regulatory compliance is a critical factor for food manufacturers managing dust. HSE and local standards mandate protection from both respiratory hazards and combustible dust incidents. Camfil engineers safety into every layer of its systems, incorporating features such as explosion venting, isolation valves, and flameless vents, all certified to ATEX and NFPA standards.
“Combustible dust is one of the most serious hazards in food production,” Roberts said. “By controlling dust at the source, reducing accumulation, and applying explosion prevention and isolation technologies, we significantly minimise risk.”
Effective dust extraction also reduces the potential for cross-contamination. Fine particles can migrate to packaging lines, causing allergen exposure or quality degradation. Camfil’s systems are engineered to remove these hazards, ensuring safer working conditions while maintaining product integrity.
Operational efficiency is another key benefit. Minimising dust accumulation helps reduce downtime, protects machinery, and optimises indoor air quality. With energy-efficient operation, longer filter lifespans, and easy maintenance, Camfil systems deliver a cost-effective solution over the long term, giving manufacturers confidence in both safety and performance.
Innovation in filtration technology
Camfil’s commitment to innovation extends beyond compliance. Its solutions are designed for high performance under demanding conditions, with technology tailored to the nuances of food production dusts. The Handte Venturi system uses water as a separation device, neutralising explosion risk while handling sticky or oily dusts that would impair conventional dry filtration systems.
“Our wet scrubbers allow better separation and improved cost of ownership,” Roberts noted. “They handle dust that would normally damage dry systems, and they reduce explosion risk by using water as a neutralising agent.”
Other innovations include modular, vertical filter designs that maximise airflow and filter efficiency, as well as pulse-cleaning systems for continuous operation. These features not only enhance safety but also minimise operational costs by reducing downtime and energy usage. Camfil systems are designed to be maintained easily, with long-life filters and simple service schedules that keep production running efficiently.
Maintenance considerations are increasingly important to manufacturers who want long-term safety and reliability. By offering easy access, automatic sludge removal options, and energy-efficient operation, Camfil systems are designed to deliver consistent performance while reducing operational burdens on staff.
Future trends and industry challenges
Looking ahead, the food and beverage sector is facing stricter hygiene and allergen control standards, alongside increased awareness of combustible dust risks. Manufacturers are recognising the need for certified solutions and proactive dust management strategies. Camfil’s global presence enables them to support companies navigating these evolving regulatory landscapes, delivering both expertise and tailored solutions.
“The industry is focusing more on airborne particle control and stricter hygiene standards,” Roberts said. “A lot of our solutions are explosion certified to ATEX, ensuring safety and compliance as regulations tighten.”
For manufacturers beginning to address dust-related risks, the first step is gaining clarity around their specific challenges. Through consultation, assessment, and system design, Camfil works with customers to develop solutions aligned to their processes, dust type, and production goals, protecting employees, safeguarding products, and supporting long-term operational reliability.
