Safe passage from bean to coffee

The Mondelez portfolio boasts several billion dollar brands including Cadbury, Milka Chocolate and Jacobs Coffee. The Banbury site is the home of Kenco Coffee manufacturing.

The original green coffee beans come into the plant via bulk containers and are then tipped into floor grills before being cleaned. Green bean dust is a known potential allergen and reducing /eliminating dust is important for the operators working in this area. Prior to the project, operators were using brushes or compressed airlines to collect the dust, but a vacuum solution was needed to improve dust containment. During a DSEAR assessment blowing the dust was also identified as a problem as the fine dust has potential explosive qualities. As a result the area is now classified as ATEX Zone 22 and any clean-up must be carried out with ATEX Zone 22 certified equipment.

Additionally it is critical that all incoming containers are thoroughly cleaned out before they are returned to the docks for use by other customers and products.

Mondelez sought advice from the professionals and called in the expertise of Nilfisk’s Industrial Vacuum Solutions Area Manager, Paul Gage. After a full site survey Paul specified a 415v CTS40 Z22 Industrial vacuum complete with 15 metres of anti-static hose and tools. The 4 KW vacuum is fixed to the wall from where the hose can clean down the entire production area and the haulage containers.

The compact CTS40 is extremely easy to use and is ideal for confined areas where a powerful machine is required. The steel waste bin has a capacity of 50 litres, the wheeled design and quick release mechanism makes for easy disposal of hazardous products.

Larry Parkes, Warehouse Shift Lead for Mondelez in Banbury commented on the solution now in place; ‘We previously used compressed air lines to blow the dust out prior to collection but this was not ideal. The Nilfisk CTS40 is a much improved solution, the advice and support we have received from Nilfisk both pre and post-sale was excellent, they really know their stuff.’

Any parties who are unsure about their specific requirements in relation to the ATEX directive are advised to seek professional advice and support. No obligation site surveys and consultations are available from the specialist Nilfisk Industrial Vacuum Solutions team across the UK.

Nilfisk is one of the world's largest manufacturers of commercial and industrial cleaning equipment. From specialist Industrial Vacuums through to Grounds Maintenance and Road Sweepers, Nilfisk offers a complete and affordable solution to all cleaning challenges.

www.nilfisk.co.uk