Reach Your Sustainability Goals by Reducing Water Use During Your Abattoir Cleaning Operations

Due to the current concerns of water scarcity in Australia, there is an increasing demand for meat processing plants and abattoirs to put water saving measures in place throughout their operations. According to the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC), cleaning and sterilising applications in the slaughter and evisceration areas are responsible for consuming the largest amounts of water. Using the correct spray nozzles is one of the many ways that spray technology can help save water during your meat processing operations. Since 1937, Spraying Systems Co. has crafted a variety of spray nozzles that are used in over 200 different industries worldwide. With varying spray patterns, flow rates, operating pressures and materials, you are sure to find the right spray nozzle for your plant.    By delivering water at precise flow rates and patterns, our spray nozzles ensure that each drop is utilised effectively. In addition to the expert design and innovation of our spray nozzles, they undergo rigorous testing prior to entering the market to ensure their performance and water saving capabilities. Even if your plant is already using spray nozzles, it is vital that you are using the correct ones for each application.  Unfortunately, some still have the perception that a higher flow rate must be better as that will offer the best outcome. The truth is, spray nozzles need to be properly sized to achieve an effective clean in the most efficient way. Using a spray nozzle with a higher flow rather than what is required, leads to your plant wasting unnecessary amounts of water and increasing operating expenses. It is best to consult with one of our spray technology experts who will assess your operations and will be able to recommend which spray nozzles are suitable for your facility. We offer our water sustainability assessment for this very reason.  Spray nozzles and spray technology can help to save water in several cleaning applications in your meat processing plant and abattoir, including:

Bleeding Table

To effectively clean the bleed table, trays and troughs, our high-impact FlatJet spray nozzles are ideal. The main reason these nozzles are recommended here is because they provide consistent and even coverage of the equipment surface which is crucial to ensure a hygienic clean. 

Evisceration Tables and Pans

This area needs to be kept clean and sanitary between each use to avoid cross-contamination. Our automated Evisceration Table Cleaning System utilises hot water sprayed through 3 YNRAJ rotating arms, with VeeJet spray nozzles attached, that cover the width of the belt. As this is commonly one of the areas that consumes large amounts of water, our VeeJet spray nozzles are most suited. The spray nozzles operate with a lower flow per nozzle, using less water than other spray nozzles that may be used for this application. Through the use of this system, water use can be reduced by up to 40%. To sterilise the equipment, our H-VV VeeJet spray nozzles are ideal as they produce a small droplet size, creating a fine mist.

Steriliser Boxes

After each use, operators in abattoirs will often sterilise their tools in steriliser boxes. After an initial clean with cold water, our FullJet or VeeJet spray nozzles can be used for a high-temperature spray treatment to effectively sterilise the tools. 

Rotary Screens

Cleaning rotary screens regularly helps to prevent water accumulating in the solid waste stream which leads to a more expensive disposal of the wastewater. Our FlatJet or VeeJet spray nozzles fitted onto our Brush Spray Bar is best for this application. The spray bar features an internal rotating brush assembly to keep the spray nozzles clean and working in proper order, thus keeping them effective to clean the rotary screens. The spray bar is also able to keep water use to a minimum, thanks to its innovative design. 

General Washdown
Using a spray gun is a fantastic option for general washdown applications as they are easy to handle and provide a quick clean. Our BCU GunJet spray guns save water due to the on/off trigger design. Operators can comfortably wash with hot water as the guns’ handles are designed to withstand temperatures up to 93°C. For more information on the products and applications covered in this blog post, click here to download the new Spray Technology Solutions in the Meat Processing Industry bulletin. To book a water sustainability assessment at your meat processing plant or abattoir, click here to find your local spray technology expert.