ABSTRACT
Aseptic processing and packaging has the goal of producing shelf-stable products of the highest possible quality. In order to fulfill this requirement, much attention has been paid to the process and packaging equipment. Such developments are not cheap, and require attention to the environment in which they operate, and the personnel who will operate them. Design of the facility in which the aseptic processes are carried out is important for protection of the equipment, regulatory compliance, food defense, and personnel retention and motivation. Each of the streams that feed the complex processing equipment, as well as the environmental conditions need to also comply with the highest quality standards.
This chapter takes a summary look at hygienic design of facilities and equipment and peeks into different utilities that serve the aseptic processing and packaging equipment: from the landscaping, exterior walls, and entrances to the interior floor and drains, with considerations for hygienic zoning and long-term life of the building. While this chapter only manages to scratch the surface of a complete design, it aims at broadening the scope of aseptic design and giving the engineer a taste of all the details that are needed for a successful operation.
