The application of dehumidification systems in meat processing plants is very necessary, as it is related to food safety, product quality, energy consumption, and production efficiency. Below, I will provide you with a complete overview on several levels. USDA certification refers to a series of certification and inspection systems related to food safety, meat processing, and agricultural product quality issued or regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture. USDA Inspection refers to the mandatory supervision of production by FSIS resident inspectors at each meat processing plant. The inspection includes: hygiene and equipment cleaning, temperature and humidity control, cross-contamination prevention and control, product temperature, and storage conditions. Each approved factory will have a USDA Establishment Number printed on the product packaging.

 

1、 Why Do Meat Processing Plants Have to Install Dehumidification Systems

The meat processing workshop is a low-temperature and high-humidity environment, usually controlled at 2-10 ° C. In order to prevent meat spoilage, a refrigeration system is necessary, but cold air can easily cause condensation and humidity accumulation.

The consequences of high humidity include:

The condensation of water droplets contaminates food, which clearly does not comply with HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) standards.

A high-humidity environment can lead to the growth of mold and bacteria, especially in ceilings, conveyor belts, and corners of walls.

High humidity and slippery floors may cause workers to slip. High environmental moisture makes factory equipment susceptible to corrosion.

Severe frosting in freeze-drying areas and cold storage can lead to increased energy consumption and decreased efficiency of refrigeration equipment.

Therefore, industrial dehumidification systems are part of the food safety system in meat processing plants.

 

2、 Application Areas and Functions of Dehumidification Systems

 

3、 Common Types of Dehumidification Systems

(1)  Refrigeration Dehumidifier

Principle: Air passes through a cooling coil, then condenses into water and is reheated before being sent out.

Advantages: Low energy consumption and simple maintenance.

Applicable: The dehumidifier for meat is properly applied in processing and packaging workshops in high-temperature areas (>10 ° C).

Disadvantage: The dehumidification efficiency decreases at low temperatures.

(2)  Desiccant Rotor System

Principle: Use moisture-absorbing materials (such as silicone wheels) to absorb air moisture, and then heat and regenerate.

Advantages: Efficient dehumidification can still be achieved in low-temperature environments.

Applicable: cold storage, quick freezing area, and low-temperature workshop.

Disadvantages: Requires heat source regeneration (electricity or steam), high energy consumption.

(3)  Hybrid System

Combination: condensation dehumidification+rotary dehumidification.

Advantages: Energy saving and able to adapt to climate change throughout the year.

Application trend: Large meat processing plants commonly adopt it.

 

4、 Key Points of System Design

Wet load calculation

Consider personnel, equipment, external infiltration, cleaning water vapor, and product evaporation.

Air flow control

To prevent the return air from carrying moisture, a clean positive pressure airflow design is adopted.

Automation control

Use temperature and humidity sensors+PLC control to link air conditioning and dehumidifier.

Hygienic design

Dehumidifiers should use food-grade materials (304 stainless steel casing), be easy to clean, and have smooth drainage.

Energy-saving strategy

Recycling condensation heat for air preheating or thermal regeneration to improve energy utilization efficiency.

 

5、 Recommended Dehumidifier Brand

 

6、 Benefits of Using a Dehumidification System

80% reduction in condensation and mold problems+

The energy consumption of the refrigeration system has decreased by 10-20%

The frost cycle of the cold storage has been extended by more than twice

HACCP and USDA certification pass rates increase

A more comfortable and safe working environment