Powering Food & Beverage: Key Components That Keep Production Flowing

Whether you’re sipping on a soda or grabbing a quick snack, the flow of food and beverage products to your table relies on complex machinery and components working behind the scenes. From bottle & can filling machines to food packaging equipment, the food and beverage industry depends on reliable hydraulic and pneumatic systems to keep production moving smoothly. In this blog, we’ll explore key applications and essential products used throughout food and beverage manufacturing, and how Brennan supports this vital industry with durable, innovative solutions designed to meet its unique challenges.

Key Applications

• Bottle & Can Filling Machines: These machines are exactly what they sound like, they automate the process of accurately filling liquids into cans and bottles. They are working to make sure every bottle is just right (because no one wants a half-full soda or an overfilled juice can!). While the name might be self-explanatory, these machines play a crucial role in keeping production fast, clean, and consistent. Push-to-connect fittings are commonly used in these systems because they offer easy installation and quick disconnection, helping to reduce downtime during frequent cleanings and maintenance. These components also connect pneumatic hoses with NSF-51 certified clear PVC tubing, that power actuators and cylinders controlling the filling valves and bottle cappers.
• Food Packaging Equipment: This machinery is used to wrap, seal, label, and prepare food products for distribution and sale, ensuring freshness and safety. In this equipment, push-to-connect fittings are also commonly used to connect air tubing quickly and securely, allowing for easy installation and fast maintenance without compromising system integrity. Given the strict hygiene standards in the food industry, many components, including fittings, are made from stainless steel or compatible materials that resist corrosion and support thorough cleaning processes. Stainless steel tubing, particularly in 304 and 316 grades, is also widely used for its durability, sanitary properties, and resistance to corrosion in food packaging environments. The combination of durability, ease of use, and sanitary design helps keep packaging lines efficient and contamination-free.
• Mixing & Blending Equipment: This equipment is essential in food and beverage production, combining ingredients smoothly, think of the batter being mixed perfectly before baking your favorite cake. These machines experience frequent pressure changes and vibrations, especially around mixing blades, which can put strain on the system. NSF-51 certified clear PVC braided hoses are commonly used for safely transferring food-grade liquids or ingredients during the mixing process. O-Ring Face Seal Fittings are ideal in this environment because they provide leak-resistance, helping to avoid contamination and ensure product safety. Their compatibility with stainless steel materials adds corrosion resistance and makes cleaning easier, which is crucial for maintaining the high hygiene standards required in food-grade applications. 
  
  

How Brennan Supports the Food & Beverage Industry

From processing to packaging, the food and beverage industry relies on dependable, sanitary equipment to maintain quality and safety. Brennan recognizes these critical needs and delivers high-quality components engineered to ensure safe and hygienic operations throughout the entire process.

Customization Capabilities: Some food and beverage equipment requires non-standard connections or unique configurations. We have the capabilities to design and manufacture custom fittings to meet specific machine requirements. From material selection to dimensional adjustments, we support projects that call for specialized solutions beyond standard parts.

Sanitary-Grade Materials: Brennan offers 304 and 316 stainless steel fittings and adapters designed for food-grade environments where hygiene and corrosion resistance are essential. These materials meet strict sanitary standards, with 316 offering added protection against chlorides. In addition to fittings, Brennan also provides stainless steel tubing and instrumentation components that meet the stringent sanitary requirements of the food and beverage industry, making them well-suited for use in food packaging equipment. Their smooth surfaces make cleaning easy and help prevent bacterial buildup, supporting safe, contamination-free processing.

Cleanliness Testing: To meet the strict hygiene requirements of the food and beverage industry, we perform technical cleanliness testing in an ISO Class 8 cleanroom. This ensures fittings are free from contaminants like oils, particles, and debris before they enter sensitive production environments, supporting safe and sanitary operations.

Strict Quality Control: Our quality control process is rigorous throughout every stage of manufacturing to ensure consistent, reliable performance. Our products undergo comprehensive inspections, including dimensional checks and material verification, backed by our thorough lot traceability system. This careful oversight supports the high standards required in the food and beverage industry, helping to minimize downtime and maintain product safety.

From the beverages we enjoy to the snacks we grab on the go, every step of food and beverage production depends on reliable equipment. We support the food and beverage industry with solutions that keep production flowing smoothly, meeting the highest standards every step of the way.

For more information on Brennan’s food & beverage industry applications, contact your local Brennan distributor or visit www.brennaninc.com.