Excessive Foam Formation during CIP of Dairy Plant

Caustic soda is the most widely used chemical for cleaning in place. During operation, caustic soda reacts with fats and proteins. This splits them into smaller molecules and creating foaming compounds (saponification process). Foaming compounds reduce the surface tension of water, increasing the cleansing ability.

New USFDA Food Code 2013

For those working the food industry, you may be interested to know that tbe new US FDA food code is now available for download from their website. This contains several provisions and good practices in food processing.

Pipe Material for CIP Chemical in a Dairy Plant - 304 versus 316

Cleaning in place (CIP) has become standard practice in almost all dairy, beverage and processed-food production plants brought about the ever increasing pressure to increase uptime of the process. Over the past 10–15 years, the industry technology has seen increased demands from customers in terms of CIP verification and validation to provide improvements in plant hygiene, finished product quality, and related shelf-life and microbiological considerations.

The cleaning process will usually consist of a series of discrete stages or cycles, generally including:

Closed Loop Systems Water Treatment

The problems found in a recirculating cooling water system usually fall into the following categories:

- Corrosion

- Scale

- Fouling Deposits

- Microbiological

Modern Technologies for Buildings

High-performance buildings have an energy, economic and environmental performance that is substantially better than standard practice and actually ties the building performance to the mission of the organization or business. They also offer reduced operating costs, higher occupant productivity and enhanced asset value. Superior energy, economic, comfort and environmental performance are a hallmark of high-performance buildings.

2013 Reginal Conference to be held in Mindanao

Would like to invite all who are available all to join and participate in the Mindanao Regional Conference. The theme of this year's Mindanao Regional Conference is "Mechanical Engineers Unite in Pursuit of Global Competitiveness". This year's objectives are :

• To promote participation and contribution of Mechanical Engineers in the social, economic and industrial growth of Mindanao
• To provide a forum among members, officers and directors to discuss matters relevant to the mechanical engineering profession, other fields of engineering, global trends of technology, and the affairs of the society
• To update members on the advancement of engineering science and technology and to encourage them to support the organization
• To provide an opportunity for different suppliers of industrial materials to promote and demonstrate their products

Certification of Good Standing

Starting last November, 2011 mechanical engineers renewing their license will need to submit a "Certificate of Good Standing" to the PRC (Professional Regulation Commission) in addition to other requirements.

61st ANNUAL PSME NATIONAL CONVENTION

This year's Annual National Convention (NATCON) of the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) will be held again at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. This will be the 61st NatCon of our society. This year's theme is “Harnessing Members’ Initiatives : A Key to Global Competitiveness”

PSME National Golf Tournament

Our PSME is organizing a golf tournament this coming May 8, 2013 at the Ayala Greenfields Golf and Leisure Club

Other details

PSME mid year Convention

Inviting you all to take part on this relevant gathering of Mechanical Engineers from the Industry, Academe, Government and Schools respectively. This year's PSME mid-year Convention theme: “Gearing Up For Excellence Towards Global Competitiveness”, aims to gather all our PSME members to impart the values of continuous learning to be at par with other professionals globally.

ASHRAE to Conduct a One Day Lecture

ASHRAE Philippines Chapter will be holding a Seminar titled "A POWER HOUSE LECTURE ON ARCHITECTURAL & ENGINEERING DESIGN IN TROPICAL CLIMATES" on April 26, 2013, Friday at Makati Shangri-la Hotel.

Happiness is . . . . .

A few decades ago, life & work was so much simpler then. Cost of living was lower and our salary was in retrospect, also much less. Management objectives were based on achieving them on a normal 8 hour day.

How Do You Install an Eccentric Reducer ?

How is an eccentric reducer installed in your line ? Is the flat part supposed to be on top, bottom or the side ? Arguments to orient the eccentric reducer one way or the other area plentiful and have been raging for as long as I can remember in my various work assignments.

What is your opinion on the correct orientation of an eccentric going to the suction (horizontal - see illustration above) of a water pump ?

Job Opportunities from Kubota Philippines

Kubota Philippines is hiring for white collar jobs to provide services to their clients. Kubota primarily manufactures agricultural machineries and has subsidiaries and branches in several countries near us. They are currently looking for a Parts Manager based in Quezon City, National Capital Region.

Energy University

You can avail of several free E-Learning programs by taking up courses at the Energy University website. These are quite useful as review materials and knowledge updates for all engineering subjects especially in mechanical. Energy University is sponsored by Schneider Electric.

PSME Annual Convention 2012

The 60th "DIAMOND" Annual National Convention (NATCON) of the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers  will be held at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City on October 23 to 26, 2012 with the theme: "Mechanical Engineers: Sustained Thrust Towards Global Competitiveness".