EHEDG hygienic feet: design insights

The Key to Sanitary, Compliant and Efficient Machinery Support

In industries where hygiene is paramount, such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology, equipment design plays a crucial role in ensuring product safety and quality. A key component in this design is the use of hygienic leveling feet, which support and stabilize machinery while adhering to stringent sanitary standards. The European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group (EHEDG) provides guidelines and certifications to ensure that such components meet the highest hygienic design principles.

Understanding Hygienic Leveling Feet

Hygienic leveling feet are specialized components designed to support equipment in environments that demand high levels of cleanliness. Unlike standard leveling feet, which may have exposed threads and crevices that can harbor contaminants, hygienic leveling feet are engineered to be easy to clean and to prevent the accumulation of bacteria and debris. Features such as self-draining surfaces, sealed movable parts, and the absence of exposed threads are common in these designs. These characteristics not only enhance cleanability but also reduce the risk of contamination in sensitive production areas.

Industries Benefiting from Hygienic Leveling Feet

Several industries benefit significantly from the implementation of hygienic leveling feet:

1. Food Processing: In food manufacturing, preventing contamination is critical. Equipment with poor hygienic design can be difficult to clean, leading to potential food safety issues. Hygienic leveling feet ensure that machinery can be effectively sanitized, maintaining product integrity.
2. Pharmaceuticals: The pharmaceutical industry requires sterile environments to prevent product contamination. Hygienic leveling feet contribute to maintaining these sterile conditions by eliminating areas where contaminants could accumulate.
3. Biotechnology: In biotechnology labs and production facilities, maintaining a contaminant-free environment is essential for accurate results and product efficacy. Hygienic leveling feet support this by providing stable and cleanable support for sensitive equipment.

Materials Used in Hygienic Leveling Feet

The choice of materials in the construction of hygienic leveling feet is crucial to ensure durability, corrosion resistance, and compliance with hygiene standards. Common materials include:

• Stainless Steel (AISI 304/A2, 1.4301 and AISI 316/A4, 1.4401): These grades of stainless steel are favored for their corrosion resistance and strength. AISI 316, in particular, offers enhanced resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, making it suitable for harsh cleaning processes.
• FDA-Approved Vulcanized Rubber: Used in anti-vibration and anti-slip applications, this rubber is bonded to the footplate to prevent bacteria from accumulating underneath. The material is compliant with food safety standards, ensuring no harmful substances leach into the environment.

Hygienic Design Insights

Adhering to EHEDG guidelines, hygienic leveling feet are designed with several key principles in mind:

• Self-Draining Surfaces: Designs ensure that liquids do not pool on surfaces, reducing the risk of microbial growth.
• Sealed Movable Parts: All movable components are sealed to prevent ingress of contaminants, even when the load on the foot is removed.
• No Exposed Threads: Covering or eliminating exposed threads prevents the accumulation of debris and facilitates easier cleaning.
• Low Surface Roughness: Smooth surfaces (typically with a roughness average (Ra) of ≤ 0.8 µm) are easier to clean and less likely to harbor microorganisms.

Implementing these design principles not only enhances food safety but also contributes to sustainability by reducing the resources required for cleaning. For instance, certified hygienic leveling feet have been shown to reduce cleaning time and water usage, leading to cost savings and a lower environmental impact.

Incorporating EHEDG-certified hygienic leveling feet into equipment design is a proactive measure to ensure compliance with stringent hygiene standards across various industries. By focusing on materials selection and adhering to hygienic design principles, manufacturers can enhance product safety, improve operational efficiency, and contribute to sustainability efforts. As industries continue to prioritize hygiene and safety, the role of components like hygienic leveling feet becomes increasingly vital in maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and performance.

Understanding Hygienic Machine Leveling Feet

Hygienic feet serve two essential functions:

1. Providing stability to machines and equipment.
2. Ensuring easy cleanability to maintain hygienic standards.

Unlike conventional feet, EHEDG-certified hygienic leveling feet are designed to eliminate contamination risks. Features such as self-draining surfaces, polished finishes, and sealed threads prevent bacterial buildup, making them ideal for sanitary environments.

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Industries Benefiting from Hygienic Feet

Hygienic leveling feet are used in multiple industries where cleanliness is essential for both product safety and regulatory compliance. Below are the key industries where these components play a vital role.

1. Food Processing Industry

Food safety regulations such as HACCP, FDA, and EU 1935/2004 require food processing facilities to maintain the highest hygiene levels. In these settings, hygienic feet ensure:

• Reduced contamination risks by preventing bacterial buildup.
• Easy washdowns to meet stringent cleaning requirements.
• Chemical resistance to withstand harsh detergents and sanitizers.

Common applications in food processing:

• Dairy processing (cheese, milk, yogurt)
• Meat and poultry processing
• Bakery and confectionery production
• Fruit and vegetable washing and packaging

2. Pharmaceutical Industry

In pharmaceutical production, sterility and contamination control are crucial. GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) guidelines mandate that all equipment components, including leveling feet, must be sanitary, corrosion-resistant, and easy to clean.

Hygienic feet in pharmaceutical applications:

• Cleanrooms and sterile manufacturing areas
• Tablet and capsule production
• Liquid medicine filling and packaging
• Laboratory and testing equipment

3. Biotechnology and Life Sciences

Biotechnology laboratories rely on hygienic and sterile environments to conduct research, develop vaccines, and manufacture biological products. Any contamination could compromise the integrity of scientific findings or product efficacy.

How hygienic feet enhance biotechnology facilities:

• Minimized microbial growth due to seamless surfaces
• Resistance to biohazardous substances
• Stability for precision-based research equipment

4. Cosmetics and Personal Care Industry

Production of cosmetics, lotions, and skincare products requires strict contamination control to ensure product safety. EHEDG hygienic feet prevent bacteria accumulation and allow thorough cleaning of equipment such as:

• Cream and lotion mixing tanks
• Perfume and liquid filling machines
• Powder blending systems

5. Chemical and Packaging Industry

Industries dealing with aggressive chemicals, detergents, and adhesives require equipment components resistant to corrosive substances. Hygienic leveling feet, particularly those made of AISI 316 stainless steel, provide:

• Chemical resistance to withstand cleaning agents.
• Durability in harsh environments such as chemical mixing plants.
• Reduced downtime due to their easy-to-clean properties.

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Materials Used in EHEDG Hygienic Leveling Feet

Material selection is crucial in ensuring the durability, hygiene, and regulatory compliance of leveling feet. Below are the most common materials used in EHEDG-certified feet.

1. Stainless Steel (AISI 304 & AISI 316)

Why stainless steel?

• Corrosion resistance: Essential for washdown applications.
• Strength & durability: Can withstand heavy machinery loads.
• Hygienic properties: Smooth, non-porous surface prevents microbial growth.

Difference between AISI 304 and AISI 316:

• AISI 304 (1.4301): Common in general food and pharmaceutical applications.
• AISI 316 (1.4401): Higher resistance to chlorides, making it ideal for harsh cleaning agents and marine environments.

2. FDA-Approved EPDM Rubber or Polyurethane

Rubber components are used for anti-slip and vibration-damping properties. EHEDG-compliant feet may include:

• FDA-approved EPDM rubber for food contact safety.
• Polyurethane coatings for impact resistance.

3. Hygienic Seals and Washers

To prevent dirt and bacteria accumulation, hygienic feet include:

• Sealed components to eliminate crevices.
• PTFE or silicone seals for high chemical and temperature resistance.

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Hygienic Design Insights Based on EHEDG Guidelines

EHEDG sets the gold standard for hygienic design in food and pharmaceutical processing. Hygienic leveling feet comply with these guidelines to enhance cleanability and reduce contamination risks.

Key Hygienic Design Principles:

1. No Exposed Threads

• Traditional leveling feet have exposed threads that trap dirt and bacteria.
• EHEDG feet use enclosed or covered threads to prevent contamination.

2. Self-Draining Surfaces

• Flat or concave surfaces allow water to drain off completely during cleaning.
• Prevents stagnant water accumulation, reducing bacterial growth.

3. Low Surface Roughness (Ra ≤ 0.8 µm)

• Smooth, polished surfaces make cleaning easier.
• No cracks or crevices for microbes to hide.

4. Sealed Movable Parts

• Adjustable feet have sealed ball joints to prevent liquid ingress.
• Reduces the risk of bacterial buildup inside moving components.

5. Hygienic Washdown Resistance

• Designed for high-pressure cleaning without compromising integrity.
• Resistant to harsh detergents and disinfectants.

Advantages of EHEDG Hygienic Feet

✔ Faster cleaning cycles, reducing water and chemical usage.
✔ Improved compliance with FDA, HACCP, and GMP standards.
✔ Increased machine longevity by preventing corrosion and wear.
✔ Enhanced product safety by minimizing contamination risks.

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Elevating Sanitary Standards in Food, Pharma and Biotech Industries

EHEDG hygienic machine leveling feet are a crucial yet often-overlooked component in ensuring clean, safe, and efficient production environments across food, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and chemical industries.

By prioritizing hygienic design, high-quality materials, and easy-cleaning features, these specialized feet enhance compliance, efficiency, and safety. Investing in EHEDG-certified hygienic feet not only improves sanitation but also optimizes operational performance and reduces cleaning-related downtime.

For manufacturers aiming to meet and exceed hygienic design standards, choosing EHEDG-compliant leveling feet is a smart, long-term investment in quality and safety.

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