Industries / Food and beverage

The right water drives a more efficient and safer food industry

We design and implement water treatment systems tailored to each production process, considering feed water quality, operating conditions and industrial use requirements. Over 40 years of experience in engineering and water treatment.

Technician in sanitary clothing inspecting stainless steel tanks at a food plant

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)Water treatment solutions designed to help meet the sanitary requirements that apply to the food industry.

Food safety management systemsSolutions designed to integrate with the plant’s water quality control and monitoring programs.

Water for production and utilitiesTreatment tailored to formulation, cleaning, steam generation and other industrial uses.

Water as a critical factor in production

Water quality affects food safety, product characteristics and the performance of industrial equipment. Variations in its physicochemical or microbiological composition can affect different stages of production, cleaning and utilities.

Did you know?Many water quality problems originate from insufficient pretreatment or distribution networks without microbiological control. That’s why it’s essential to evaluate the system from storage to the point of use.

  • Microbiological riskMicroorganisms and biofilm formation in tanks and distribution networks can compromise the hygienic conditions of the process.
  • Physicochemical changesResidual chlorine, iron, manganese and organic matter can change the taste, odor, color and other characteristics of the water used in formulation.
  • Equipment scalingHardness and salt precipitation can form deposits in boilers, heat exchangers and other equipment, reducing their operating efficiency.
  • Operating inefficienciesInadequate treatment can increase water, energy and chemical consumption, as well as cleaning and maintenance frequency.

Water quality to match each process

We define treatment goals based on the water’s physicochemical and microbiological characterization, its intended use and each facility’s operating conditions.

Control parameterPurpose
Microbiological qualityControl the relevant microbiological indicators according to water use and the process’s food safety requirements.
Residual chlorineCheck its concentration or absence according to product, process and installed technology requirements.
Total hardnessReduce scale formation in equipment and thermal circuits.
Iron and manganesePrevent discoloration, scaling, alterations and equipment damage.
Dissolved solids and conductivityControl salt concentration according to formulation and process requirements.
TurbidityEvaluate the presence of suspended particles and the operating conditions of later treatment stages.

Treatment stages

We design end-to-end treatment systems based on feed water quality, production process requirements and each plant’s operating conditions. The final configuration is defined from the water characterization and the quality goals set for each application.

1

Pretreatment

Removal of solids and particles that could affect the performance of later stages.

2

Catalytic media filtration

Reduction of dissolved iron, manganese and hydrogen sulfide in the water.

3

Specific treatments

Additional technologies when the quality required for production, cleaning or utilities calls for them.

4

Parameter monitoring

Control of parameters such as hardness, residual chlorine and dissolved salts, according to process requirements.

5

Disinfection

Microbiological control using technologies selected for the water’s intended use.

6

Storage and distribution

Evaluation of cisterns, tanks and networks to preserve water quality up to the point of use.

Solutions for every food and beverage subsector

  • Beverages and bottlersControl of the quality of water used in formulation, preparation and container rinsing to maintain product stability.
  • DairyWater conditioning for CIP cleaning, pasteurization, steam generation and utilities.
  • Meat and cured meatsSolutions for supplying water for washing, processing and facility cleaning, with attention to microbiological quality requirements.
  • Bakery and snacksControl of the water characteristics that affect formulation, dough consistency and final product quality.
  • Breweries and spiritsAdjusting the water’s physicochemical profile to each product’s characteristics and production needs.
  • Confectionery and frozen foodsTreatment of water used in formulation, solution preparation, cleaning and production utilities.

Treatment technologies for the food industry

We integrate water treatment technologies based on feed water quality, production process requirements and each application’s quality goals.

Multimedia filtration system with fiberglass tanks

Filtration and conditioning

Technologies to reduce suspended solids, turbidity and hardness, and protect equipment and later treatment stages.

Sediment filtrationSoftening

Activated carbon system for chlorine removal

Removal of specific components

Activated carbon reduces residual chlorine, odors and certain organic compounds, depending on the water characteristics.

Chlorine removal

Reverse osmosis unit

Membrane treatment

Technologies for applications that require specific control of dissolved salts, particles and other components in the water.

UltrafiltrationReverse osmosis

Ultraviolet disinfection unit

Disinfection

Technologies for microbiological control, selected according to the water characteristics, intended use and process requirements.

UV disinfectionOzone

Frequently asked questions

What water quality is needed to produce food and beverages?

It depends on how the water is used in the plant. Water used as an ingredient must meet the applicable sanitary requirements and may need additional treatment depending on the product and process.

How does water quality affect the final product?

Salts, residual chlorine, iron, organic matter or microorganisms can alter the product’s taste, odor, color and stability, and compromise its safety.

What treatment does water need for CIP cleaning?

It depends on the water quality and the cleaning process requirements. Proper conditioning helps control scaling and improves CIP system performance.

How is microbiological risk controlled in tanks and distribution networks?

Through microbiological quality monitoring, tank cleaning and disinfection, network maintenance and control measures tailored to each facility.

How often should water be tested in a food and beverage plant?

The frequency depends on water use, identified risks, the quality control plan and applicable regulations. We recommend setting up a microbiological and physicochemical monitoring program specific to each plant.

Can Sanitron optimize an existing treatment system without stopping production?

Yes. We evaluate the installed system and propose improvements to treatment technologies and operating conditions, planning interventions to minimize disruptions to production.

Ensure your product’s safety and consistency, starting with the water

Tell us about your plant and get a technical proposal tailored to your production process requirements.

Contact us

Office in EcuadorDe los Eucaliptos E8-70 y calle E9, Quito 170307

Phone numbers+593 99 871 1330
+593 2 280 8126

Emailinfo@sanitronec.com

Business hoursMonday to Friday
9:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 18:00

Office in the United States9995 NW 9th St. Circle, Suite 3, Miami, FL 33172
+1 786 972 2008