Every industry has a set of rules and regulations they are required to follow to continue functioning under the law. There are specific organizations, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), that set the facility requirements that members of the industry are supposed to follow. But, it is the responsibility of the facility manager to ensure their facilities are up-to-code and make any improvements so that their plant will continue to function at top levels. These types of improvements can be difficult to show, but that does not mean it is not possible to show some degree of measurable improvement within their plant.
One of the easiest ways for facility managers to show measurable improvements within their facilities is through the drainage system which they have installed. But, a facility manager cannot go with just any drainage system, as they do not all perform the same. But it is not just any drain system that will lead to improvements. Facility managers need to invest in a top-notch drainage system, like those of Slot Drain. The Slot Drain system provides high-quality grateless drainage systems that are safer, more sanitary, highly durable, and easier to clean.
Slot Drain is a Grateless System
When it comes to drainage systems, there are two main types: grated and non-grated. While both can provide adequate drainage to a facility, a grated drain system requires additional considerations. For one, to clean a grated drain system, the grate will have to be lifted and cleaned along with the rest of the drain system. Every few years, these grates begin to erode and break from constant exposure to strong chemicals and the heavy weight of the equipment used in these facilities and require replacing. Because Slot Drain is a grateless drainage system, all of these various concerns are taken care of and facilities even save a great deal of money on the need to replace grates.
Few Safety Issues Involved
Another factor for facility managers to consider when thinking about the best drainage system for their facility is the level of safety offered by Slot Drain systems. As mentioned above, grates are substantial, and workers need to remove them so that they can clean the drain channel and the grates themselves. The weight these grates, however, can lead to workers becoming injured while trying to lift them and result in the need for worker's compensation on behalf of the facility manager, which creates additional unplanned costs. Or, a worker can trip and injure themselves on a grate that is broken or eroded, which can lead to a lawsuit against the facility. But, since Slot Drain does not require grates and does not have large gaps, these safety concerns are nonexistent.
A More Sanitary Option
Each of the Slot Drain systems is made to meet the USDA and FDA's strict standards for the sanitation of processing plants. Slot Drain systems are made with 100 percent food grade and food safe stainless steel that is either made smooth or brushed, making them more resistant to bacteria growth. Additionally, the Slot Drain system is pre-sloped, which prevents the collection of standing water that could potentially lead to bacteria growth. Combined with an easy-to-clean system, Slot Drain offers one of the most sanitary drainage systems on the market, which significantly eliminates the risk of airborne toxins damaging the products within the facility and making workers sick.
Better Durability With Slot Drain
Slot Drain systems use stainless steel not just because of its resistance to bacteria growth, but also because of the metal's durability. The stainless steel used to create Slot Drain systems can take a great deal of extra weight, all the way up to Load Class F levels, the highest class level currently on the market. These drainage systems are also capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, both hold and cold, without suffering any damage that would otherwise lessen the drain's functionality. Combined with all of that, these drainage systems are also strong enough to withstand strong chemicals without the fear of them eroding from repeated exposure. No matter the type of facility where a Slot Drain system is put into place, it is sure to last for many years without the need to replace anything.
An Easier to Clean System
Finally, one of the other major benefits of a Slot Drain system is the ease of cleaning them. As mentioned before, because it is a grateless system, there is already one less step in the daily cleaning process. But, due to the way Slot Drain is built, cleaning the drain channel is made incredibly simple and can be done many different ways, depending on the needs of the facility. A simple cleaning method is taking a paddle and brush through the channel to quickly remove any debris that may be inside and push it towards the collection chamber. Alternatively, there is also an option of installing a flushing system, which allows you to open a water valve which will send a stream of water through the channel to clean it. In industries where hygiene is critical, there are also Clean in Place (CIP) systems, which simplify the cleaning process even more.
When it comes to making measurable improvements in the functioning of a plant, there are a lot of ways a facility manager can go. But, the best place to start is with installing a new, more functional type of drainage system. While there are countless options on the market, Slot Drain is the one with the most benefits. From being a safer, grateless option to being easier to clean, a facility manager is likely to see the improvements of the plant very quickly. Not only will this drainage system make for a more sanitary facility, but it will also cut the facility's costs a great deal, allowing the facility manager to allocate that extra money into other areas of importance. It may not seem like a whole lot, but it is well worth considering for any facility manager, regardless of their industry.
