Food processing ventilation system case study: A food processing plant in Bekasi, Indonesia contacted HDFAN for help with ventilation in its cooking and washing area. The factory processes food for extended daily production shifts in a hot and humid climate.
The problem and its impact
Steam, heat and process odours accumulated above the cooking and washing equipment. The existing ventilation did not capture the hot, humid air at its source or remove the heat collecting beneath the roof. This caused a hot and uncomfortable working area, condensation risk at high level and odour migration to adjacent spaces.
HDFAN’s customized solution
After reviewing the equipment layout, air temperature, duct route, roof space, electrical supply and maintenance access, HDFAN designed a three-level ventilation arrangement:
- Source extraction: SWF mixed-flow ventilation fans were selected for ducted extraction from the cooking and washing hoods. The SWF series can handle air temperatures up to 80°C and was chosen because the steam temperature could exceed the 50°C limit of the POG adjustable-pitch axial fan. POG remains an alternative only where the confirmed inlet-air temperature is 50°C or below.
- High-level heat discharge: DWT-I FRP roof axial fans were arranged to discharge hot and humid air collecting at roof level. Their corrosion-resistant FRP construction suits the humid food-processing environment, with a maximum air temperature of 60°C.
- Make-up air: BF cabinet fan units were specified to supply filtered fresh air at low level. The supply arrangement directs fresh air toward the operating area and replaces the air removed by the extraction system. SF axial fans can be added for flexible, local airflow at individual workstations where needed.
The system creates a clear airflow path: filtered low-level make-up air → source extraction at the cooking and washing area → high-level heat discharge. The exhaust volume is set slightly higher than the supplied air volume to maintain mild negative pressure and limit odour spread outside the processing zone. Intake filters and service clearances were included to support hygiene and routine maintenance.
Installation and result
After installation, steam and odours from the cooking and washing process are captured through the hood and duct system, while DWT-I roof fans remove residual heat and humidity from the upper space. The BF units provide controlled replacement air to the working area. The completed food processing ventilation system improves air movement, reduces heat and moisture build-up, helps control odour migration and provides a more comfortable operating environment for the factory team.
Contact HDFAN to discuss a food-processing ventilation or process-exhaust project.