How industrial washdown and sanitation technology is improving
September 9, 2026
By Solve Industrial Motion Group, for the Blue Print
By Solve Industrial Motion Group, for the Blue Print
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Industrial food-processing environments place demanding requirements on equipment exposed to frequent washdowns and sanitation procedures.
Bearings and other components used in meat, poultry, seafood, beverage, and other food-processing operations may encounter high-pressure water, elevated temperatures, cleaning chemicals, moisture, and contaminants. Components designed for these conditions can help support equipment reliability while simplifying cleaning and maintenance. An IP69K rating is one consideration when evaluating components for demanding washdown environments. The IP (Ingress Protection) rating system classifies the level of protection an enclosure or component provides against the intrusion of solids and liquids. In an IP69K rating, the “6” indicates the highest level of protection against dust, while “9K” indicates protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets used in intensive washdown applications. An IP69K rating alone, however, does not determine whether a component is appropriate for a particular food-processing application. Materials, sealing design, lubrication, housing configuration, and cleaning conditions should also be considered. Sealing and material selection are particularly important in washdown environments that are common during industrial cleaning and sanitation. Repeated exposure to water and cleaning chemicals can allow moisture and contaminants to enter a bearing or cause lubricant to escape if the sealing system is not suited to the application. Multiple sealing surfaces, corrosion-resistant materials, and appropriate food-grade lubrication can help address these conditions. Stainless steel is commonly considered where resistance to corrosion and repeated cleaning is important, while sealed or lubricated-for-life designs can reduce the need for routine relubrication. The operating conditions of the equipment should also guide component selection. Factors such as speed, load, temperature, washdown frequency, chemical exposure, and potential temporary submersion can affect bearing performance and service life. Housing materials and configurations may influence both durability and accessibility during sanitation. In some applications, a configuration that provides greater clearance around the bearing can make cleaning easier by reducing areas where moisture or debris may collect. In conclusion, reducing maintenance requirements can provide additional operational benefits in food-processing environments. Sealed, lubricated-for-life bearings can reduce routine lubrication points, while corrosion-resistant construction and appropriate sealing may help extend service intervals. Fewer maintenance interventions can also reduce equipment downtime and limit personnel exposure to machinery during production and sanitation activities. As washdown and sanitation requirements continue to evolve, IP69K-rated components, food-grade lubricants, corrosion-resistant materials, and advanced sealing designs can each play a role in equipment selection. The appropriate combination ultimately depends on the equipment, operating environment, and sanitation process. Content originally from Solve Industrial Motion Group. Reused here with permission.
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