Cryovac® 8600S Rotary Vacuum Chamber System Offers Sanitation Benefits for the Ready-to-Eat Market

Revolutionary Machine Meeting AMI Standards Introduced at 2005 Worldwide Food Expo

DUNCAN, S.C. (Oct. 26, 2005) - The Cryovac® 8600S rotary chamber vacuum machine tackles sanitation concerns of processors in the ready-to-eat market. Developed according to American Meat Institute (AMI) and National Sanitation Federation guidelines, the Cryovac® 8600S machine has all the benefits and proven reliability of the industry standard 8600 rotary vacuum chamber machines with improved functionality and a more hygienic design. The Cryovac® 8600S rotary chamber vacuum system will debut at this year’s Worldwide Food Expo in Chicago on Oct. 26 through Oct. 29. Visitors can view the system in action at Sealed Air’s booth S-4045 in McCormick Place.

The Cryovac® 8600S machine is designed to meet strict industry sanitation guidelines, including easier access for cleaning, maintenance and inspection. "The sanitary design guidelines state that equipment must be ‘cleanable to a microbiological level.’ Constructed of stainless steel, the 8600S addresses that concern head-on," said Jeff Walker, technical manager of the packaging equipment system center for the Cryovac Food Packaging Division of Sealed Air Corporation.

Each part of the machine is easy to clean and inspect, further reducing the risk of pathogen growth like listeria. Its eight vacuum chambers, cast from extremely corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy to reduce weight, feature easily removable hoses for more thorough and effective sanitizing and cleaning. The chambers also feature a new atmospheric venting system to allow fresh air into the chamber, eliminating reverse air flow through the vacuum system. The rotary valve and main vacuum connection are located on top of the system, minimizing the use of piping and hoses in the vacuum carousel area making access easier for cleaning and maintenance.

The 8600S rotary chamber has a compact, angular frame with spacers between all metal contact points helping to prevent moisture build-up and significantly reduce the risk of bacteria growth. In addition, the system provides 12 inches of floor clearance making it easier to access for inspection and maintenance.

With adjustable rates up to 60 packages per minute, the Cryovac® 8600S rotary chamber vacuum system can handle bag widths of 6 inches to 14 inches. Requiring minimal product handling, it vacuumizes and seals the bags so they are ready for distribution. It is suitable for a wide range of ready-to-eat products, including beef brisket, cheese, ham and turkey.

The fully programmed 8600S control panel indicates adjustable machine speed, vacuum levels and seal settings. An automatic central lubrication system prevents premature wear. The control also notifies the operator of any safety hazards, such as an unlatched door or a loose hinge and automatically stops production to ensure employee safety.

Also meeting industry sanitation guidelines, the Cryovac® 8604 Dual Line Infeed will be on display with the Cryovac® 8600S rotary chamber vacuum machine at the Worldwide Food Expo.