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Hygienic production facilities – germ-free conveyor belts and surfaces thanks to UV-C technology

oxytec systems for the safe disinfection of conveyor technology, transport lines, and product-related surfaces

In modern production facilities handling open foodstuffs, dairy products, meat products, or baked goods, hygienic plant areas are crucial for product safety and process quality. Conveyor belts, roller conveyors, and transfer elements are particularly prone to microbial contamination. These areas come into direct or indirect contact with the product, creating a risk of contamination from aerosols, droplets, dust, or biofilm.

With UV-C irradiation systems from oxytec, these sensitive surfaces can be kept germ-free in a targeted manner – without the use of water, chemicals, or residues. The systems can be used during operation or between cleaning steps and help to close hygiene gaps in everyday use.

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Typical sources of germs on product-related equipment surfaces

plant section Load potential Special features
Conveyor belts Biofilm, germ veil, droplet contamination Permanent moistening, direct product skin contact
Transport rollers / deflectors Particles, dust, microorganisms from the product Mechanically stressed, difficult to clean
Belt undersides / frames Aerosols, splashing water, residues Hardly visible, often neglected
Belt drive / transfer points Germ-carrying abrasion, temperature, hygiene hazards Critical for traceability in the event of complaints

Why is UV disinfection useful on production lines?

Direct or indirect product contact makes surfaces particularly relevant in terms of hygiene.

Cleaning with water and chemicals alone is often not enough—especially during short downtimes.

UV-C irradiation reliably kills germs, even in niches and on smooth surfaces.

IFS / BRC / FSSC 22000 require low-germ environments in open processes.

Residues lead to biofilm, spoilage, cross-contamination, or recall risks.

Legal requirements

  • IFS Food, BRC, FSSC 22000: hygienic design & surface control
  • HACCP systems: identifying, controlling, and documenting sources of contamination
  • Verifiability of germ reduction – demonstrable via log levels
  • DIN EN 1672-2 / ISO 14159: Hygienic design & cleaning concepts

Oxytec provides all measured values, validation protocols, and audit documents upon request.

Get advice now – for hygienically safe production lines

Would you like to keep critical plant areas germ-free—even between cleaning cycles?

Contact us—we will develop your customized solution for UV-C disinfection in hygienic production facilities.

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oxytec solutions for hygienic production areas

UV-C irradiation units for belts and lines

Targeted irradiation of conveyor surfaces, belt tops, and belt undersides

Installation above or below the belt, depending on the type of system

Effective against: bacteria, viruses, yeasts, mold

Dry process without the use of water or chemicals

Automatic disinfection cycle when the conveyor belt is stopped

UV-C effect during planned stops or cleaning phases

Timer or PLC interface possible

Ideal for cycles between cleaning and restarting

UV-C Oberfläche

Entkeimungslampe für Bereiche mit ständiger Luftbewegung

Disinfection without people being present

Rooms that are temporarily free of people and food can be treated with UV ozone to achieve disinfection in every corner.

We offer suitable safety circuits for this purpose.

Ozonsteuerung

Überwachungs- und Steuerungssystem für Ozon-Entkeimungsanlagen

Typical areas of application

Sausage and meat processing, e.g., slicing, filling, and packaging lines

Dairy products, e.g., yogurt filling, cheese cutting systems

Bakery and delicatessen lines with open handling

Fresh fruit, salads, vegetarian food production

Production areas with high cycle times or irregular cleaning

Your advantages with Oxytec UV-C systems

Reduction of germs, mold, and biofilm directly on plant surfaces

Chemical-free hygiene supplement without residues or corrosion

Effective even in intermediate phases and downtimes

Validatable, documentable, and audit-compliant

Compact, retrofittable, and low-maintenance

Optimal supplement to wet cleaning—without extending cycle times

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Which germs are reduced on conveyor belts and plant surfaces?

Our UV-C irradiation systems are effective against:

  • Bacteria such as listeria, salmonella, E. coli
  • Viruses, e.g., norovirus or SARS-CoV-2
  • Yeasts and molds
  • Biofilm-forming germs and spores

The reduction is typically 90–99.9%, depending on irradiation time, distance, and material.

How does UV-C disinfection work on conveyor belts?

UV-C lamps (254 nm) are mounted above or below the belt.

The germ-reducing effect occurs continuously or when the belt is stopped.

No water, cleaning agents, or contact disinfection are required.

Irradiation is dry, residue-free, and chemical-free.

When does irradiation take place—during operation or during cleaning breaks?

Both are possible:

  • The effect is most intense during production downtime, e.g., during cleaning cycles.
  • Continuous operation with a slow-running conveyor belt is also possible
  • Time switch, PLC control, or motion detection can be integrated as options

Does UV-C irradiation affect the product or the tape materials?

No – if installed correctly:

  • The radiation only hits the belt, not the product
  • UV-C does not penetrate solid food and is specifically targeted
  • Plastic and stainless steel belts are suitable – we can check material compatibility on request
  • No impairment of conveyor technology or electrical components

How complex is retrofitting existing systems?

oxytec modules are:

  • Compact, modular, and customizable
  • suitable for plastic belts, stainless steel belts, and modular belts
  • can be installed above, below, or to the side of the conveyor belt
  • Retrofittable without major intervention in existing plant technology

How is the germ-reducing effect proven?

We offer:

  • log-level verification through microbiological samples (contact plates or Petrifilm)
  • Validation protocols for documentation within the framework of IFS / BRC / HACCP
  • Optional before-and-after measurements with neutral laboratories
  • Support with classification as oPRP or CCP

How long do UV-C lamps last?

The UV-C lamps used have:

  • a service life of approx. 8,000 to 10,000 hours
  • a typical service life of 1–2 years with cyclical use
  • easy maintenance thanks to plug-in module or hinged systems
  • Optional: operating hours counter, change indicator, maintenance contract

Are UV systems safe for employees in the surrounding area?

Yes – through:

  • shielding and targeted alignment of the radiation
  • automatic shutdown when opened or accessed
  • Optional light protection sensor, safety switch, or presence monitoring
  • The devices meet the requirements for UV device safety according to EN 62471

Do the systems meet the requirements of IFS, BRC, or HACCP?

Yes – Oxytec UV-C systems are:

  • validatable, traceable, and auditable
  • suitable for controlling hygiene-critical plant areas
  • compliant with IFS Food, BRC Global Standard, and FSSC 22000 requirements
  • can be used to support your HACCP documentation and risk analysis