Nanotechnology is the ability to measure, see, manipulate and manufacture things usually between 1 and 100 nanometers. A nanometer is one billionth of a meter; a human hair is roughly 100,000 nanometers wide.
Nanotechnology has been touted as the next revolution in many industries, including food manufacturing. Since materials behave in a different manner at a microscopic level, manufacturing suppliers are examining the technology to see whether it can make plant operations more efficient.
Industrial Nanotech, a company that specializes in nanotechnology innovation and product development, this week announced that Grupo Modelo, Mexico's leading brewery, has successfully used the company's Nansulate High Heat product for thermal insulation and corrosion protection on an interchanger.
Grupo Modelo's best known brand is Corona, the fourth most popular brand worldwide.
The installation was made by A.R.H.I. (Administracion de Recursos Humanos e Ingenieria S.C) based in Jalisco, Mexico. Grupo Modelo plans to install the technology in two additional areas of the plant during the coming weeks as part of the company's ongoing facility maintenance programme.
Francesca Crolley, Industrial Nanotech's vice president of operations and marketing, said the results of the Nansulate High Heat applied on an interchanger within a beer processing plant were very positive.
"This is an ideal opportunity for our coatings to show their performance characteristics in a food and beverage processing plant," she said.
The interchanger, a common piece of industrial equipment used by brewers, showed a 20 degrees Centigrade (36 degrees Fahrenheit) difference after a three coat application of Nansulate, at a thickness of approximately seven mils (seven one thousands of an inch).
"This is an important market sector for the company and we are pleased to see that the product impressed the customer," she stated. "The revenue potential for our products in the food and beverage industry is substantial and we are preparing to achieve the proper registrations necessary to enter this industry segment internationally."
Nansulate is a water-based translucent insulation coating containing a nanotechnology based material. The coating has the ability to resist mold, prevent corrosion and provide thermal insulation, the company claims.