Category: Front News

Dycem Contamination Control Exhibit at Foodex 2018

25th April 2018

Dycem Ltd recently exhibited at Foodex 2018 show in the NEC in Birmingham. The Marketing team of Mike Trevelyan  and Gabriela Mourelle  showcased how Dycem Contamination Control floor mats are an ideal solution for the food industry, helping to reduce the risk of microbial contaminants from food production and packaging controlled areas, removing up to 99.9% of contaminants from affecting product yield. We thank you for visiting our stand and we look forward to helping your company reduce the risk of contaminants entering your controlled areas. Those who were unable to make it don’t worry, contact us today for a free site survey and we will put you in touch with your local Dycem representative. Also be sure to stick around ensure you hear about all the latest events and news from Dycem Contamination Control.

Dust Explosions- A Contamination Risk

29th March 2018

Dust explosions remain an under-reported issue, but a very real concern in the pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing industry.

Combustible or explosive dust can be described as any finely divided particulate solid, which presents a fire or explosion hazard when dispersed in the air.

The powdered and granulated ingredients which are central to pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing processes are naturally prone to creating dust, which can become airborne.

Once the airborne dust is captured at its source, it must be effectively contained. This reduces the risks of a further, more devastating dust explosion, and reduces the risk of cross-contamination in sensitive products.

ATEX zones

ATEX zones are critical areas subject to high volumes of dust or gases, in which an explosive atmosphere could occur during ordinary operation, or through unattended risks.

‘ATEX zones are risky due to the high concentration of flammable dust and powders in a confined environment, combined with reduced humidity rates and high or low temperature levels,’ explains Andrea Catellono of A.C. Supply.

‘ATEX zones, generally, should implement dissipative flooring throughout the area. Good dissipation is a mandatory safety requirement in a critical zone.’

We recently caught up with Electrostatic Discharge specialist and Asia Sales Director, Jhun Yparraguirre, who has worked closely with Dycem to help international businesses in Asia, including Samsung in Indonesia with their queries surrounding ESD.

Many Electronic manufacturing companies have an important use for expert advice such as Jhun’s, when it comes to ensuring they get the best possible facilities to manufacture their product successfully.

In simple terms, how is Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) generated?

“Electrostatic discharge is a rapid transfer of static charge which occurs between objects at different voltages when they make contact.”

Is it difficult to control wheeled traffic in an ESD environment?

JY: “No. As long as your flooring is ESD safe then it should be easy for you to control. Know your flooring system, and whether it is conductive or static dissipative, as the resistance values are different.

Once you have ESD flooring, make sure that your carts are made of stainless steel. Metal is a good conductive material.

Also be aware of your casters. Some casters are not made from ESD materials. This is why some end users choose metal casters, as they offer good continuity from the surface to the ground. Otherwise, a good design of drag chain is very helpful for the dissipation of static charge.”

What types of contamination are likely to trigger ESD? Where do they come from?

JY: “Dust is one enemy which triggers ESD events. Let’s go back to basic physics and chemistry… · Dust, or particles can be referred to singularly as an Atom. · An atom is the smallest component of an element, embodying the chemical properties of the element. · An atom has two different potentials; a proton and an electron.”

Can you differentiate the two?

JY: “Yes; · A proton is a stable particle with positive charge equal to the negative charge of an electron · An electron is an elementary particle which orbits the nucleus of an atom and is responsible for the flow of electricity Particles can be generated from anywhere and everywhere, from humans, to material, to machines, etc.”

How important is it to control ESD in an electronics facility, and what kind of impact does it have on everyday operations?

JY: “It can cause problems, such as high reject rates, high costs, loss in revenue and unsatisfied customers or angry clients.”

How does ESD threaten product quality? Are there any other dangers involved?

JY: “Devices become more sensitive to ESD as technology advances. Device geometries are made smaller to increase density and electronic/storage capacity. The more wafer-sized the component, the greater the capacity to store charge.

As technology develops, device geometries are radically reduced to deliver more speed, increased memory capacity and more features. Historically, these improvements have caused devices’ ESD threshold to go down.”

What are the biggest contamination threats facing electronics manufacturers today?

JY: “As mentioned, technology right now is moving more and more towards nanotechnology. The smaller the device is, the more storage it can generate but this makes it more susceptible to damages caused by:

1. An ESD event,

and

2. Poor contamination control.

As a result, restrictions on cleanroom environments are getting more advanced and more stern.”

How can these risks be prevented, and how does Dycem help to reduce the risks?

JY: “Dycem is a good contamination control solution, as it restricts 80% of the gross contamination source (dust and bigger particles) from entering critical environments, which is mostly found on floors.

Furthermore, Dycem is a flooring system that does its job, by trapping the particles so that they are unable to enter critical environments. Dycem can withstand overstriking due to its suppleness and natural tackiness. Before cleaning, dirt will stay on the surface of the flooring system, which is good because it will therefore not be cross-contaminating with other areas.
20% of gross contamination is airborne, and Dycem has the van der Waals properties which possess a short electromagnetic force that attracts particles towards the surface of the Dycem polymer.

Thirdly, Dycem is easily washable and does not generate a daily waste unlike the traditional peel-off mat.”

Click for more information about how Dycem has helped the Electronic Manufacturing Industry.

Dycem Contamination Control – Anti-Static Technology

29th March 2018

A large number of world-leading organisations, such as Continental, ROHM, Techrepair, Micronit and Saab, have all implemented Dycem for its static control benefits.

ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) flooring absorbs static electricity which can otherwise harm electronic components and cause catastrophic equipment failures.

Where typical ESD flooring solutions only tackle static discharge, Dycem contamination control flooring traps it, and neutralises it.

The other benefit that comes from implementing Dycem flooring as a static control measure is that it is able to trap and retain particulate matter to prevent further failures from occurring as a result of dust and dirt contamination.

Fighting dust and dirt

IT industry research has concluded that up to 70% of computer-related breakdowns are caused by dust and other debris. If ignored, it can cause widespread damage in data centre environments.

People are a major source of contamination, transferring dust and dirt from their clothes, and especially shoes, into critical environments. When placed at entry points to controlled zones, Dycem creates an unavoidable barrier for large particles, which can otherwise create static through dust.

Bespoke solutions

In addition to a range of fixed contamination control solutions, Dycem’s anti-static Access tile range helps to reduce data loss, hardware failure, dust explosions and zinc whiskers by preventing dust and dirt from entering your system.

Available in two options, Dycem can be easily and quickly installed in your facility with your exact contamination control requirements in mind.

Inlaid Access Tile

The inlaid access tile, containing pre-applied Dycem, replaces your existing tiles, forming an ideal option where a seamless flooring solution and regular access to cabling is required.

Retro Fit Access Tile

The retro fit access tile can be easily and quickly installed on top of your existing tiles and comes with a complete outer edging system to allow unnoticeable transition on and off the tiled area.

If you would like to discuss contamination control options for your facility, simply get in touch for a free site survey today.

Dycem Exhibit at Data Centre World 2018

23rd March 2018

Dycem Ltd recently exhibited at The Data Centre World show in the Excel London.

Our CC Business Manager, Jamal Al-Doori showcased how Dycem is an ideal solution for Data Centres Worldwide to stop up to 75% of airborne contaminants and remove ESD risk and dust particles from getting into controlled server areas, alongside Marketing Manager Mike Trevelyan and Emilio Sapina from Secure Technical Rooms.



We thank you for visiting our stand and we look forward to helping your Data Centre reduce the risks that could be affecting your facility.

Those who were unable to make it don’t worry, contact us today for a free site survey and we will put you in touch with your local Dycem representative.

Also be sure to stick around ensure you hear about all the latest events and news from Dycem Contamination Control.

LISTERIA AND THE RISK TO HUMAN HEALTH

6th March 2018

Listeria can pose a huge threat to human health and the food production industry. Recalled batches can damage a company’s reputation; reduce consumer trust and ultimately, death for high-risk consumers.

Increasingly, consumers are more aware of the health benefits of consuming more fresh food as opposed to highly processed options. However whilst this is of benefit to health, consuming untreated produce is a leading contributor to foodborne illnesses. There have been large numbers of recalls in recent weeks due to possible risks of contamination of Listeria monocytogenes. The FDA website lists the recalled products and these instances have led to a greater understanding and acceptance of the need for more efficient pathogen control strategies.

The microorganism’s adaptations have enabled it to persist without the need for a host. As such, it may exist in decaying plant material or fresh water ecosystems, but this is currently not wholly understood. From these locations, it’s possible for the microorganism to enter the food processing environment and subsequently enter packing plants following harvest. As 16% of listeriosis cases are fatal, this is clearly something to be addressed.



Inadequate cleaning and sanitation of equipment at a packing plant for cantaloupes (in 2011, USA) was linked to post-harvest contamination of the produce, as the pathogen had not been isolated from field samples. The article states that there were 147 cases and 33 deaths associated with this outbreak, as such, it remains the largest listeriosis outbreak on record.

The processing and packing stage is associated with the highest risk for contamination of fresh produce. This presents an opportunity for prevention and control measures. Dycem contamination control flooring has helped to eliminate the growth and spread of Listeria in critical food production areas by up to 99.9%.

An example of this was when Dycem provided a two-toned flooring solution to Rikshospitalet kitchen, a company who provide meals to Oslo’s largest hospital. The flooring solution was two-toned, highlighting a clean and dirty side, indicating to employees where outdoor and indoor apparel must be worn. In such a busy environment, it was integral that precautions were undertaken in order to minimise microbial counts and contamination to food.

Discover how Dycem can help you.

Dycem’s Two-Tone Systems

6th March 2018

Dycem’s two-tone systems have proven extremely popular way to inhibit contamination growth for our customers as a way of improving their Standard Operating procedures, making a two-tone system an ideal solution for sites with heavy traffic, and strict auditing bodies.

Could your site benefit from a two-tone system?

• Simple workflow areas identified by colour coded Dycem, ideal for clean rooms, gowning areas and heavy traffic areas.

• Easy to keep clean, and highlights how well Dycem is working at retaining dust and dirt.

• Improved awareness from your staff that they are entering a critical access point.

• Identifiable by auditing standards as part of a well maintained health and safety standard

• A full traffic light system can be used to identify different area classifications.

The two-tone is effective in almost every application, whether you use a cleanroom, air shower or a wet cleaning system.

At  Micronit, Netherlands, A two-tone system was created and installed wall-to-wall in the facility’s changing booth, to ensure that the Z-Effect traffic flow was safely contained.

”I had been looking at Dycem for a number of years”, says Tom Hassing, COO of Micronit Microfluidic, “and due to demand, it was well worth the wait.”  Micronit now has a sustainable system for their contamination control needs for three years or more.

Other examples of a two-tone system have included up to 5 different Dycem colours being selected to improve Standard Operating Procedures.

If you would like to discuss our two-tone options, contact your local representative or for general enquiries.

LOUIS PASTEUR: THE FATHER OF THE FIGHT AGAINST GERMS

6th March 2018

We have all heard of the term pasteurisation but do you know where that term comes from, and the processes involved in pasteurisation? Did you know the huge impact that it had on the wine industry, which it effectively saved?

The father of the process for whom the term was coined is also credited with other remarkable feats such as saving the silk industry in France and helping to eliminate diphtheria.

So who was the man who has effected forever the way we produce food and beverages?

By the time Pasteur was approached by Napoleon III, he has already paved a road into microbiology, starting his career at the University of Strasbourg in Chemistry.

The wine industry in France was facing great setbacks as their produce, which was world renowned and sought  after, would deteriorate during transportation and eventually spoil. Napoleon III asked Pasteur to look into the issue, after becoming notorious due to his ‘Germ Theories’ which were at the time thought to be extremely controversial.

“In a series of careful experiments, Pasteur discovered that heating wine to 55 degrees killed bacteria without ruining the taste. This process, later named pasteurisation, saved the wine industry, and cemented Pasteur’s fame. Today, it’s widely used to keep food free from disease.” BBC.co.uk, Louis Pasteur: The man who led the fight against germs.

Pasteur was well known across France at this point due to his extensive works.

A disease was rife across the silk industry that affected the silk worms themselves and he was asked to look into what had baffled so many others. Along with his wife Marie, Pasteur realised that the issue was in fact a parasite that caused infection in the insects and went on to teach industry workers that infected worms should be extracted from the rest and destroyed.

“His advice meant the silk industry survived, providing another boost to France’s economy.”

However, the brilliant career of the Father of Microbiology was not always reflected in his health and personal life.

At 45 he suffered from a stroke which left him partially paralyzed and of his 5 children only two would make it into adulthood.

Perhaps these tragedies made him more determined in his work; one of his daughters died in 1859 of Typhoid, which is caused by contaminated food and water.

After his stoke he continued to work from a laboratory that was set up for him by his colleagues, determined to continue his great discoveries. If “family tragedy framed his fight against illness” his resolve to work helped achieve his final victory. Pasteur is quoted as saying “the only thing that can bring joy is work”, a reflection of his devastating personal loses and his will to overcome them.

Read the full article here at BBC.co.uk: http://www.bbc.co.uk/timelines/z9kj2hv

Since his outstanding work, our understanding of germ theory and microbiology has continued to flourish, and nowadays there are many unique and innovative ways to control and reduce bacterial growth and contamination.  Join the conversation – #germtheory  

Step away from the peel-off mat…

8th February 2018

Are you still using peel off‑mats to protect your controlled or sterile environment? Are they not working the way you’d like? Have you thought about a non-disposable option?

Many businesses are now choosing to switch to a longer term solution than peel off or tacky mats, not just because of the environmental implications.

Dycem Contamination Control floor mats service various companies in the Pharma, Biomedical, Nutritional, Packaging, Healthcare, Electronics, Optical sectors, as well as many more.

Contamination Control-Zoning and coverage are two factors for the flooring in many establishments that have cleanrooms or facilities requiring protection from contamination. Having clear visual communication technology that signals the difference in areas in changing rooms, entrances and hallways can help to encourage better practices, avoid human error and actively guide footfall to allow for the maximum possible decontamination of foot & wheel traffic.

This is not just vital in Pharmaceutical or Biomedical facilities. Even for food processing and packaging facilities there is a clear need to mark out areas where staff must pay additional attention to their hygiene.

Our floor mats fully customisable. Dycem can be customised to reflect not only the differences between zones through the use of colour but also with VCT to guide footfall, company logos/branding and custom edging to suit all needs.

The flexibility of Dycem products also extends to size. Because Dycem can be a fitted long term solution, or a customisable mat available in a number of sizes, there is a Dycem solution designed to meet the needs of your facility.

Do peel off or tacky mats effectively cover your entrance/exit points between controlled areas? Are you getting 3 full footsteps in order to remove the maximum amount of particles?

If the answer to all these are no, then Dycem is the solution you need.

The daily peeling of mats can make your standard operating procedures complicated and time consuming. Not only do daily peels require the attention of a member of staff, they must also be disposed of properly and safely. Dycem CleanZone and WorkZone floor mats are a washable flooring solution, which are easy to clean. Less waste to manage, better for the environment and less time consuming.

All of our products are protected by Biomaster; a silver ion technology that actively inhibits the growth of bacteria. Our custom made and washable systems can easily be built into your protocol, to simplify your SOPs and provide a complete and sustainable zonal concept. No more daily peels and complicated disposal procedures. With Dycem you have total control.

Interested in Dycem? Call today on +44 (0)117 9548 721 or email us at contact@dycem.com and your enquiry will be directed to your specific Dycem representative.

Contamination risks in automotive and aerospace manufacturing

8th February 2018

Working in the contamination control industry, we are used to working directly with Pharma companies, Healthcare companies, labs, controlled environments and drug processing facilities.

When ‘controlled environments’ are discussed, for most people a Hazmat suit and air looks will spring to mind; brightly lit facilities with strict SOPs and rigorous cleaning schedules to stop the pollution of sensitive products.

So it may come as a surprise to many that auto manufacture facilities can also be classed as controlled environments, and that the same SOPs that apply to clinical trials or drug processing are often applied to building and spraying cars.

There are two main contaminant factors at play in vehicle manufacture:

Firstly, particulate contamination – such as dust and debris reaching the spray painting area and areas where parts are prepared for painting.

When a consumer spends thousands of pounds on a brand new car, the finished result is expected to be perfect. Dust and particles getting into the paintwork may not only damage the aesthetics, but can also cause gaps in the paintwork which would eventually lead to water reaching the chassis/body underneath and rusting to take place. Great lengths are gone to by auto manufacture companies to make sure that these pollutants, which are often air bound or are bought in on the feet and wheels of employees/trolleys, can be removed from the environment in much the same way as a laboratory or other sterile zone. You can see an example of SAAB, a major player in the auto manufacture industry, using a floor level solution to reduce air borne contaminates here.

The second issue is electrostatic discharge, a problem that has been prevalent in the technology industry, as the development of electrical items has rendered them more prone to damage by electro-static. If you want to find out about ESD in detail, please check out our other blog post here, which is a comprehensive overview of ESD in electronics manufacturing.

Electrostatic can cause issues with car electronics in the same ways as for the manufacture of mobile phones, computers, radios and more. Check out our Continental case study here, and see how we have helped global brands to combat ESD.

Interested in Dycem? Call today on +44 (0)117 9548 721 or email us at contact@dycem.com and your enquiry will be directed to your specific Dycem representative.

Reduce risk of electrostatic discharge (ESD) with Dycem floor mats

8th February 2018

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is caused by a number of factors and is commonly generated by the contact of materials. It can be produced by everyday occurrences, such as a person picking up a piece of polystyrene packaging or walking across a carpet; it can even be caused by dust in the environment.

Positive and negative charges are stored in materials and carried by people. The human body is capable of storing a charge up to 25,000V. This charge is then dissipated (ESD) through the receiving object as the current seeks an unimpeded path. An object’s metal chassis will often act as the conductor for the static to strike, but it can occur through other materials.

Static control is especially critical in the manufacture of electronic assemblies and components such as circuit boards and semi-conductors.

As it is almost impossible to avoid static-generating actions the best way to avoid damage to ESD sensitive equipment is to create an environment that inhibits the build-up of static.

The Benefits of Dycem WorkZone and ESD Installation

Dycem’s contamination control floor mats, which are proven to dissipate static at 10⁸ ohm and reduce the damage it can cause.

Dycem WorkZone has been specially designed to be an effective wheel contamination control method for areas subject to heavy wheeled traffic.

It effectively attracts, collects and retains contamination from the wheels of forklifts, pallet trucks, as well as preventing static and ESD. WorkZone is a scientifically proven solution and our trusted customers include Continental, Visteon and ROHM Electronics. We can support your contractual needs, and provide an efficient contamination control system for your ESD control.

Interested in Dycem? Call today on +44 (0)117 9548 721 or email us at contact@dycem.com and your enquiry will be directed to your specific Dycem representative.