Food & Beverage Processing Trench Drains
Food and beverage processing facilities require trench drain systems that meet the highest standards for hygiene, chemical resistance, and durability. Constant washdowns, temperature changes, and exposure to organic material demand drains that are sanitary, watertight, and easy to clean. TrenchDrainCo trench drain systems are engineered for reliability in food production environments — combining seamless construction, corrosion resistance, and high load capacity for long-term, code-compliant performance.
Key Requirements
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Load Rating
Typically B125 to E600, depending on area and traffic.
• Processing and packaging zones: C250–D400 for cart, forklift, and pallet-jack loads.
• Cold storage and loading bays: D400–E600 for heavy equipment and refrigeration vehicles.
• Washdown and sanitation areas: B125–C250 pedestrian or light-equipment zones.
• Ingredient prep or mixing areas: A15–B125 for light-duty, hygienic applications.
Load class selection must balance sanitation design with traffic and operational loads.
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Material Durability
Drainage systems must withstand corrosive agents, thermal cycling, and cleaning chemicals.
• 316 stainless steel channels and grates for superior corrosion resistance.
• 304 stainless steel for general-use areas and non-acidic environments.
• Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (FRC) or Polymer Concrete channels for heavy load-bearing with stainless grates.
• Slip-resistant stainless or composite grates for wet production areas.
• Fully welded joints and radius corners to eliminate bacterial harborage points.
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Site Conditions
• Continuous exposure to water, cleaning agents, and organic residue.
• Frequent high-pressure and hot water washdowns.
• Thermal shock from steam cleaning cycles.
• Non-slip flooring required for worker safety.
• Sanitary slope of 1–2% toward trench drains for complete water evacuation.
• Drains must integrate with grease traps, interceptors, or wastewater treatment systems as per FDA/USDA/HACCP guidelines.
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User Requirements
• Sanitation: Smooth, non-porous interiors for complete cleanability.
• Corrosion resistance: Tolerate acids, salts, and cleaning agents.
• Ease of maintenance: Removable, gasket-sealed grates for cleaning access.
• Safety: Slip-resistant grates and ADA-compliant design.
• Compliance: Meet NSF, USDA, and FDA standards for food processing environments.
• Longevity: Resistant to thermal and mechanical stress under continuous operation.
Recommended TrenchDrainCo Systems
TrenchDrainCo Stainless Food Processing Series
316 stainless steel trench drain with fully welded construction — ideal for high-sanitization environments.
TrenchDrainCo 300 Series
Fiber-reinforced concrete channels with stainless grates for heavy-duty floor and equipment zones.
TrenchDrainCo Sierra 5 Shallow Sanitary System
Shallow-profile, easy-clean stainless system for retrofits and low-depth installations.
TrenchDrainCo HDPE Hygienic Series
Lightweight and corrosion-resistant solution for secondary or light-duty washdown areas.
Engineering Notes
When designing trench drains for food and beverage plants:
- Use 316 stainless steel in all areas exposed to acids, dairy products, brine, or caustic cleaners.
- Specify radius-bottom channels for complete drainage and easy sanitation.
- Ensure fully welded, continuous systems to eliminate crevices and contamination points.
- Employ odor traps and sediment baskets where organic material is present.
- Maintain consistent floor slope for water flow and regulatory compliance.
- Verify that drainage systems meet USDA/FDA sanitary design principles and are compatible with washdown-grade flooring.
Hygienic. Compliant. Built to last.
Contact TrenchDrainCo for a trench drain system engineered for food and beverage processing — from production to packaging.
📞 Call us: 212-946-3798
📧 Email us: info@trenchdrainco.com