Hygienic Design in Sanitary Manufacturing: Engineering for Cleanability and Compliance

In sanitary manufacturing, equipment design directly impacts product safety. From surface finishes to system geometry, every element must support cleanliness and prevent microbial contamination. At Duva Sanitary, we work with manufacturing partners who understand the role hygienic design plays in maintaining product integrity, regulatory compliance, and long-term system performance.

What Is Hygienic Design?

Hygienic design goes beyond basic sanitation—it involves engineering systems and components to eliminate areas where bacteria can grow, ensure compatibility with cleaning processes, and support regulatory requirements.

Core Design Principles for Sanitary Systems

Smooth, Cleanable Surfaces
Equipment must have polished finishes with low surface roughness to minimize microbial retention. Electropolishing is often used to enhance corrosion resistance and reduce surface irregularities.

Crevice-Free Geometry
Designs should avoid dead legs, sharp corners, or inaccessible areas where cleaning agents cannot reach. Proper slope and drainability help ensure complete cleaning and drying after each cycle.

Material Selection
Stainless steel, particularly 316L, is widely used for its resistance to corrosion and ease of cleaning. Elastomers and seals must also be chosen for chemical compatibility and hygienic performance.

Benefits of Good Hygienic Design

  • Reduced contamination risk
  • Improved clean-in-place (CIP) and sterilize-in-place (SIP) performance
  • Faster cleaning cycles and reduced downtime
  • Greater compliance with FDA, USDA, and EU standards
  • Extended equipment life and reliability

Considerations for System Design and Integration

  • Surface finish requirements (Ra values)
  • Gasket and seal compatibility with cleaning agents
  • Equipment accessibility for inspection and maintenance
  • Certification or validation needs for your industry

Duva Sanitary’s Role

We supply sanitary components built with hygienic design principles in mind—from fittings and valves to fully assembled systems. Our partners are certified to deliver products that meet or exceed regulatory expectations, supporting the reliability and safety of your processing environment.