About

Sanitary Welding LLC


Meet the Founder & CEO of Sanitary Welding LLC 

Steve Feamster

Dedicated to hygienic BPE design & cGMP systems, Steve Feamster comes with years of machine building experience. Steve comes equipped with knowledge gained originally from the Co-packing industry. Anything from Baby food to water, the one thing that remains consistent is the Stainless Steel welding and surface finishing. After more than 16 years in the industry, you are in good hands if you are looking to improve your facilities processes.



What is Sanitary Welding?

Sanitary welding is a specialized welding technique primarily used in industries where cleanliness and the prevention of contamination are critical, such as in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. Here are the key points about sanitary welding:

Purpose:
Hygiene: To create welds that do not harbor bacteria, contaminants, or particles that could compromise product purity or safety.
Smooth Finish: Ensures the welds result in a smooth, crevice-free surface to prevent the accumulation of residues or microbes.

Techniques and Practices:
TIG Welding (GTAW - Gas Tungsten Arc Welding): Often the preferred method due to its precision and the clean welds it produces. It's effective for stainless steel, which is commonly used in sanitary environments.
Material Selection: Typically involves using materials like stainless steel (e.g., 304, 316L) known for their corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning.
Preparation:
Cleaning: Surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned, often using solvents or mechanical methods to remove oils, dirt, or any foreign materials.
Beveling: Edges might be beveled to ensure full penetration and to facilitate the flow of weld material.
Welding Under Purge: Welding often occurs under an inert gas shield to prevent oxidation, especially inside tubes or pipes where gases like argon are used to purge out air.
Post-Weld Treatment:
Passivation: A chemical process to remove free iron from the surface of stainless steel, enhancing corrosion resistance.
Polishing: To achieve the required surface finish, welds might be mechanically polished or electropolished.

Standards and Regulations:
Compliance with standards like ASME BPE (Biopharmaceutical Equipment) in the U.S., or ISO 14644 for cleanrooms

. These standards dictate weld quality, surface finish, and cleanliness.


Sanitary welding is crucial for maintaining the integrity of processes in industries where even minor contamination can lead to significant product quality issues or health risks. If you're looking into implementing or learning more about sanitary welding, feel free to reach out to us!