Hub drains are not just a commodity. They play a crucial role in maintaining safety in the food and beverage processing industry. Ensuring that all your drains, including hub drains, follow hygienic design principles prevents contamination and associated product recalls.
“I have toured food plants where floor drains were being used as hub drains,” says Chad Kaatz, VP of Engineering and Product Management at Global Drain Technologies. “This unapproved drainage setup led to plant employees jerry-rigging an indirect drainage system. This was difficult to clean, creating unsanitary conditions that could be a vector for contamination,” says Kaatz.
In this blog, we will explore the world of hub drains, what they are, their main uses, and why it is important to select a drainage manufacturer that understands the needs of the food and beverage processing industry when choosing a hub drain.
What is a Hub Drain?
Hub drains are specialized drains for equipment whose drainage outlets require an air gap before draining into the main wastewater system. They are installed above (rather than flush with) the surrounding surface.
The bottom of a hub drain corresponds to the size of the plumbing main (often 4” or 6”), while the top is wider (often 6” or 8”, but it can be larger) and acts as a funnel to accept liquids from one or more pieces of equipment. The top and bottom of a hub drain connect via a reducer, giving it a distinctive bell-shape.
What is a Floor Drain?
Floor drains (also called area drains) are multipurpose drains that are installed flush with the floor to drain a specific area of 400 square feet or less. Floor/area drains are point drains designed for indoor or outdoor use. FoodSafe Area Drains have a removable cover and strainer basket to filter debris while allowing access to underground plumbing. Area drains are typically round or square and range in size from a few inches to a few feet in diameter.
Hub Drain vs. Floor Drain Comparison
Left: Floor Drain with cover removed being used as a hub drain. Erosion and debris are visible, leading to unsanitary conditions.
Right: Hub drain being used correctly, producing sanitary outcomes.
Hub drains and floor drains are both point drains that connect directly to the main plumbing system. But hub drains are designed to accept runoff from a specific piece (or pieces) of equipment, while floor drains are designed to drain liquids from the floor. Because of this, floor drains sit flush with the floor while hub drains have a rim that extends above the floor.
When a floor drain is used as a hub drain, the cover is often removed to allow it to accept greater volumes of liquid without overflowing. Using a floor drain this way can lead to debris buildup and sanitary issues. Using a hub drain to drain fixed equipment that requires an air gap is always better than using a floor drain.
The Importance of Indirect Drainage and Air Gaps.
Hub drains provide indirect drainage with an air gap between processing equipment and main drain lines. An air gap is the physical separation between the outlet of the equipment's drainpipe and the rim of the hub drain. An air gap ensures that, if the main drain line experiences backflow, it will not contaminate equipment or edible products. This is a required health and safety feature for certain pieces of equipment.
The air gap also enables simple visual monitoring of equipment drainage. Staff can easily see if a piece of equipment is draining just by looking at it. The air gap also facilitates cleaning and maintenance. Such accessibility is critical in facilities with high hygiene standards, such as meat processing plants, commercial kitchens, and breweries.
When are Hub Drains Used?
Hub Drains are used to drain equipment that should not be connected directly to underground plumbing, such as:
- Walk-in Coolers or Freezers
- Ice Machines
- Steam Kettles
- Commercial ovens and steamers
Refrigeration units like coolers and freezers are key to safely storing and handling products like meat and dairy. If a condensation line on a refrigeration system backs up, it can result in a system shutdown and spoiled product. Hub drains provide an air gap rather than a direct connection to condensation lines. This acts as a failsafe, allowing condensation to drain onto the floor if the hub drain should become blocked. Puddles alert staff to the blockage and protect the refrigeration equipment from an unscheduled shutdown.
Equipment like steam kettles and commercial ovens can experience pressure fluctuations, causing a vacuum to form in the drain line. A hub drain provides a failsafe. The air gap between the drain and the equipment allows air to flow back into the drainage system, preventing a vacuum from forming in the lines. Air gaps prevent wastewater backflow and contamination of processing equipment.
Hygienic Funnels and Strainer Baskets
Because hub drains are such simple systems, it is easy to overlook hygienic considerations during purchase/installation. Hub drains are sometimes manufactured directly onsite. We recommend installing hub drains manufactured to ANSI and EN hygienic standards to ensure facility compliance.
“I’ve toured food production facilities where the funnels on the hub drains were not manufactured or installed using hygienic design principles," says Chad Kaatz, VP of Engineering and Product Management at Global Drain Technologies. “Quite often the funnel portion of the hub drain will be welded onto an existing drain, and you find that only the exterior circumference is fully welded while the interior seam is exposed. This leads to an exposed niche where bacteria can take root," says Kaatz.
A weld completed on only one side of the hub drain funnel leads to an unfinished seam. This creates a harborage point for bacteria. Over time, this can become a contamination hot spot. Ensuring all your drains, including hub drains, are manufactured using hygienic welding practices can help prevent contamination and costly plant shutdowns.
The FoodSafe Drains Choice
For guidance on whether you should purchase hub drains or floor drains, please reach out to our sales team. Their expertise will ensure you receive tailored recommendations for your specific project needs.
FoodSafe Drains offers a variety of drainage solutions prioritizing food safety and hygiene. Constructed from Type 304L or Type 316L stainless steel, our NSF-certified, hygienically welded no-niche designs prevent bacterial growth and prioritize food safety. We can supply hub drains, floor drains, slot drains, trench drains, and accessories. Our offering extends beyond products into a line of turnkey services, including engineering design, project management, and installation services through our Alliance Partner Network. Contact us today to start your journey to food-safe drainage.
