The “GR”, or the 3-A SSI General Requirements Standard is the standard for hygienic equipment design. It ties together over 80 equipment standards in the hygienic equipment space. In February, the 3-A SSI announced version 00-02 of the GR. So what does this mean for you?
This version is intended to update “grey areas” and ease restrictions that inhibited advanced fabrication methods. For food and beverage processors, these should provide stronger assurance of hygiene in sealing and cleaning systems, ease verification of seal integrity through required leak paths, reduce maintenance risks, and provide for easier inspection.
What is changing:
New Seal Requirements and a Requirement for Replacements
There will now be specific validation requirements for mechanical seals. Manufacturers of such seals must provide replacement procedures and assemblies. Such seals must be easily cleaned and inspected.
Increased Specification on Gasket Overhang
Previous directions that CIP systems must be “substantially flush” have been clarified at 1/32nd of an inch (if a gasket is thinner than 1/32nd of an inch, then the offset can not exceed gasket thickness).
Mandatory Visible Leak Detection
When equipment uses a double seal, it must have a visible leak detection pathway, so that seal integrity issues are visible to the [SS1.1]operator. This means pathways must be open to the air, and greater than 1/8th inch in diameter.
Updated Definitions
Introduction of "Additive Manufacturing" (3D Printing) to allow for emerging technologies, a new definition for "Mechanical Force Seal", and over 20 refined definitions to reduce subjective interpretation.
Testing Methods
The GR now recognizes international protocols for verifying joint integrity including EHEDG Guideline 2 and ASTM E165.
Comparison of Key Requirements (00-01 vs. 00-02)
|
Feature |
Old Requirement (00-01) |
New Requirement (00-02) |
| Gasket Alignment
|
Often defined as "flush" with no specific measurement. |
Strict 1/32 inch (0.8 mm) limit for offset on flat CIP gaskets.
|
| Leak Detection
|
Required for certain components, but lacked uniform design rules. |
Mandatory for all double-seal equipment; must be at the lowest point and 1/8th inch diameter.
|
| Seal Accessibility
|
General requirement for cleanability. |
Specific "behind-the-seal" access; surfaces must be inspectable and cleanable upon gasket removal.
|
| Mechanical Seals
|
Focus was on traditional sanitary seals. |
New "Mechanical Force Seal" definition and validation; allows them as a defined alternative to welding.
|
| Fabrication Tech
|
Limited mention of advanced manufacturing. |
Formal inclusion of Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) with specific hygiene guidelines.
|
| Validation Responsibilities
|
Often left to the buyer/processor to figure out. |
Clear Division: Manufacturer verifies design integrity; Processor validates performance in-process.
|
| Testing Standards
|
Focused primarily on internal 3-A protocols. |
Harmonization: Explicitly recognizes international tests like EHEDG Guideline 2 and ASTM E165.
|