Manufacturers are working to develop conveyors that give product the kid-glove treatment.
Shuttling product to and fro can get messy — it's only natural. And while no one expects the process ever to be a spotless endeavor, producers and suppliers alike are focusing on cleaning things up. Consumers continue to push for ever more sanitary and hygienic processing, especially in light of growing food allergies and intolerances.
The DustPruf™ line of conveyors from Dorner Manufacturing, Hartland, Wis., cuts down on the possibility for contamination by using SmartSlot™ technology. This system allows operators to use self-tapping screws and a cordless drill to attach any automation accessories or components, which eliminates virtually all the catch points present in standard T-slot frames.
Charlotte, N.C.-based Gough Econ also has noticed a heightened emphasis on sanitary design in recent years. The company is addressing the trend by introducing new units and tweaking current ones to create a more hygienic construction.
“We have introduced two new conveyors,” explains Andy Leitch, vice president of sales. “One, a mid-size multi-axis bucket elevator that allows for greater capacities, and second, a variation of one of our conventional bucket elevators that's available in a more hygienic tubular frame construction.”
Keith Simpson, marketing manager for Spiroflow Systems, Monroe, N.C., says that clients not only are looking for more sanitary conveyors but also for conveyors with new capabilities. Recent advances in sensors and controls means conveyors now can handle product previously deemed too fragile.
“There have been improvements in the electronic control and feedback sensors that, just like the electronic engine management systems in automobiles, sense and control what is happening in pneumatic conveying systems in particular,” Simpson says. “This has made it possible to handle delicate, friable molded or extruded food products in a gentler manner and thus reduce or eliminate breakages.”
So while food processors look for conveyors to perform the same basic service they always have, manufacturers are finding ways to make the conveying process that much easier and quicker.
“We are seeking to expand our range of conveyors so that we can offer the optimum solution for any application, rather than the one-size-fits-all approach,” Simpson explains.
MOVE MORE PRODUCT
Ashworth's new Omni-Pro FlexLite conveyor belt is now BISSC third-party verified. The Omni-Pro FlexLite boasts increased carrying capacity, greater air circulation and a spiral/turn-curve tension rating of 400 lbs. for 100,000 cycles. It features a lightweight, open 1.5-in. by 3-in. (fixed loop) flat wire overlay and an easy-to-clean design. Turn ratios range from 1.6 to 2.5, and belt widths are available in even widths from 24 in. to 60 in. It is verified under standard ANSI/BISSC/Z50.2-2003, Section 4.7, Design Requirements for Conveyors.
Ashworth Bros. Inc.
800 682 4594
www.ashworth.com
AUTOMATIC CUP DENESTING
Hinds-Bock introduces an automatic cup denesting and lid placing conveyor line to reduce workload and increase production and revenue. Using the new conveyor line with Hinds-Bock's rotary magazine denester loader additionally lightens workload by reducing the frequency with which containers must be reloaded into the denester. Quick-change magazines are used to enable a swift changeover from one container to another. Low-level sensors alert operators when the denester needs reloading.
Hinds-Bock Corp.
877 292 5715
www.hinds-bock.com
IMPROVED FLEXIBLE SCREW CONVEYORS FOR GREATER THROUGHPUT
Spiroflow has improved the flexible screw conveyors in its customized flavor feeders, resulting in greater throughput. A new, simplified direct electric motor-driven screw rotates the conveyor at higher speeds than in earlier models for increased production rates. Three spiral screws are available: a standard round screw suitable for the majority of applications, a flat screw for light, aerated products and a beveled screw for transporting materials that tend to smear.
Spiroflow Systems
704 291 9595
www.spiroflowsystems.com
ULTIMATE VERSATILITY FOR MATERIAL HANDLING
The Gough Elecon™ conveyor from Gough Econ provides facilities with the greatest flexibility when it comes to creating a material handling system, the company says. Ideal for applications that require gentle handling, the Gough Elecon bucket conveyor and elevator system is a multi-axis operation that uses cantilevered buckets capable of moving vertically, horizontally and of turning in any direction up to 90° without transferring its load. The system's patented rack and pinion setup ensures a full discharge of the conveyed materials with a 360° bucket rotation and quick return to its original position.
Gough Econ
800 264 6844
www.goughecon.com
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DUSTPROOF DESIGN FOR CLEANER OPERATION
Dorner Manufacturing adds the 2300 and 5300 Series to its DustPruf™ line of conveyors, providing bakeries with a unit with SmartSlot™ technology. SmartSlot offers the integration and add-ons of a T-slot frame without the drawbacks of standard slots, which can collect debris and harbor contaminants. The streamlined design of the new 2300 and 5300 Series results in a virtually dustproof machine, keeping production sanitary. It also keeps production cost-effective — a low-friction coating on the bedplate enables the motor to run 20 percent more efficiently, reducing energy costs. The 5300 Series is suited to applications involving curves, while the 2300 features a five-day turnaround from order to delivery.
Dorner Manufacturing
800 397 8664
www.dornerconveyors.com
DESIGNED FOR SMALL SPACES
Flexicon designed its new bulk conveyor with a tilt-down portable base to fit into the tightest of production spaces. Its small footprint and caster-mounted frame enables it to squeeze through narrow aisles and around sharp corners. The unit can fit through standard doorways thanks to the tilt-down capability of the hopper, support boom and conveyor assembly. Doing so orients the conveyor tube horizontally, which allows for easy removal of the flexible screw. Specialized screws are available to suit a range of applications, and every unit is configured according to each operator's needs.
Flexicon Corp.
888 353 9426
www.flexicon.com
IMPROVE SANITATION
Developed specifically for the food processing and packaging market, Easy Clean™ from Shuttleworth offers a welded, stainless steel frame design with a chain-driven, segmented roller conveying surface. This innovative design meets both USDA and BISCC standards. Antimicrobial plastic materials also are available to inhibit bacterial growth. Easy Clean fills the need for improved cleanliness and sanitation.
Shuttleworth
800 444 7412
www.shuttleworth.com
INCREASE PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY
The Perfect Score Co. designs and manufactures innovative, high-quality, custom and standard conveyor systems and control panel integration. The systems use the best belting products available. Designed with customers' specific bakery needs in mind, the conveyors provide solutions beyond moving product. The goal is to provide each customer with lower maintenance costs, higher efficiency in product handling, increased output, reduced labor costs, less downtime and maximized equipment life.
The Perfect Score Co. Inc.
440 439 9320
www.theperfectscore.com
