At some point in virtually every food processing facility, and likely at multiple points, food processors will need to move ingredients and/or processed product from one spot on the line to another.
Conveyors are an efficient way to do that.
But, choosing a conveyor isn’t quite as simple as just requesting one to move product. Instead, processors have a variety of options to choose from, each with its own set of benefits and skillsets.
Let’s take a look at the four styles of hygienic conveyor solutions EnSight offers and how they can help food processors enhance their line.
Belt Conveyors
Belt conveyors are the most common hygienic conveyor solutions EnSight offers, as well as the most customized product in our line.
These conveyors feature an open bed design with stainless steel angled framework. The belt runs between the raised stainless steel sides and is powered by a motor.
EnSight works closely with the food processor to develop the custom belt conveyor that meets their particular needs. This involves determining the type of product, how far the company needs to move it and how fast they need to move it.
The type of product will determine what type of belt will be necessary, and the product weight and movement speed will determine the motor size.
In addition, some organizations need conveyors that do more than just take product in a straight line from Point A to Point B. Instead, they may require a curved belt conveyor, which features a 90-degree turn to take the product in a different direction.
Others may need a belt conveyor that inclines or declines to carry product up or down. This also affects the type of belt needed, as a “standard” belt won’t be able to move product up or downhill–the food will just roll back. Instead, we work with our belt supplier to procure a belt with cleats that the product will rest against.
Belt conveyors can be used in conjunction with virtually any product type, as long as the correct belt is installed.
Spreading Conveyors
Spreading conveyors, also known as reciprocating conveyors, are another product handling machine line that requires a great deal of customization.
While belt conveyors are designed to simply move product from one place to the next, spreading conveyors spread out product on a corresponding conveyor. A spreading conveyor will sit perpendicular to a second conveyor, which is generally outfitted with an oven- or freezer-proof belt. When the product reaches the end of the spreading conveyor, the conveyor uses a servo motor that moves the end of the conveyor in and out over the second conveyor. This causes the product to spread apart across the second conveyor below.
Spreading conveyors are used primarily for food product that is either going into an oven or freezer, which is why it’s important the conveyor properly spreads out the product.
EnSight spreading conveyors feature a servo motor-driven reciprocator, which provides a smoother transition and is more reliable than hydraulic or pneumatic options.
Screw Conveyors
Screw conveyors feature a hopper and an auger. The processor dumps product from a vat or cardboard combo into the hopper, and the screw auger pushes it through the trough to the next part of the line.
These conveyors are ideal for materials that a belt conveyor might have trouble moving, such as ground meat. The auger design ensures the product keeps moving forward at the chosen speed, not allowing it to roll back or fall off the sides.
EnSight makes the entirety of the screw conveyor body and trough in-house from stainless steel, including the screw auger. Since we use stainless throughout, we design the auger so there is a little space between the screw and the trough. This means these conveyors are not good for powder-like or emulsified products.
Screw conveyors are meant for organizations who want to dump a certain amount of product into the hopper, let that move to the next phase and then fill the hopper again.
Storage Loaders
Storage loaders are very similar to screw conveyors. The big difference is that storage loaders are available with larger hopper options that feature their own augers. The hopper auger keeps pushing product into the screw auger to prevent the product from bridging and gumming up the process. This allows processors to continuously dump or convey product.
Due to having two augers, storage loaders feature two motors, which makes them more expensive than screw conveyors.
Key Features
While conveyors from different processors will perform the same basic function, EnSight Solutions goes to lengths to ensure our machines are designed with sanitation at top of mind. The stainless steel frame features angled framework so there are no harborage points. In addition, our conveyors feature cleanout holes that provide access to all points of the belt during sanitation. The belts are also removable.
We also focus a lot on safety in these designs. All moving parts are guarded against and the screw conveyors and storage loaders feature weld-in grates to block access to the auger(s). All conveyors also feature emergency stop switches.
Lastly, all of our motors are washdown capable, but organizations can upgrade them to stainless steel construction for even more durability and longevity.
To learn more about EnSight Solutions’s hygienic conveyor solutions and how they can help you move product efficiently and quickly, please contact our sales consultants.
