Process automation systems designer and manufacturer Key Technology has launched a new Sanitary Belt Conveyor which can be used for transportation of bulk foods on processing and packaging distribution lines.
The USDA-approved belt's positive drive urethane (PDU) belt, stainless steel frame and components, open construction, and other sanitary features helps in easing sanitation routine to reduce labor and speed changeover. It also increases uptime and improves equipment hygiene to enhance food safety.
The conveyor's dog leg flat and inclined configurations enable the equipment to be mounted to the floor, on casters or to be suspended.
There is also a provision for designing the belts with a flat surface or variety of shaped flights and/or flexible side walls to contain the product in pockets while elevating.
The Sanitary Belt Conveyor can be used along with Key's complete line of Smart Shaker vibratory and horizontal motion conveyors including IsoFlo, Impulse, and Horizon.
While fabric belts can fray, delaminate and encourage bacteria growth, the PDU belt resists bacterial attachment and the absence of seams or crevices eliminates the chance of harbouring bacteria.
The equipment is suitable for a wide range of snacks like potato chips and nuts and processed fruits and vegetables, potato strips, fresh cut produce, meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products, wine grapes and pet foods.
Owing to the uniformity of the sanitary belt's surface, it becomes very easy to clean it. Sanitation crew can lift the belt up to power wash under it due to its tool-less collapsible take-up system, which releases tension from the belt, along with the fastener-free snap-in-place carry-ways.
The conveyor helps in reducing labor and downtime and also reduces water and chemical use related to the sanitation routine by streamlining cleaning. Its positive drive, when equipped with an optional motorized pulley, helps in further enhancing sanitation and eliminates shaft-mounted motors and gearboxes which can trap product and water.
The conveyor's open construction and cleaning slots lead to easy access for sanitation. The stainless steel used for the head- and tail-rollers, bearings, gear box and motor also resist bacteria growth. The company can also equip the conveyor with optional NEMA 4X and IP 66 rated electrical enclosures, according to the needs of customers.
The company is able to accommodate throughput from less than 2,000lb (0.9 metric tons) to more than 60,000lb (27 metric tons) of product per hour.
Image: Key Technology's Sanitary Belt Conveyor is suitable for snacks like potato chips and nuts and processed fruits and vegetables among other products. Photo: courtesy of tiramisustudio/freedigitalphotos.net.
