To choose the best conveyor system for your food processing facility, you need to understand the various conveyor types and which material handler designs will work best with your operation.
There are many types of conveyors available. Many types of conveyors can be used in the food industry. These include the belt conveyors, roller conveyors, bucket elevators, chain conveyors, conveyors with wheels, conveyors with tubes and drag conveyors, as well as the vacuum conveyor, belt conveyor, conveyor with wheels, conveyors with rollers, conveyors that move by vacuum, conveyors with pneumatics, screw augers, aero-mechanical conveyors, conveyors that convey through a vacuum, conveyors with pumps, conveyors with pneumatics, conveyor, Each conveyor has its benefits and you will need to consider which one is right for your company.
Conveying and Hoisting Solutions will help you choose the right conveyor system for your operation. We’ll discuss the various types of conveyor systems available and what to consider.
There are key factors to consider when choosing a conveyor type
There are many conveyor options available. It is important to understand the specific requirements of your product and your operations so that you can make an informed decision about which conveyor system to use. These are some of the most important considerations for selecting the right conveyor for your facility.
Specifications for the product
Your product’s unique characteristics and the materials you need to convey them play the biggest role in choosing the right conveyor system for your business. Consider the length, width, and height of your product before you decide on a conveyor. The motor size required will also be determined by the product weight.
How heavy is the material? Is it difficult to handle? Is the material flammable? Is it fragile and must the material be handled gently? Is the material prone to corrosiveness or abrasiveness? Or does it have to be kept at a certain temperature?
Certain materials aren’t suitable for certain conveyor systems. You should avoid conveyors that can cause material breakage or product loss if you are transporting fragile materials like nuts, cereals, and coffee. Equipment such as bucket elevator conveyors, belts, pneumatic and vacuum conveyors, can force fragile materials through stressful transport phases that could compromise their integrity.
Bucket elevators may not be suitable for high-moisture materials. They can stick to the bucket’s sides and bottom, and cause it to dry out. It is difficult to clean bucket elevators of dried material. This can lead to time and expense, as well as making it more difficult for you and your family members to maintain a safe environment and comply with food safety regulations. Screw conveyors tend to be very rough with materials such as nuts. They end up breaking down fragile nuts into small pieces, which can lead to costly wastage.
Layout and available space
Some conveyor types may not be possible due to limited floor space or ceiling height. Sometimes, the most important factor in conveyor selection is how much space you have available for material handling systems.
Some conveyors, such as tubular drag and cable conveyors can be made to maximize space. The layout of the conveyor system can be customized to suit production flows, incline, decline, or product transfer requirements. You can include corners and make use of overhead space.
The layout of the production line must be easy to access and maintain worker safety, and operational performance. The best systems optimize production flows for efficiency and productivity.
Facility Environment
The goal is to transport materials in a way that doesn’t negatively impact the plant’s operating environment. Is the material explosive? Is the material likely to cause dust particles on equipment and floors in processing facilities?
Consider whether your product is sensitive to vibrations or high temperatures when choosing the right conveyor system. Is the material to be kept clean, safe, and free from contamination? Open conveyor belts with slider beds and bucket elevators can allow for contaminants to get into the food stream. If the material being transported must be kept clean, an enclosed conveyor is the best choice. It doesn’t allow for contamination to enter the food stream.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Make sure your food processing facility is clean and that the conveyor you choose to install does not contain contamination. Consider how much time it will take to disassemble and clean the conveyors you are comparing. At first glance, inexpensive conveyor systems seem like a great deal. How much do you have to spend on cleaning it regularly to ensure it meets food safety and health standards?
Cost
When choosing conveyor systems, the cost is always a major consideration. The short-term savings you get on a cheap conveyor system, such as an auger, vacuum, will quickly be offset by the loss or destruction of valuable materials. It’s a matter of “pay now or pay later.” A conveyor that’s too cheap today will end up costing you much more down the road.
It’s better to spend now than to suffer the consequences later. Low-priced conveyors can cost your business, especially if they become the reason you don’t meet safety and health regulations.
Conclusion
You will get a high return on investment by selecting the right conveyor. Consider factors such as product type, product weight, available space, environmental conditions, cleaning and maintenance resources, and how much you can afford.
While cost is important, it’s better to spend now than pay the price later. A wrong conveyor system can cause injury, accidents, product damage, and failure to follow regulations enforced by regulatory agencies.