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20/11/2012

 

In addition to product handling requirements, food manufacturers must consider the operating environment when choosing the appropriate belting for conveying applications. Possible operating environments include:

 

General: An environment that does not have significant product or manufacturing related effects during production. Allows for the widest variety of chain choices.

 

Cold: TemperaturesThe Food Manufacturing Brainstorm features industry experts sharing their perspectives on issues critical to the overall food industry marketplace. In this issue, we ask: What factors should food manufacturers consider when choosing belting materials for conveying operations?from 0–32°F. Acetal chain material and pins are rated for cold temperatures.

 

Chemical: When products have chemical spillage or when chemicals are used in the cleaning process. Stainless steel chain and pins are preferred.

 

Washdown: High pressure water and chemical cleaning procedures creating a wet and caustic environment. Polypropylene material is able to withstand a washdown environment. Nylon pins absorb water, causing functional problems and overall weakening of the pins, so other pin materials should be considered.

 

Freezer: Temperatures from -20–0°F. Acetal chain material is preferred. Nylon is an effective choice for the pin material. Proper chain selection is especially critical in freezer rooms to prevent manual intervention and to reduce maintenance.

Warm: Temperatures from 70–200°F. A variety of metal chains including wire mesh chains are available in this temperature range. There are also some heat resistant nylon chains available for use in warm environments, depending on the exposure to heat.

 

Elevated Temperature: Temperatures over 220°F. Metal chains are required. The conveyor components, such as brass wear-strips, should also be specified for extreme heat.

 

Electro-static: Static build-up can occur on production lines running a plastic container on plastic chain. Anti-static (electrically conductive) chain material allows the static to safely discharge through the conveyor to the floor. Also lubricating or adding moisture to the conveyor running surfaces can reduce static.

 

Explosive: Product fumes in an electro-static environment could lead to explosive situations. In addition to chemical fumes, particles like sugar or flour dust can also provide an accelerant for static arcs. Steel chain is preferred along with a different metal material in the wear-strips such as brass. Explosion-proof components like motors, for example, are also part of an explosion-proof system.

 

Abrasive: Cardboard build-up, baking flours, cocoa powder and cereals are also examples of abrasive materials. This matter will wear away any chain material, but stainless steel sprockets and abrasion resistant rods will help to increase belt life.