Hygenic conveyor system

Improving Efficiency & Hygiene In The Food Industry With Conveyor Systems

Hygiene and efficiency is crucial in the food industry, conveyor systems play an important role in streamlining processes and ensuring the seamless movement of raw materials, ingredients, and finished products. These conveyor systems are designed with specific features to meet the unique challenges of the food industry. At L-A-C we have year of experience in designing conveyor systems to transport every type of food imaginable, but there are some key features that help make these conveyor belts a little different from those utilised in other industries.

Conveyor System Designs For The Food Industry

 

Hygienic design is a critical aspect of commercial food processing equipment. Our food conveyors are specifically engineered to meet the stringent hygiene standards of the food industry. They are constructed with materials such as stainless steel 316, polyurethane belts and others that are easy to clean, corrosion-resistant, and able to endure regular wash downs, ensuring both safety and efficiency in food handling.

 

Key features

 

Hygienic Design: Our conveyors have smooth surfaces and minimal horizontal areas, reducing bacteria risk. This design ensures cleanliness and product safety.

 

Modularity and Customisation: Adaptability is key in food production. Our conveyors are versatile, accommodating various product sizes and production volumes, essential for evolving facility needs.

 

Gentle Handling: We prioritise maintaining the integrity of delicate food items. Our conveyors use food-grade belts and precise mechanisms to prevent product damage during transport.

 

Advanced Automation: Incorporating automation technologies, our conveyors feature automated controls and sensors, enhancing efficiency and reducing human error.

 

Easy Maintenance: Designed for quick and efficient upkeep, our conveyors have accessible components and quick-release features, ensuring minimal downtime and consistent food safety.

 

Regulatory Compliance: Our systems meet stringent food industry standards, ensuring consumer safety and high-quality product output.

Food Grade Conveyor Systems

Food-industry-conveyor-systems

Blue Belt Conveyors

 

These types of conveyor belt systems are used to preserve food quality and prevent contamination. The majority of belting used in the food manufacturing and processing industry are blue, food grade belts provide a high level of contrast, making it easier to spot any potential contaminants on the belt surface. 

 

This visibility is crucial, where maintaining hygiene and preventing contamination are top priorities. The contrasting colour allows for quick identification of any foreign materials, ensuring that they can be promptly addressed to maintain food safety.

 

Sanitary belts, often made of materials like stainless steel or food-grade plastics, are designed to resist bacterial growth (common in poultry and meat processing), resist moisture, and withstand the rigorous cleaning processes common in the industry. 

 

Additionally, these belts are often equipped with features like sealed edges to prevent debris accumulation.

 

Stainless Steel in Food Conveyors

 

The choice between 314 stainless steel, often selected for direct contact with food, and 304 stainless steel, suitable for non-direct contact components in food conveyor systems, is a critical consideration in the construction of equipment for the food processing industry. Stainless steel is favoured for its corrosion resistance, durability, and ease of cleaning, all essential qualities in environments where hygiene is paramount.

 

314 Stainless Grade for Direct Contact

 

Direct contact components, such as conveyor belts or surfaces that come into contact with food products, demand materials with the highest standards of corrosion resistance and cleanliness. 314 stainless steel, a variant of the austenitic family, is specifically engineered for superior resistance to corrosive agents, making it ideal for applications where frequent exposure to acids, salts, and other corrosive elements is expected. 

 

This grade’s increased nickel content enhances its resistance to chemical corrosion and oxidation, ensuring the longevity of components in direct contact with food. Choosing 314 stainless steel for these critical parts not only maintains the structural integrity of the conveyor system but also aligns with stringent food safety standards.

 

304 Stainless Grade for Non-Direct Contact

 

While 314 stainless steel is well-suited for components in direct contact with food, non-direct contact parts like structural frames, support elements, or non-food-facing surfaces can often be constructed from 304 stainless steel. This grade offers excellent corrosion resistance and is more cost-effective than 314 stainless steel. 

 

With a slightly lower nickel content, 304 stainless steel remains durable and resistant to corrosion in less aggressive environments. Using 304 stainless steel for non-direct contact components allows for cost-efficient construction without compromising the overall hygiene and durability of the food conveyor system. Most conveyors have non-contact components fabricated in stainless steel of this grade.

 

Ultimately, the use of high-quality stainless steel contributes to the reliability, longevity, and sanitary operation of food processing equipment.

 

Metal Detection Feature for Foreign Bodies

 

Metal detection in the food manufacturing industry is a crucial component of quality control and food safety protocols. Detecting and eliminating foreign bodies within the food, such as metal contaminants, is paramount to ensure the integrity of food products and safeguard consumers. 

 

Metal detectors integrated into food handling equipment and production line act as a reliable line of defence, capable of identifying even minute metal particles that may inadvertently find their way into the production process. 

 

The presence of metal contaminants poses significant risks, from compromising product quality to jeopardising consumer safety. Implementing robust metal detection technology not only helps prevent costly recalls and damage to brand reputation but also ensures compliance with strict regulatory standards. 

 

By swiftly identifying and eliminating metal contaminants in real-time, food manufacturers can uphold the highest standards of quality assurance, meeting consumer expectations for safe and uncontaminated food products. Metal detection in food conveyors thus plays a pivotal role in the ongoing commitment to food safety within the industry.

 

To wrap things up, food grade conveyor systems present a unique set of challenges for logistics automation and conveyor design whether it is the need to meet stringent hygiene standards and ensure foreign bodies are detected and removed, the diverse types of material they are required to handle or the corrosive nature of certain food types.

Hygenic conveyors

The key features of conveyors for food processing revolve around hygiene, product integrity and ease of maintenance.  As these conveyor systems continue to evolve, they will play an even more central role in ensuring the efficiency, safety, and quality of food production processes. By investing in state-of-the-art conveyor systems, food manufacturers can navigate the complexities of the industry while meeting the ever-growing demands of consumers for safe and high-quality food products.

 

At L-A-C we have years of experience providing conveyors for the food processing and manufacturing industry and designing logistics solutions that help their businesses thrive. Get in touch to discuss the requirements of your food processing or manufacturing business.

BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY TODAY

L-A-C’s team of experts are here to support you from concept to the finished system, working together to design and deliver a bespoke solution that meets your current objectives and future growth expectations, with favourable ROI. 

 

Across semi-automated and fully automated systems, L-A-C has the expertise and range of products to provide flexible and scalable solutions that will significantly enhance your operations and keep you agile as your business evolves. 

 

Join us on a pivotal journey towards a more efficient, productive, cost effective and sustainable future with L-A-C’s innovative automation technology solutions.


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