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European Tubular Conveying System In Depth: Internal Structure And Hidden Advantages

The realm of industrial conveyors is vast, encompassing aeromechanical, pneumatic, vacuum, and screw auger options, each suited to specific applications. However, for a gentle, dust-free conveyance, tubular drag conveyors emerge as the optimal choice. Over half a century, they have transported materials safely, cleanly, and efficiently, utilizing both chain and cable systems. These conveyors excel in handling delicate bulk materials and mixes throughout production and packaging stages.

The food processing industry has particularly benefited from tubular conveyors. Enclosed within dust-free tubes, these conveyors move dry bulk products like powders, cereals, snack foods, and specialty grains to designated discharge points. This setup prevents contamination from foreign substances and keeps product dust from escaping into the environment. Additionally, they transport blended materials of varying sizes, shapes, and bulk densities without separation.

In terms of cleaning abilities, while bucket elevators are common in production facilities for handling bulk materials, their extensive cleaning requirements lead to downtime. Tubular cable conveyors designed for food-grade applications, however, are more efficient and meet FDA sanitation specifications. They feature solid discs attached directly to the cable without screws or bolts, and stainless steel connectors throughout the conveyor. These conveyors also eliminate right-angle creases that might be missed during cleaning, ensuring thorough sanitation.

Similarly, chain conveyors are designed to meet FDA requirements, featuring polished stainless steel conveyor link chains or roller chains resistant to acids and corrosion. The entire chain is immersed in the conveyed food, necessitating more careful cleaning than cable conveyors. Special attention is required for roller chains, where food particles can get trapped in crevices or water can remain, posing contamination risks.

Cleaning protocols vary among facilities based on equipment and products. Different methods are available for cleaning and sanitizing tubular drag conveyors, depending on the material being conveyed.

Line changeover sanitation and speed have become critical in food production, where companies often run multiple product lines within a single shift or day. Maintaining clean and allergen-free operations is crucial, yet disassembling conveyors for cleaning consumes valuable production time. Improper cleaning can lead to contaminated products, resulting in discarded goods, lost profits, potential consumer harm, costly recalls, and reputational damage.

Material degradation is another concern as materials move through conveyors. Factors such as poor inlet design, product shearing, conveyor speed, temperature changes, and friction-induced separation can all contribute to material loss through breakage and waste. A slow-conveying tubular drag system mitigates these risks, emphasizing that speed is not always better in conveyor operations. Specialty foods like roasted nuts, malted barley, or delicate cookies and crackers require careful handling, and a controlled environment with the right sizing and speed minimizes degradation and associated costs.

Guidelines for Selecting a Conveyor System

Tubular cable and chain conveyors are excellent choices for industries like food processing due to their ability to minimize health hazards and reduce the risk of dust explosions when conveying bulk materials. However, choosing the right tubular drag system for your application requires careful consideration of several factors. Here are some essential guidelines to follow:

  1. Compatibility with Facility Layout‌: Ensure that the conveyor can navigate the physical layout of your facility, including turns, inclines, declines, flights, and lifts. It should be able to maneuver within the existing space without causing disruptions or requiring significant modifications to the plant’s structure.

  2. Flexibility in Configuration‌: Assess whether the conveyor system offers flexible configuration options. Some systems are highly modular and can be easily reconfigured, while others may be more fixed. Consider the ease and cost of modifying the configuration to adapt to future changes in your production process.

  3. Ease of Cleaning and Changeovers‌: Prioritize conveyors designed for easy cleaning and quick changeovers. Thorough cleaning is crucial for preventing product contamination, which can be more costly in the long run than any time saved through negligent sanitation. Systems that allow for rapid changeovers while maintaining cleanliness offer a better return on investment.

  4. Preventative Maintenance Requirements‌: Consider the frequency and ease of access for preventative maintenance tasks. A conveyor system that requires continual maintenance and frequent parts replacement can negatively impact production throughput and operational costs. Choose a system that minimizes these requirements.

  5. Repair Efficiency‌: Anticipate potential system failures, even with the most reliable automation. Evaluate the ease and timeliness of repairs, including the availability of technician support, the delivery of replacement parts, and the overall turnaround time for full repair and production restoration. Quick restoration of equipment is critical for maintaining throughput.

  6. Operational Energy Requirements‌: Compare the energy consumption of different conveyor types, such as tubular cable versus tubular chain, based on the horsepower required to move the desired product capacity. Reducing your company’s carbon footprint can lead to significant savings in energy bills. A 25% reduction in energy requirements can be a substantial benefit.

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