A screw conveyor is not always the first thing that many companies in the meat sector think of when they want to transport their meat product from one process machine to another. But our screw conveyors have more than proved themselves in the meat processing industry. They have quite a few advantages compared with the alternatives such as conveyor belts and elevators.
Suitable for all types of meat
Whether this involves transfer of separator meat, sausage meat, bones or offal, the transport of processed meat is a simple task for a screw conveyor. Because of the closed design of the screw conveyor the product is not exposed to effects from outside, and there is also no loss of product during transport.
Less work
In many cases our screw conveyors eliminate a lot of manual work. Where standard bins or plastic trays were previously needed to help the meat to the next stage in the process, a simple screw conveyor is now enough. The work of cleaning the standard bins/trays is also eliminated. In addition no storage space is required for these materials.
Excels in versatility
Compared with a conveyor belt our screw conveyor excels in versatility. For example the screw conveyor can transport meat vertically upwards where conveyor belts can only lift at a certain angle because otherwise the meat starts to slip backwards. To reach a certain height a conveyor belt needs more length where a screw can already do this in one m2.
Hygienic
Another point on which our screw conveyor scores better is hygiene. A conveyor belt is an open system with many rotating parts and a return side. A screw conveyor is a closed system with few rotating parts (only the screw) and of course no return side.
A meat processing plant is characterised by a wet environment with critical product. Good hygiene is therefore essential. For us the complete design revolves around minimising ‘dead’ product zones and being able to thoroughly clean and inspect the system.
Customised internal meat transport
A ‘Van Beek’ is always customised, which means that we consult the client so that we can together make the right choices for materials, finish levels, bearings, seals and drives. Screw conveyors can also be fitted with spray pipes to include them in a Cleaning in Place (CIP) system. Another option is to fit the conveyor over its whole length with quickly removable cleaning hatches, so that the screw is accessible at any point for inspection.
Robust meat transport
Conveyors are regularly fitted with hoppers into which product is tipped using lift and tilt installations. A robust design is then required because of the forces exerted on the hopper/screw. We also take into account the cleaning method, which often involves using high pressure. We select vulnerable components such as safety switches, bearings and geared motors with care and protect them where necessary.
Our conveyor only has one moving part: the screw. This results in a user-friendly, maintenance-friendly system with a high operational reliability.
Safe
Just as important as hygiene is safety for the user. All facilities in the form of hatches that give access to rotating parts are protected using contactless safety switches. If hatches are not correctly closed the screw will not start up. If a hatch is opened unintentionally during operation the screw will immediately shut down.
Screw conveyance a solution for you too?
If you would like to know whether our screw conveyors can also provide a more hygienic, safer and more efficient process in your company, then please contact us!
