Food processing conveyors can be complicated networks of belts and chains, arranged in a way that will transport the product fast and cost effectively through the factory. The success with which food can be processed depends almost exclusively on this intricate network.

Very often it has to be designed from scratch to fit the available space and the product. Design flaws may only be noticed once the processing plant is in operation.

As it is crucial that a food processing plant must be clean and hygienic, a design fault can be quite a blow to the company involved. Re-designing and installing will harm profits. If the problem is ignored or if the plant owner tries to find a way to work around it, hygiene may suffer.

If processing is interrupted, even for a short time, serious problems may arise. This could well be a time in which contamination takes place. Contaminated food can cause consumers to become seriously ill or even die.

The moving of the product from one part of the factory to another more often than not is done with a conveyor belt. When there is problem, it may have to be stopped. To fix the problem there people will have to intervene and possible contamination may result. This opens the door to an unhygienic item, health hazards and dissatisfied customers. The rest is obvious.

If production is stopped, there is the danger of products spoiling and spoiled fare must be removed resulting in financial losses. The slightest indication of trouble to the system must be taken seriously and addressed quickly.

Great care should be taken in designs to keep food safe from where it enters the conveyor system until the time the sealed product is ready for distribution. A belt must be made in such a way that it is impossible for food to touch anything but the belt surface. Metal parts such as the chains can be particularly dangerous as it may contain poisonous lubricants. The length of the belt is also very important.

One sure way to encounter trouble with a conveyor is to allow food to stick in unwanted places. Built up of food products offers a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. To avoid this pitfall, food should easily fall off of the conveyor belts. Food sticking to the belt increases the chances of it ending up somewhere other than its goal location. Conveyors should be coated with materials that are food safe. A properly coated conveyor keeps things running smoothly and cleanly. This also ensures that the freshest products are making their way to the customer from the factory. Conveyors and their belts should also be continually inspected.

The chains controlling belt movement are a very important part of the machine. Several different types of chains are available. Sometimes they are manufactured to provide the ability to self-lubricate. This limits maintenance stoppages.

Dirty or sticky belts will almost certainly cause trouble. A belt that is not clean will not allow the system to operate properly or the food to be distributed well. Ensuring clean, well maintained food processing conveyors will result in cleaner, safer food. To deliver the best food possible, the conveyors that move it must be in the best shape possible. Consumers should not buy a company\’s products if they suspect all may not be well with hygienic conditions at the plant.

Author Bio: Visit Wilkie Brothers Coveyors for more information on conveyors or to order Automatic Systems Replacement Parts, Acco Replacement Parts or any other related replacement parts.

Category: Business
Keywords: food processing conveyor,conveyor manufacturing,conveyors,conveyor chain,stainless steel conveyors