Equipment Round-Up: Conveyors 2006

Cocoa powder flows

The C-Series of vacuum conveyors can quickly move cocoa and other powders during food processing applications. It features a unique fluidizer option that creates a consistent, reliable flow to ensure the powder is transported without error. This prevents downtime from unscheduled stoppage of the machinery. The fluidizer option reduces friction between the powder and the base and between the powder particles themselves. This allows the cocoa powder to flow like water. Extremely sanitary and quiet, the conveyors can move up to 15 tons per hour.

Piab USA; Hingham, Mass.
800-321-7422; www.piab.com

Dust-free unloading

The new Half Frame Bulk Bag Unloader offers total dust containment at low cost by eliminating upper frame components to lift and/or position the bag, instead relying on the user’s forklift or plant hoist to suspend the bag above the unit. The bag-to-hopper interface allows dust-tight connections and unrestricted flow between bag spout and hopper and the optional Flexible Screw Conveyor is capable of elevating bulk materials including products that pack, cake, plug, seize, smear or fluidize and blends that separate.

Flexicon Corp.; Bethlehem, Pa.
888-353-9426; www.flexicon.com

Keep a low profile

Ideal for many food processing applications, the 250 Series center drive line of conveyors combines a unique center drive and very low profile (1.89 in.), which allows use in very tight quarters where conventional conveyors will not fit. The snap-in sealed tail assembly allows belts to be changed in less than 5 mins. and the bearings can be lubricated while running. Corrosion-resistant and magnetic belting are available as well as more than 50 styles of application-specific belting. A wide variety of accessories make the line adaptable to virtually any application.

QC Industries; Cincinnati
513-753-6000; www.qcindustries.com

Flexible and versatile

The Multi-Flex conveyor system brings the greatest flexibility in assembly/changeover ease to low-profile conveyors. The conveyor system has three angle selections (30, 45, and 60 degrees) and eight configurations for easy changeover and product transfer. It combines the industry’s quickest endless belt removal and tension/tracking system with rapid, accurate belt calibration. Frame sections permit random repositioning, and drive and tail pulley location can be reversed to meet changing needs.

Conveyor Technologies Ltd.; Milford, Ohio
513-248-0663; www.conveyortechltd.com

Gravity loaded

The DPG-B Series gravity loaded bottom-discharge dense phase conveyors are ideal for moving powdered, granular or pelletized friable and abrasive materials. They are rated up to 100+ TPH and provide high material-to-air ratios and extremely low line velocities. The result is smaller line sizes, lower air consumption, reduced dust collection and lower capital investment and operating costs. Abrasive wear and particle degradation are also minimized. Programmable controls offer reduced supervision for automated operation.

Cyclonaire Corp.; York, Neb.
800-445-0730; www.cyclonaire.com

Pop-up conveyor

The new Pop-Up Transfer Conveyor lifts items vertically and then conveys them 90 degrees to an adjoining conveyor. The system utilizes a mechanical linkage to guide lifting. Strands are driven by a motorized roller, eliminating chain drives and resulting in quiet operation. Users can choose from Urethane V-belt, Urethane O-ring or chain strands, and can specify strand number and stroke height to suit particular application needs. It is suitable for the food and beverage industry where non-contact between products is crucial.

TKF Inc.; Cincinnati
513-241-5910; www.tkf.com